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January 22, 2016

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Welcome to my first email update. The 2016 Legislative Session is well underway and I have been busy in committee meetings, learning the ropes of the legislature, and actively participating in events and meetings with constituents and groups. My number one goal is to listen, learn, and make good legislative decisions for the people in the 30th District.

During the opening week of session, I had the honor of joining my fellow 30th District lawmakers in participation of the 9th Annual Korean-American Day celebration. The event recognized the achievements of Korean-American community members throughout Washington State. Our district is very diverse and rich in culture. I also had the privilege of speaking on Korean Radio to share my legislative goals and learn about programs and needs of our Korean community. I interviewed with Suzanne Pak, Director of Community and Behavioral Health for the Korean Women's Association. I look forward to working collaboratively with this community and will coordinate quarterly meetings to stay informed on the latest issues and events.

Rep. Teri Hickel and Rep. Linda Kochmar with Kerri Kasem at KBTC

I also had the honor of testifying on important legislation (HB 2401 and 2402) with Rep. Linda Kochmar and Kerri Kasem, the daughter of the late, great radio host, Kasey Kasem, at the KBTC studio regarding parent guardianship. This issue will become more prominent as our baby boomer population continues to age. It is important for families to have communication access to their elderly loved ones with a proper process to navigate the system.
My committee assignments for the 2016 session are:

• Community Development, Housing, Veterans and Tribal Affairs: I am very excited that this committee also encompasses tourism and veterans affairs. My involvement will help to ensure that our district needs are met not only in large situations like supporting the Performing Arts and Events Center, but also paying attention to smaller opportunities involving zoning, Veteran support, and promotion.
• Transportation: We must keep an eye on transportation and mobility, not only now but while preparing for the future. It is important for the 30th District and the south Puget Sound region because we were originally built as a bedroom community to commute either north, south, east, or all of it depending on job. I am pleased with the transportation package and will keep an eye on completing the Federal Way “triangle project;” connecting Highway 18 through 167 directly to the Tacoma port; the completion of Highway 509 south of the airport connecting I-5 to allow trucks and commuters to travel directly to the Seattle port alleviating congestion on the 405 while providing an alternate route into Seattle for our constituents.  I will be studying alternative vehicles such as electric cars as it relates to future transportation impact and funding.

My overall goal is to be a good legislator for you, my constituents. I will always use an academic and fiscal approach to ensure I know what the unintended consequences will be of our actions as we move forward in this 60-day session. I thank you for taking the time to read my update. I encourage you to contact me about the issues that are important to you!

Sincerely,

Teri Hickel