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Dear friends and neighbors,
We’ve officially reached the midway point of the 60-day session. We’ve also passed two critical benchmarks: policy cutoff and fiscal cutoff. Hundreds of bills are now considered “dead.” The only exception to this rule are measures considered necessary to implement the budget which never really “die.” These self-imposed legislative deadlines help maintain an orderly schedule and narrow down the number of bills each year. That’s a good thing! More than 4,000 bills have been introduced to the Legislature during the 2019-2020 biennium. It’s good to see many of them head off to their legislative “graves.”
March is Amyloidosis Awareness Month | #amyloidosisawareness
Most people know nothing about amyloidosis. It’s a rare, but often deadly disease. Amyloidosis affects approximately ten thousand people in the United States. It’s caused by an abnormal protein (amyloid) produced in either the liver or bone marrow that travels through the bloodstream and deposits in body tissues and organs like the heart, nervous system, kidneys, or intestines. Over time, it can cause those organs to fail.
Although there have been some advances in the treatment of this disease, for now, there is no cure. The average survival rate varies from one to 15 years. Sadly, because of its rarity, amyloidosis is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late. A courageous group of people is working hard to change that. As part of their efforts, Jerome McFarland, a Centralia resident who suffers from Amyloidosis, asked me to sponsor a House resolution, HR 4649, to recognize March as Amyloidosis Awareness Month in Washington state.
I’m thankful for brave people like Jerome, spreading this message so others will be diagnosed and treated earlier. To learn more, go online or type in the hashtag #amyloidosisawareness on social media to help draw attention to the symptoms, treatment and future cure for this disease.
Thank you | Leaving the House
As you may have already heard, I recently announced my retirement from the Washington State House of Representatives. Although I’ll be finishing this legislative session, I won’t be seeking re-election. It’s been truly humbling to work for so many years serving you. I care deeply about our region and the communities of the 20th District. That’s what led me to seek office. I’m glad to be leaving with even more love in my heart of the people and communities that mean so much to me. Thank you for the honor of representing your values in Olympia.
You can watch my farewell speech on the House floor below:
Stay in touch!
For the next few days, I’ll be busy on the House floor, along with the rest of my colleagues, debating and voting on bills. As always, when I review each measure, it’s with you, your family and the future of our region in mind. If you have any questions or concerns about a particular bill, feel free to contact me. I’m always glad to hear from you!
It’s an honor to serve you!
Sincerely,
Richard DeBolt
