Yesterday, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) held a career roundtable with Ukrainian community members, toured the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Dittmer Control Center, and visited the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA).
“At some of the most difficult moments in our lives, we rely on our 911 operators – and recognizing and supporting their work keeps us all safer. In disasters like wildfires and landslides, the diligence and advanced planning of linemen, dispatchers, and first responders saves lives,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “Our Ukrainian refugee community has brought valuable skills that we all can benefit from, but I heard about the barriers and uncertainty they’ve faced in a chaotic policy process. Removing these roadblocks not only benefits our region, but is also vital to Ukrainians as they fend off invasion and rebuild.”
Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez started the day by holding a roundtable with Partners in Careers (PIC), a local nonprofit providing job training and employment services, and local Ukrainian community members.
The group discussed the importance of predictability in the work authorization process, language barriers to entering the trades, and ways to ensure more residents can start small businesses or work with mom-and-pop operations.
The Congresswoman’s website is home to resources for Ukrainians in Southwest Washington impacted by Russia’s invasion. She is also supportive of ensuring Ukraine can be in the strongest position to end the war at the negotiating table.
Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez then met with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and was presented with a hat, after joining deputies from the department in Washington, D.C. for National Police Week last month.
Afterward, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez visited the Dittmer Control Center, where BPA monitors grid activity and works to keep public power running smoothly for the region.
They discussed the importance of having a robust, trained workforce, as well as resiliency during wildfire and natural disasters.
Earlier this year, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez introduced a bipartisan bill to support BPA recruitment and retention to reduce costs for ratepayers. She also voiced concerns about cuts to the agency’s workforce.
Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez wrapped up her day touring CRESA, the 911 dispatch and emergency management agency serving Clark County.
She met with dispatchers and heard about how the agency prepares for emergencies, as well as what federal support is necessary to keep the community prepared for emergencies.