Good ideas needs support; contact your members of Congress

Great to read opinion pieces about building bridges and strengthening our democracy by “Honing our democratic skills” by The Herald Editorial Board and by Ron Friesen in the Weekend Herald.

We live in a democracy that gives us many opportunities beyond just voting, like speaking up to our members of Congress. Thanks are often due, like right now to Sen. Maria Cantwell and Rep. Suzan DelBene for introducing a bipartisan bill to address the affordable housing shortage, creating 64,000 new homes in our state and 2 million nationwide.

Thanks also to DelBene along with Reps. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., and Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., for introducing the American Families Act that will renew the Child Tax Credit that cut child poverty by 46 percent. At the same time, asking both of these members of Congress to support a renter tax credit that would end millions of people, currently experiencing poverty across our country, from paying over 30 percent of their income for rent. Not only would this keep people housed, it would bring hope for a brighter future.

These are examples of the actions and initiatives that make a difference to families and strengthen our democracy.

Willie Dickerson

Snohomish