Gluesenkamp Perez Tours Sawmill, and Speaks with Veterans About VA Services

RAYMOND, W.A.  –  Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) recently completed a busy swing of activities across the District, including a visit to the Raymond Weyerhaeuser Sawmill, a meeting with the American Legion 150 on services access, and a stop in at Ryderwood to celebrate upcoming improvements to the energy grid.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez was invited to the Raymond Weyerhaeuser Sawmill to visit with workers and see the construction of a new continuous dry kiln at the site. During the tour, they highlighted the unique challenges they face finding housing for local skilled labor, and sourcing and repairing heavy equipment. The Congresswoman has been a champion for natural resource economies. She has introduced the Jobs in the Woods Act, legislation that will connect young people with rewarding careers and training in forestry, which passed the House this Spring. 

“Timber is one of our most important industries,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, “If we want to build things in this country, we need to support the people who process raw materials. A manufacturing economy is critical to making sure we continue to be a nation of producers, not just consumers.”

On the way, the Congresswoman stopped in the community of Ryderwood. Last month, the Congresswoman secured $1.15 million dollars to underground power lines and reinforce the electrical grid. Over the past 10 years, Ryderwood residents, many of them older Americans, have endured 38 outages, and in a rural community like this where there may not be repair trucks for 7+ hours, it’s critical to make sure the grid is as reliable as possible.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez rounded out her day with a visit to the American Legion 150 in Raymond to discuss services concerns with local veterans. The American Legion 150, as well as other partners, is currently building a new building in downtown Raymond which will include several housing units intended to help close the gap in housing for vets in Pacific County. In rural areas, it can be challenging to connect vets to the services they’re entitled to. Community service organizations  are an important bridge between communities and the VA and the Congresswoman continues to stand ready to assist Southwest Washington veterans through casework service. Since coming to Congress, she and her casework team have returned $1,610,537 to constituents from the VA. 

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez speaks to vets about their challenges accessing VA services and affordable housing.

“We owe our vets everything,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, “They should not have to struggle to get access to services they’ve already earned. It’s great to see a community coming together to extend resources and provide support to our veterans.” 

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