2024 Year in Review: State senator Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham)

I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished in the past year.

The Way Station, a revolutionary new community health center, opened this fall, bringing much-needed health care to underserved populations. The Way Station’s focus on prevention and early treatment will keep our communities healthy and save taxpayers money.

Last year, we invested $3.46 million to build a Lummi Nation substance use treatment facility, where anyone can receive help overcoming addiction, and $2.35 million to build a Bellingham 23-hour crisis relief center. The opioid and mental health crises have touched every Washington community, and I am so thankful Whatcom County will soon have facilities to support our neighbors on their road to recovery.

Thanks to a $3 million state investment, we’re getting a new early learning center in Laurel. The Whatcom Meridian Early Learning Center will provide our youngest learners the tools needed to thrive. It’s a step forward in our effort to expand the education and childcare services available in our district. These projects are your tax dollars at work, making our neighborhoods safer, happier and healthier.

I’m also looking forward to my work on the Senate committees for Environment, Energy and Technology; Agriculture and Natural Resources; and Transportation. I’ve harbored a lifelong passion for energy, agricultural and environmental policy – teaching college courses on these subjects is my day job! I look forward to advocating for policies that help Washington build out its clean energy sector, foster a vibrant rural economy, build a safer transportation system, and ensure climate sustainability, restoration and preservation.

I’m excited to continue collaborating with all of you, the dedicated community members, organizations and leaders who work so hard to bring investments and improvements to Whatcom County.