My February Newsletter

I wanted to update you on my work over the past month. From delivering valentines to veterans and first responders to asking for relief for shellfish farmers, and hosting a Know Your Rights Webinar, I continue to hear your feedback and deliver on what matters most to you. Keeping it Local Honored Black History Month Congresswoman Strickland met with The Black Collective, honoring Black History Month, and provided a legislative update. This month, Strickland also announced the winners of her Black History Month Essay Contest. Read more Delivered 3,500 Valentines for Veterans and First Responders Strickland delivered valentines to South Sound veterans and first responders, thanking them for their dedication and sacrifice. This year, over 40 schools and groups participated, 3,500 valentines were made and collected, and over 91 veteran and first responder organizations received valentines. Read more Know Your Rights Webinar: Saturday, February 28th This Saturday, February 28th, at 1:30 PM, the Office of Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland will be hosting a Know Your Rights Webinar, alongside Special Guests: the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. RSVP here More from the South Sound Launched the annual 2026 Congressional Art Competition. The 2026 theme is “Natural Beauty.” Announced over $8 million in federal funding coming to the South Sound for 12 local projects. Updates from the Other Washington Strickland on CNN NewsNight, Calls Trump ‘Anti-Black President’ “He has taken so many actions during this administration that show he does not care about Black people.” This week, Strickland joined Kasie Hunt on CNN to discuss the President’s upcoming State of the Union address. During her appearance, Strickland discussed her plans to not attend Trump’s speech. Watch more Strickland Asks Admin for Relief for Shellfish Growers Congresswoman Strickland led a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins, demanding relief for shellfish growers following Trump’s trade wars and tariffs that have adversely impacted the industry. Read more Other Legislative Updates Joined Senator Murray (D-WA) and Rep. Pressley (MA-07) in the reintroduction of the BE HEARD Act to help protect workers from harassment and abuse. Reintroduced the Office of Small Farms Establishment Act with Senator Booker (D-NJ), to create a new Office of Small Farms at the US Department of Agriculture. Joined the full Washington delegation on a letter to the President – urging him to approve Governor Bob Ferguson’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance to help repair state infrastructure damaged in December’s historic flooding. Co-sponsored the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in ICE and CBP Custody Act with Rep. Ruiz (CA-25). The bill ensures health screenings and identifies and treats emergencies for individuals held in federal custody. Serving You The Congresswoman and her team are here to help you navigate these agencies, cut through the red tape, end delays, and much more. If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call our office at (360) 459-8514 or contact us HERE. Grants Federal grants are typically awarded and available to non-profit organizations, city, county, state, and other local government entities. Opportunities for federal funding are competitive. For more information on federal grants, please visit grants.gov or call the office: 360-459-8514. Upcoming grant opportunities include: Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program: Department of Labor (DOL) Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants for Fiscal Year 2025: Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) BJA FY25 Public Safety and Mental Health Initiative: Department of Justice (DOJ) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Indian Highway Safety Occupant Protection Grant: Department of the Interior (DOI) Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) ROSS Rapid Response Program: Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) For more information on these grant opportunities, please click HERE. As always, I work for you. If you need assistance, call my Lacey office at (360) 459-8514 or my D.C. Office at (202) 225-9740. For more updates, make sure to sign up for my newsletter and follow me on social media. Sincerely, Marilyn Strickland Member of Congress