Wenatchee Times

Congresswoman Kim Schrier, representing Washington's 8th District, has voiced concerns over public health vulnerabilities within her region due to recent policy changes. Her statements, delivered via tweets, highlight the potential impact on crucial programs and communities in Washington State.

On April 2, 2025, Representative Schrier issued a statement warning about the closure of an unspecified office which she claims would leave the region exposed to "severe public health threats, including earthquakes." She also expressed that "vital programs that Washingtonians depend on" like Head Start would become more challenging to access. Her statement underscores the importance of maintaining infrastructure that supports both public health and early education programs. "Without this office, our region is left vulnerable..."

On the same day, Schrier reported the termination of the Care-A-Van program due to grant funding cuts. She emphasized its role as "a lifeline for rural communities," which distributes resources such as Naloxone kits and offers essential health services including vaccinations and physicals. The program's end, as announced by the Washington Department of Health, highlights the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing healthcare resources. "Care-A-Van is a lifeline for rural communities..."

Schrier also stressed the importance of the Head Start program, which currently enrolls over 15,000 children in Washington State. She described Head Start as "one of the best investments the federal government can make," noting its significant economic return, estimating $7 for every $1 spent. This statement underscores the program's value in preparing at-risk children for future success and highlights its long-term benefits to society and the economy. "More than 15,000 kids in Washington are enrolled in Head Start..."