Dear Friend,

Talking with people across our local area is always the highlight of my work as your representative. Meeting people, hearing your stories, your concerns, and your experiences makes me a better legislator. Because of the people I have met, I am smarter now about how to best lead in tackling the big problems facing our country and our community. Here are five highlights from this last week in the Inland Northwest.

1)      Small Business Discussion with Newport Economic Development Council

On Tuesday, I had a great conversation with small business leaders in Newport. They shared with me their concerns about government and its impact on them and their businesses. We discussed how rules and regulations coming down from the D.C. bureaucracy, high taxes, and Obamacare are hampering their ability to create jobs and help grow our local economy. They feel like the harder they work, the harder it is for them to get ahead. That’s why I am so passionate about the need to return the decision-making power back to state and local officials, so these leaders can decide what’s best for them and their community.

2)      Rural Community Resource Action Meeting

Also on Tuesday, I stopped by a local group that is working hard to make sure that the people of Pend Oreille County, and all across Northeastern Washington who live in rural communities, have access to the resources they need to help themselves and help each other. Through housing, education, medical assistance, and other support, Rural Community Resource Action serves as the rock for many of our frontier communities. Not only did they help me understand the services they provide, but they talked to me about what they need to help continue their success. I’m thankful for them and other groups who continually provide resources to our rural communities.

3)      Online Entrepreneurs in Colville

I was up in Colville on Wednesday and sat down with some local entrepreneurs who are using the Internet to build their businesses and help boost our local economy. Selling all across the nation, and in seventy countries around the globe, they are capitalizing on a world of customers. But it doesn’t stop there; Chris and Karen Hoch are using their skills and expertise to help others in the Colville community start their own businesses, too!

4)      Sheriff Community Oriented Policing Efforts (SCOPE) Banquet

Wednesday night, I attended the Sheriff Community Oriented Policing Efforts (SCOPE) awards banquet. It’s always an honor to celebrate those in our community who work day in and day out to make Eastern Washington safer for all. Through the countless volunteers and collaboration with the Sheriff’s office, Spokane County SCOPE has become one of the largest community policing programs in the country. In fact, it’s the only SCOPE program to have a unit on a military base. They truly embody what community policing is all about. I’m thankful every day for all who work in Eastern Washington, and all across the country, to keep our communities safe and secure.

5)      Ferris High School Leadership Class

On Thursday, I stopped by Ferris High School in Spokane and meet with one of their leadership classes to talk a little about what leadership means to me, and answer any questions they had. This group in particular was instrumental in raising money and collecting winter coats this year as part of the Coats for Kids program. Their efforts will ensure that people in our community are warm this fall and winter, and I was proud to present them with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for their contributions to our community. These young people are inspiring in their devotion to their fellow citizens.

It’s an honor and privilege to represent the people of Eastern Washington. Being home and meeting with those in our community always makes me energized to get back to D.C. to continue working to grow our economy, create jobs, keep our people safe, and restore the people’s voice in their representative government. I’m excited to continue to fight and serve on your behalf  in the People’s House.

Warmly,

Cathy