CALL TO ORDER/LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
“We acknowledge that our legislative district covers the traditional homelands of the Puyallup and Muckleshoot tribes, who have lived on and stewarded these lands since the beginning of time—and continue to do so today. We recognize that this land acknowledgement is one small step toward true allyship, and we commit to uplifting the voices, experiences, and histories of the Indigenous people of this land and beyond.”
APPROVAL OF AGENDA Rudy A: Motion to approve agenda. Kirby P: Seconds. Unanimously approved by members. Motion to approve agenda passes.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 26, 2025 Judy C: moves to approve minutes. Leslie L: Seconds. Minutes are unanimously approved by members.
CODE OF CONDUCT Reminder: Sarah E, Chair
ELECTED OFFICIALS: [Mike Pelliccotti and Rep Schrier shared Q & A time]
Mike Pellicciotti –WA State Treasurer Mike P addressed the 31st LD members for 20 minutes updating on budget issues for WA state. Key updates included work for new budget and shielding state funds from Federal cuts: MP In August of 2024, we began to prepare for possibility of a new Trump Admin unlawfully withholding federal dollars for WA state. It proved to be the most efficient prep for 2025. US News ranks WA No1 in nation for financial security. Will keep talking about Tariffs and Musk, and continue to fight back against these efforts.
8th CD Representative, Dr. Kim Schrier KS: “I’m working hard with state, federal, local and every WA based nonprofit to ‘connect-the-dots’ for people. I’m seeing more vocal engagement–Town halls, our phones ringing off the hook. People are ‘awake’!” [They] understand that SSI & Medicare & Medicaid are threatened. KS: “People are getting it.” GOP are about to cut Medicaid after taking $880 Billion dollars from their budget. When programs are cut indiscriminately, rural hospitals could close, with more people flooding into ER. (FYI: Apple Health is Medicaid in WA state.)
To MP Q: WA Budget shortfall– why is this 5% cut not that bad? MP: The current fiscal year [ends on June 30th] is balanced with reserves. Leg is working on WA’s next 4-year budget, that is the shortfall: Insley’s [last] budget is $16 Billion higher than projected revenue: Our proposed solutions: 1) Reduce the proposed spending; 2) Reduce current services; ans/or 3) Propose new taxes. MP: I believe it will be a combo of all 3 proposals.
KS: I was just at a local foodbank (run by a faith org.): people are nervous, shelves are not filled, there are limits on food. WA’s Farm to Food Bank program is being eliminated (by federal $$ cuts). Turns out, this foodbank had not been informing people about WHY these changes are happening: 50% of their funding comes from federal government. If Food Banks don’t explain why this is happening, the public will blame the WA Democrat majority government/legislators.
To KS Q: Messaging—’Dems seem to be weak: inspiring that Rep Cory Booker spoke for 24 hours, but Dems need to get their faces in the press so people SEE them DOING something to push back.’ KS: POTUS uses his platform to spread disinformation vs the silence from the WH during Biden admin. This allowed GOP to define Dems. KS featured in an HuffPost article, “Rep. Kim Schrier says RFKjr is full of s–t,” re: Measles deaths and what these cuts [in healthcare] will do to our constituents. KS is pushing to bring RFKjr before congress to answer their questions. 2 weeks ago, KS spoke in front of The House about Forest Service staff cuts for WA state. “We are making our GOP colleagues squirm.”
To MP Q: TEFAP [Emergency Food Assistance Program] is part of the problem—how do we explain [to stakeholders] we need to PAY [for this program via] the WA tax increase? MP: “Transparency” portal on the WA State Treasurer website to show where the dollars are being spent, and more info on state funding. MP was with Tacoma Indivisible last week. “Something is starting— people are showing up. This is our way out of this mess.”
Josh Sanders, Political Director for Rep. Adam Smith JS addressed the group for 10 minutes. Rep Smith has been out-of-country (in Kurdistan). Rep Shrier discussed some of these issues. AS signed onto letters to POTUS against cuts to various organizations and institutions and opposing federal funding cuts. AS has been a long-time Co-sponsor of Medicare for all and to reinstate bargaining rights for federal employees; Advocates for workforce development and USAID as ranking [Democrat] member of congressional Armed Services Committee.
Q: Where are we on the US /Ukraine/Russia peace effort. AS wants US to fully support Ukraine. Q: Is Pete Hegseth’s resignation forthcoming? AS has called repeatedly for his termination. GOP [the majority] are not in agreement. Dems are looking for senior military staff to talk publicly about damage to our [national] operational security –about the harm and lives [Hegseth’s actions put] at risk. GOP is still holding firm. Q: Online safety act designed to “protect” children—but actually reduces rights of adults and children. AS is opposed to this act.
CANDIDATES SEEKING ENDORSEMENT
Kate Baldwin, Auburn City Council The 31st LD helped to elect Kate B. on Auburn CC. She is now up for reelection as an incumbent. KB: I am a “Midwest Democrat.” Journalist by profession—I ask a lot of questions for max transparency. Advisor on IT services. Work on Council –committed to do the work, read and question info in packets. Look for all ways to save $$ and most efficient way to spend council funds. Will stand up to majority on issues I believe are important—best for our community.
Megan Sheridan, Candidate for Mayor of Milton: Lived in Milton 4 years –from Maple Valley, where she was elected to serve on county boards. She seeks to expand partnerships with surrounding cities, and school districts. The council does not support her. To build businesses and balance our budgets. Wants to work with the Chamber to find alternative businesses to bring into Milton. MS is eligible for endorsement tonight.
BREAK
NEW BUSINESS
- PCO (Precinct Committee Officer) Appointments: Helen M: Serving as Membership Coord tonight. Michelle DP: motions that Leslie Larsen be considered for PCO, Judi C 2nd Michelle spoke on Leslie’s behalf. Leslie spoke about background– wants to get out in her community and help people “connect the dots” about local and national issues. Call for voice vote: Leslie Larsen is Unanimously approved to be a PCO.
- Candidate Endorsements: One eligible candidate: Leslie L: Moves to endorse Megan Sheridan as candidate for Mayor of Milton. Tamara S: 2nd. Unanimous endorsement of Mayoral candidate Megan Sheridan. Helen M: moves to waive time requirements for endorsing Democratic incumbent Kate Baldwin. Leslie L 2nd Motion to waive the time limit for candidate Baldwin. Call for voice vote: Unanimous approval to waive time requirement. Helen M moves to endorse Kate Baldwin for Auburn City Council. Rudy A 2nd. Call for voice vote: Kate Baldwin is unanimously endorsed by the 31st LD Democrats.
- Resolution on Freedom of Religion : (as posted on 31st LD website) Judi C: moves to consider adoption of the resolution on Freedom of Religion, Helen M: 2nd. Judi C: spoke on behalf of the resolution. Based on historic Separation of Church and State Caucus to draft statute for separation of church and state. The resolution is based the content on wording from 1786—and quotes from Thomas Jefferson –which established the wall between Church & State. Proposed to act as a shield against Christian nationalism which has been gaining momentum throughout the country. Michelle DP: Spoke against adopting resolution. ‘Why not use the Free Exercise clause of the First Amendment? This [proposed resolution] would eliminate protections for lesser-known religious practices that currently protect citizens; suggests this be re-written with more sensitivity and balance. Rudy A: Spoke in favor, ‘globally, many countries have mandated state religions—the concept of disavowing any “state religion” is something we want to put forward.’ Tamara S: Spoke against–would like to see better editing and more specific content specific to WA state. Call for vote. By majority vote, The Freedom of Religion Resolution is not approved
OFFICER & COMMITTEE REPORTS
- Chair’s Report Sarah Edwards:
- Trainings on basic tech skills, From E-mail posts 101, How to use FaceBook 101, How to create forms; How to access Google docs. Informal structure. On Zoom bring questions. Not an IT session. Sat, May 17, 11am & Wed, May 21, 6:30pm.
- Filing week again! May 5-9. BL School Board (Leslie Larsen will run for BLSB) (8) Eight municipalities in the 31st: run for school board, city council or mayor!
- Pierce County Charter Review Process occurs every ten years (if you have resided in the county for 5 years you are eligible to run for a position) call Sarah for more info:208-446-7624. This year the review could vote to add an additional council member. Short time frame for review process.
- Treasurer’s Report, Helen M: Reviewed March budget / revenue. Judi C: Motion to accept the budget, Rudy A: Seconds The Treasurer’s report is unanimously accepted. Helen is seeking a revolving “assistant treasurer” to sit with her and review the monthly budgets. Spots available for April & May.
- Membership, Cora B: 3 new members since last month. Cording a group to clean up the master LD list of names. Renew for 2025 if you haven’t yet. Look for “Renew Membership” on the 31st Dems website under “Get Involved”
- PCDCC [Pierce Cty Dem. Central Comm] Kirby P: I had an In-person meeting with Denny Kitchens—working on ‘intentional nominations’ of Dems and recruiting folks to run for the P.County Charter Review—Very important to have a balance of GOP vs Dems for this process. If you intend to run –please coord. with Denny and the PCDCC. FYI: New report by Ombudsman about ‘misconduct by individual’ re: Keith Swank, P. County Sherrif.
- Book Club Tamara S: a new book is being selected. WA Dems State Committee meeting is in Tacoma next month. Tamara will be attending. Judi proxy.
GOOD AND WELFARE Jeff (?): My first time attending tonight. Great opportunities to recruit folks to come to the meeting. Not to convince them, just invite them to come share their message. (NPO’s in the community.)
ADJOURNMENT Rudy A: Motion to adjourn, Tamara S: 2nd Meeting adjourned at 9:01pm.
