DISTRICT 10 NEWS & UPDATES

From State Rep. Dave Paul, July 2026 …

The need to improve healthcare in our community is something I hear about a lot from constituents. This is especially challenging in rural regions, where it can be difficult to find providers and support. It's critical that we address this, so that families can thrive.

It's also critical so that folks can age at home and in our community. I understand the struggles families face with eldercare. After my mom passed away in 2023, my family and I needed to take care of my dad, Dean. Finding a quality assisted living facility and navigating my Dad's healthcare and finances was challenging. A year later, my Dad broke his hip—which meant learning the skilled nursing and rehab processes, too.

I also hear a lot from voters about their frustrations with health insurance--and I get it. Even with good insurance coverage, my family and I have faced frustrating examples of surprise billing. My son was rushed to the emergency room and hospitalized in February 2023, and we were still receiving surprise medical bills more than a year later.

It’s stressful enough when a loved one is sick—the last thing families need to worry about is surprise billing. 

I'm running for reelection so that I can continue to advocate for families in similar circumstances to my own. 

As your representative, I have: 

• Passed legislation to lower the cost of epi-pens asthma inhalers (HB 1979 in 2024)

• Voted to reduce the cost of insulin (SB 5729 in 2023)

• Fought to end surprise emergency room medical billing

• Funded mental health and substance recovery programs in our region

• Collaborated with local officials, medical professionals, K12 educators, young people, and non-profit organizations to create the Social Outreach, Adventure, & Resilience (SOAR) Program

• Secured the state funding needed to make important upgrades to the 911 emergency communication systems in Skagit County and Island County

• Worked to improve access to portable Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST), which would let paramedics and EMT’s recognize medical jewelry linked to Do Not Resuscitate orders (HB 2166 in 2024)

• Fought to protect women’s reproductive healthcare

House Bill 1979, the SOAR Program, and the POLST legislation were all suggested by constituents. I'll be spending this summer and fall talking to neighbors and community members to learn about other ideas for improving healthcare and lowering healthcare costs. 

As always, it's an honor to serve.

Sincerely, 
Dave 

From Rep. Clyde Shavers, July 2026 …

Dear friends and neighbors,

With the Primary Election right around the corner, I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve our communities. 

I have worked hard to support veterans, strengthen our schools, improve our ferry and maritime workforce, advance clean-energy innovation, and help constituents resolve problems with state agencies.

I am also working on legislation to confront the effects of Citizens United and reduce the influence of unlimited corporate spending in our elections. Our democracy should answer to voters - not powerful special interests.

If you believe we need to get big money out of politics, please vote for our campaign and encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to support us as well. This effort will succeed only if people across our district stand together.

Thank you for your support and for the honor of serving you

Always at Your Service,
Clyde