Alum Update: Gail’s Work in the Senate

We are so excited to share this update from Gail , a FEPPS, student, graduate, and advisory council member who released in December 2019.

"I am currently interning for the Washington State Senate. I was nervous with my background, and clear lack of experience that I would not be chosen for this position. However, I want everyone to know that just because we may be defined as a Felon, and upon release that burden feels so heavy, that alone will not prevent us from pursuing our goals and passions. Not only was I chosen, but I have been thriving in this environment and have received an abundance of support.

This internship has three components. I do studies with staff from Evergreen State College, as well as the Internship co-hort weekly. Additionally, I work Monday-Friday, 8 hours a day in Senator Jeannie Darneille's office.

There are a total of 4 of us, including the Senator, who help her navigate this Legislative session. So, as you can imagine the workload is very diverse and changes daily. I have been given many opportunities of sitting in on special meetings with different commissions or task forces, such as The Sentencing Guidelines Commission. During those meetings I take notes on their discussions around whether or not they support or oppose bills on Justice Reform and relay that information to the Senator.

I meet with constituent agencies and groups to document their requests of the Senator on bills or budget issues. I also track and follow numerous bills and watch public hearings and debates on issues around: equity in schools, justice reform, police reform, the housing crisis, reforming our juvenile justice system and stricter gun measures. Some bills even on areas completely out of my previous understanding such as business pricing regulations and how nurses are in need of compensation due to Covid related issues.

I have given the opportunity to do research on specific topic areas for other Senators as well, like solitary confinement.

I could probably go on and on with the many topics I cover and the details of how I am involved, but the big picture is that I am so blessed to spend my days working on and with issues that are so close and dear to my own heart. I have learned that there are many members in legislation who want reform in the prison and justice system, sometimes they are just unaware of what that actually looks like without having the learned experience that many of us share. Policy does not always reflect actual implementation. I am also recognizing that sometimes getting measures passed is far harder than what I originally thought. Mostly in regards to the budget issues that Washington State is facing, especially now due to the impacts Covid has had on communities and the State.

I could literally go on and on about the things I am doing and what I am working on, but I just want to stress the importance of education. If it was not for my studies with FEPPS and at Evergreen State College, these doors would not have been opened for me. There are so many pathways we can be successful at upon release and higher education leads to so many opportunities."