Tarra Simmons @TarraSimmons5 Twitter profile | Pikagi

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Tarra Simmons

@TarraSimmons5

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Mom. Lawyer. Non Profit Director. Washington State Representative. #EndMassIncarceration

Bremerton, WA

Joined November 2015

Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.

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@TarraSimmons5

Tarra Simmons

1 year

It only took 10 years after prison. I did 22 years on the installment plan of the complex web of juv. system, foster care, jail and prison. Now I'm a mother, lawyer and 1st formerly incarcerated State Rep. Quit throwing away my people! Still celebrating freedom 10 years later.

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@TarraSimmons5

Tarra Simmons

10 months

In a Norway women's prison I had so many intense emotions. Finding free boxes of Tampons in the bathroom shook me. I remembered how the guards made us beg for cheap pads. Tampons cost $10/box and we earned 42 cents an hour. Norway treats humans as humans. America must do better.

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Tarra Simmons

4 years

We just made #herstory in WA State! Beyond grateful to my team, volunteers and donors who made the impossible happen. From the Big House to the State House...We Do Recover! #LetMyPeopleRun #EndMassIncarceration

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Tarra Simmons

4 years

Tonight my district sent a clear message. They are ready to elect the first formerly incarcerated legislator. We won the primary in a landslide. So many thanks for all of our supporters!

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Simmons will advance from 23rd District primary, will face Ferguson

The two will face off in the November General Election with eyes on filling the Position 1 seat that will be vacated by Rep. Sherry Appleton.

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Tarra Simmons

11 months

I woke up this morning feeling like a million bucks. I AM #FINALLYFREE !!!

@chrispouloslaw

Christopher Poulos

@chrispouloslaw

11 months

My dear friend @TarraSimmons5 just had her criminal convictions vacated in a powerful court ceremony! She no longer carries the often permanent burden of a record, which impacted everything from attaining housing to volunteering at her children’s school. I’m very proud of you!

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Tarra Simmons

3 years

Just passed my first bill off the Senate Floor! Off to the Governor's desk and couldn't have done it without amazing co-conspirators from the ground up to the halls of the #waleg ! So much love for my people tonight!! #FreeTheVote @senpattykuderer

@wavotingjustice

WA Voting Justice

@wavotingjustice

3 years

Once @JayInslee signs this bill into law, people will have their voting rights automatically restored immediately upon release from prison! So proud of @TarraSimmons5 , @senpattykuderer and the many activists who earned this win! #FreeTheVote #HB1078 #WeDidIt

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Tarra Simmons

5 years

Today we announce our campaign for #waleg ! Our historic campaign is about #resilience in the era of mass incarceration. We all fare better with a diverse legislature, including directly impacted people. Join us in this fight at

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Tarra Simmons Looks To Become 1st Former Inmate Elected To Washington Legislature

A Washington attorney and criminal justice reform advocate who previously served time in prison is seeking to become the first formerly incarcerated person elected to the Washington Legislature.

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@TarraSimmons5

Tarra Simmons

4 years

Just 40 co-sponsors on my first bill to automatically restore the right to vote to EVERY human that exits prison. I am doing the work, and trust me these small victories do not come easy. 💯

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Tarra Simmons

4 years

I'm just another human who lived through some hard life stuff... and had a dream. I do appreciate the shout out by @VanJones68 on CNN tonight though! Formerly incarcerated people never need to be imprisoned by the mind, them laws changin'! #LetMyPeopleRun

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Tarra Simmons

4 years

Started my new job today! Incredibly grateful to my community for electing me to serve in the #waleg .

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Tarra Simmons

6 years

My swearing-in ceremony was everything I dreamed of and more. It took a huge community to make this happen. Won't stop until this is an expectation, rather than an exception. #SecondChancesForAll

@komonews

KOMO News

6 years

Former inmate, Seattle law school graduate sworn in as attorney:

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Tarra Simmons

5 years

There are much better ways to hold children accountable for behavior then to give them the equivalent of a civil death sentence. My heart grieves for this child, while still holding compassion for the young lady involved.

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Teen who showed sex tape to friends will register as sex offender

A judge in Ohio has ordered a teen who admitted to secretly filming himself having sex with a 14-year-old girl and sharing the footage with classmates to register as a sex offender for the next 25...

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Tarra Simmons

6 years

Last year on the second Friday in April, the WSBA said I couldn't take the bar exam. Today, on the second Friday in April one year later... I found out I passed the bar exam! Thank you all for the support! Swearing in on June 16th @seattleulaw #SecondChances

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Tarra Simmons

3 years

So excited to watch @GovInslee sign HB 1078 today! My first bill as a new legislator, but years of work from my people. #LetMyPeopleVote #FreeTheVote #SecondChanceMonth

@chrispouloslaw

Christopher Poulos

@chrispouloslaw

3 years

Today @GovInslee will sign our bill automatically restoring voting rights to people released from Washington’s prisons! Thank you @TarraSimmons5 , @senpattykuderer and everyone who was part of this effort! @BrennanCenter @SMoralesDoyle @JayInslee @WAStateCommerce @WACorrections

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Tarra Simmons

3 years

The Senate passed my healthcare bill tonight. It will open up opportunity for formerly incarcerated people to become healthcare workers. This is critical to address the workforce shortage, racial and economic justice. Grateful for all who helped!🎉

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Tarra Simmons

1 year

So sweet to be featured in Teen Vogue today! The next generation needs to take over and I'm glad I get to support them in politics & advocacy.

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When Tarra Simmons Was in Prison, She Never Dreamt of Running for Office

Simmons has broken “the concrete ceiling for other formerly incarcerated people to run.”

www.teenvogue.com

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Tarra Simmons

5 years

Yes, we are creating our own bar association. Having more directly impacted lawyers ready to litigate and legislate the change needed to end mass incarceration is necessary! @shonhopwood @chrispouloslaw @dwaynebetts via @lawdotcom

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Tarra Simmons

5 years

Today I finally got to present to the WA Bar Assn, nearly 30 mo. after the hearing. The board called it a "travesty" and gave me a standing ovation. They vowed to work with me to reform the process and help others avoid pain. #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion

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Tarra Simmons

6 years

Today Chief Justice Loretta Rush told me her court just admitted two formerly incarcerated lawyers to the Indiana bar because of my case. So proud of our Washington State Supreme Court for my opinion. It's making our profession better! @shonhopwood #Lawyering #SecondChances

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Tarra Simmons

4 years

I am incredibly honored to announce our campaign joins an impressive slate of endorsements by @PeteButtigieg ! We are the only campaign in WA to receive this honor, and cannot wait to make history in November. #WinTheEra #Herstoric #23rdLD

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Tarra Simmons

6 years

If justice is healing, my heart is finally whole with this right here. Maybe it will be ok one day for women, and even women like me, to be proud of our accomplishments and self-worth.

@cjciaramella

CJ Ciaramella

6 years

Washington Supreme Court rules that a woman with a prior felony record and addiction history, after five years of sobriety and graduating magna cum laude from Seattle University law school, can take the bar exam:

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Tarra Simmons

6 years

The Governor told my story in his State of the State address on Tues. Pure emotion when I saw @JudgeMaryYu & the Supreme Court Justices stand for me. Some events in life are permanently etched in my soul. Winning the right to take the bar is one.

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Tarra Simmons

2 years

9 years ago I left prison for the last time. Today I'm just a formerly incarcerated State Rep with her Marine son breaking generational cycles of racism and poverty as we step out to support our community for the night! Never let anyone tell you that you can't get your dreams.

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Tarra Simmons

1 year

Family photo of the Formerly Incarcerated College Graduates Network annual BBQ! 🔥🔥🔥

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Tarra Simmons

5 years

So many tears of joy as I just watched this landmark legislation pass from NYC! This bill has been my life's work since my first felony at age 23 ruined my life. So thankful for such a powerful coalition of partners. @GovInslee we are coming to see you next!

@PioneerWA

@PioneerWA

5 years

Just Passed both Chambers! The New Hope Act modifies the process for obtaining a certificate of discharge and expands eligibility criteria for vacating criminal convictions. We appreciate @TarraSimmons5 for pulling this all together. #waleg #fairchance #justice

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Tarra Simmons

8 months

Today I get to represent an extraordinary client before the Clemency & Pardons Board. The last time I was before the Board, I was a client represented by counsel. ♥️ #FullCircle

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Tarra Simmons

3 years

Excited to get this done! #LetMyPeopleVote #waleg

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Washington lawmaker with past conviction aims to restore voting rights for those with felonies

Rep. Tarra Simmons knows first hand how hard it can be to rebuild a life after serving a felony conviction.

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Tarra Simmons

11 months

The criminal injustice system: 0 Me & my boys: 100 Still celebrating Freedom 3 days later! I can't believe we finally made it out.

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Tarra Simmons

5 years

Just three formerly incarcerated lawyers celebrating equal justice at the Legal Foundation of Washington's 35th annual Goldmark Luncheon. We continue to reach back. Soon the profession will be representative of the community. @shonhopwood @chrispouloslaw

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Tarra Simmons

1 year

Don't mind us. We're just a couple of past prisoners elevating impacted leadership across the nation, prioritizing our kids and self care while ending perpetual punishment. Thanks @JustLeadersUSA @GalaxyGives for investing in us. We out here! @MrJohnnyPerez #FeloniesAreForever

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Tarra Simmons

5 months

Nothing to see here. Just 2 formerly incarcerated electeds going to tour prisons and hear about the conditions from our currently incarcerated siblings! 💯

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Tarra Simmons

1 year

Jail is dehumanizing. You are strip searched and told how horrible you are. An additional lawyer of trauma. There is no treatment or therapy in jail. That shame will keep people using drugs to avoid the pain. Ask me, I know!

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Tarra Simmons

8 months

Now I have to one up her! Filing my bill to let my currently incarcerated people vote next week! 💯

@DyjuanTatro

Dyjuan Tatro

8 months

Breaking: Michigan Governor Gretchen has signed 1st in the nation legislation requiring the state to automatically register people to vote as they are released from prison. This is a win for democracy & an effective means to welcoming people back to the community. @boltsmag

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Tarra Simmons

2 years

I woke up this morning with 11 years clean and serene. The next time you walk by an addict on the street or in a prison, I hope you see the leader in them. *You* have an opportunity to heal our people. #StartedFromTheBottom #FromTheBigHouse #ToTheStateHouse

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Tarra Simmons

6 years

So relieved to finish the Washington State bar exam today! Even how difficult it was, I felt so grateful for the opportunity!

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Tarra Simmons

5 years

When the office that prosecuted you and sent you to prison now wants you to be their State Representative.... No words, only tears of #healing & #hope ! Join our #historic campaign at

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Tarra Simmons

1 year

As the first and only, it's been lonely!! I'm so happy to see my vision unfolding. It was definitely one of the biggest reasons I garnered the courage to go first. My heart is full!! ♥️

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Once convicted, now they make law in U.S. statehouses - Pluribus News

A string of people have been elected to state legislatures who openly discuss their own histories with the criminal justice system.

pluribusnews.com

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Tarra Simmons

9 months

Yes! I will forever be grateful for the support of my friend, @PeteButtigieg ! I hope he plays himself in my movie that is forthcoming. 💕 I am so grateful for this life and the impact I get to make for others. It is healing and purposeful.

@pinoys4Pete

Pinoys #Harris2024 & infra 🐝

9 months

⁦ @TarraSimmons5 ⁩ was also one of the #WinTheEra candidates. 💙our local she-ro. Formerly incarcerated lawmaker reflects on breaking down barriers after prison | PBS NewsHour

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Tarra Simmons

7 years

Thank you @Lavernecox for supporting my fight to become a lawyer, and inspiring me to my core!

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Tarra Simmons

2 years

Super excited to end forced prison labor this session! 💯

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Legislator wants to pay inmates minimum wage for prison jobs

Current pay for prisoners ranges from 65 cents to $2.70 an hour.

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Tarra Simmons

4 years

Beyond grateful to have a few trusted friends on my team who get into the most sacred parts of my heart! @glennEmartin is definitely one of those who have invested in my leadership and I'll never forget, no matter where the work takes me.

@glennEmartin

Glenn E. Martin 🐐

4 years

Today my friend . @TarraSimmons5 becomes the first formerly incarcerated state representative in Washington state. Congrats, Tarra.

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Tarra Simmons

6 years

Thank you @NSwabyKing5 for sharing my story! I am not a "drug addicted ex-con". I'm a person in recovery, lawyer, mother, and advocate. We need more #SecondChances and less hate. We need elected officials who agree and will support #Reentry .

@NSwabyKing5

Natalie Swaby

6 years

Coming up at 11pm @KING5Seattle

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Tarra Simmons

4 years

I might be the first, but I will not be the last! We know the inequities which lead to criminal legal system involvement and the solutions to end mass incarceration. Thank you to ALL who have supported my campaign. #waleg

@nowthisimpact

NowThis Impact

4 years

Meet @TarraSimmons5 , a lawyer and activist who could become the first formerly incarcerated state representative in Washington state

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Tarra Simmons

3 years

Nice to see our work getting national attention. I hope the rest of the nation works to expand democracy instead of restrict it. #NoJimCrow #FreeTheVote

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Tarra Simmons

7 years

So much love for you @shonhopwood . Equally shocked in how fast the decision was made. #Unanimous #SecondChances

@shonhopwood

Shon Hopwood

7 years

Just got off the plane and learned that the Washington Supreme Court issued an order granting @TarraSimmons5 the right to take the bar exam. Wow. Stunned. And so incredibly happy for Tarra.

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Tarra Simmons

11 months

“I’m not a changed person,” Simmons said. “I’m a healed person.” #FreeAtLast #CelebrateFreedom #NewHopeAct

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State's New Hope Act paves way for Rep. Simmons, others to clear criminal records

The attorney, representative and former felon appeared in Superior Court Friday to have her past convictions vacated.

www.kitsapsun.com

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@TarraSimmons5

Tarra Simmons

5 years

Nothing makes me happier than to pay forward the gift that @shonhopwood gave to me. Thank you for always believing in me. I hope to keep moving our society towards liberation and real justice. #SecondChances

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Tarra Simmons

5 years

Happy 2 year Anniversary to my legal team and the thousands of people in our community who made it possible. Never stopping until EVERYONE has opportunity for a second chance. #Lawyering @shonhopwood

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Tarra Simmons

3 years

Thank you @Taniel for this thorough article about my voting rights restoration bill and the barriers formerly incarcerated people face on reentry. #SecondChanceMonth

@Taniel

Taniel

3 years

Washington State just restored voting rights to tens of thousands of formerly incarcerated people last night. behind this big reform: a lawmaker who is formerly incarcerated herself, & fought for this to pass. I talked to her about why it's so important:

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Tarra Simmons

4 years

Honored that my colleagues elected me as Vice Chair of the Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee today. We are going to advance the civil rights of ALL people, including formerly incarcerated people, if it's the last thing I do! #waleg

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Tarra Simmons

2 years

Excited to support my awesome seatmate @RepDrewHansen to do the same in WA! 💯

@Prison_Health

Prison_Health 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

2 years

As of January 1, 2023, phone calls from California prisoners are free. The Keep Families Connected Act, Senate Bill 1008, was signed into law by Governor Newsom on Sept. 29.

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Tarra Simmons

1 year

Get busy living or get busy dying... I spent the last 10 years building a meaningful life after prison (and finally learning to truly love the younger versions of myself). I'm going to enjoy the next 10 years and Barcelona did not disappoint. Next stop Gibraltar!

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Tarra Simmons

2 years

Brought my first born to the Seahawks game today. It's his first time in a Suite. I had him at 15 years old. We been on foodstamps for more years then we haven't. He deserves the world and I'm glad I can give him better today. 💙💚 #GoHawks !!

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Tarra Simmons

2 years

Thank you to my community for giving me another two years in a decisive win tonight. It's the honor of my life to serve you. The People are for Tarra Simmons, and Tarra Simmons has always been FOR THE PEOPLE! 💙 #FromTheBigHouseToTheStateHouse #WeDoRecover

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Tarra Simmons

3 years

It will never get old sitting in my legislative office looking at the Temple of Justice. The place where my brilliant lawyer @shonhopwood and 9 Justices gave me much needed healing and rights to be a lawyer 4 years ago. Life is a journey. I am grateful.

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Tarra Simmons

5 years

Honored to be highlighted by Chan Zuckerberg for our work on record clearing in WA State during #NationalExpungementWeek !

@ChanZuckerberg

Chan Zuckerberg Initiative

@ChanZuckerberg

5 years

“Record clearing means that people can live up to their greatest potential.” Tarra Simmons became a lawyer after serving 2 years + now works to pass #CleanSlate legislation

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Tarra Simmons

2 years

I have a bunch of new colleagues this year, and most who've been there for years haven't visited a prison. Yet, we make billions of dollars in decisions. Hopeful my colleagues will #VisitAPrison with me next month!

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Without regular prison visits, WA lawmakers cannot address issues of incarceration | Op-Ed, state...

To truly hear from our incarcerated constituents, and the challenges they face, state lawmakers must visit Washington's prisons.

www.seattletimes.com

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Tarra Simmons

3 years

Legislating in a virtual world has it's benefits. Thank you @icmyserenity for the work attire today. You're absolutely right... Felonies Don't Define Futures. #WeDoRecover #waleg

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Tarra Simmons

5 years

So much joy when I read that yesterday! Thank you @YaleLJournal for helping to get directly impacted voices into the law.

@YaleLJournal

The Yale Law Journal

5 years

Washington Supreme Court Justice González cited a Forum Essay by @TarraSimmons5 to note the significant burdens that legal financial obligations place on formerly justice-involved individuals and their families. Read the Essay here:

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Tarra Simmons

3 years

7 more days until the end of my first session. Words cannot describe this experience and the feelings of gratitude to serve my people! Thank you @seattletimes for sharing some of the highlights. More to share in a book soon! 💙

@seattletimes

The Seattle Times

3 years

After a life of crime, addiction, displacement, Rep. Tarra Simmons brings life experiences to the Washington Legislature to help pass bills geared toward restoring lives of the formerly incarcerated.

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Tarra Simmons

2 years

It's a true Christmas Miracle when the Republican Minority Leader speaks favorably about your bill to end forced prison labor and pay min. wage. Last Christmas I was getting death threats for my bills. Blessings abound this year in a hundred ways. ❤️🎄

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Incarcerated individuals in WA could soon be paid minimum wage under new proposal

Working incarcerated individuals currently make nowhere close to minimum wage, despite providing goods and services for the state.

www.theolympian.com

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Tarra Simmons

1 year

My day just started here in Nashville and it's already complete! @MCharles615 is my brother because we are both @shonhopwood favorite clients. 😊 Matthew was serving 35 years in federal prison for a nonviolent drug offense and I just wanted to be a lawyer. Shon saved us both!

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Tarra Simmons

6 years

Thank you Invisibilia for all the time capturing my fight to the bar, and weaving it with science to advocate for #secondchances

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Tarra Simmons

3 years

8 years ago I got out of prison and took my favorite Saints fan to the Seahawks game. We had to scrounge up the $200 to sit in the nosebleed section. Tonight I took him again, and we had the best suite in the stadium. He's always been mom's ride or die. 💙

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Tarra Simmons

2 years

Had an amazing night speaking up for justice & love with @DougBaldwinJr arguably the best wide receiver of #Seahawks , and definitely one of the best humans God made. I'm so glad I made the trip over to share my story tonight, and the work I'm blessed to do.

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Tarra Simmons

4 years

With only 6 weeks left until the primary, this story is about our fight to make history and bring REAL change! Help us get there. @shaunking @VanJones68 @glennEmartin @TopekaKSam @shonhopwood @chrispouloslaw @Piper @amandaknox @johnlegend

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Tarra Simmons

3 years

What an incredible honor. After my first session, I've received "Legislator of the Year" twice. I have so many deserving colleagues, but I will own it because I work hard and have learned it's ok for women to be proud! 💯 Thank you @NAMIWashington . ❤

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Tarra Simmons

1 year

Last month I went to a PowWow in the prison. It was beautiful complete with fresh Salmon, fry bread, song and dance, children's laughter and restorative conversations. I'll never forget or stop fighting for my incarcerated brothers and sisters. 💙

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Tarra Simmons

6 years

Excited for the big day coming on June 16th. Grateful for a huge and diverse community that made it all possible.

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‘Character is not static’: a soon-to-be lawyer turns rough past into bright future

“All I needed was someone to give me a seed of hope,” says Tarra Simmons, who has overcome a history of crime and substance abuse. Since serving prison time, she has excelled in law school, passed...

www.seattletimes.com

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Tarra Simmons

1 year

Day 104/105 and I wonder what has happened to make people care more for animals than human beings. We get unanimous support to ban torture of animals, but have little heartburn putting chronically ill people in cages when holding something in their hand we deem illegal.

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Tarra Simmons

4 months

In the hood I'd lay in bed counting cockroaches on the floor. While my Daddy begged the crack man for more. I wondered why - if there's a God - I wasn't put out of misery. I didn't know the plan was to be celebrated as part of Women's History.

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Tarra Simmons

6 years

Kinda insane day! Still standing tall, still leading with Conviction! ❤

@DerekJWang

Derek Wang KUOW

6 years

Washington woman who got national attention for turning her life around becomes a punching bag in a state Senate race that she's not even in. The whole story from @AustinJenkinsN3

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Tarra Simmons

5 years

Last night was straight 🔥🔥🔥 for our campaign! Not only did @shonhopwood come from DC, but Mike McCready from Pearl Jam did as well. We raised money to keep this historic campaign going strong. Thank you to all who made it! Join us

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Tarra Simmons

7 years

Best. Christmas. EVER!

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Tarra Simmons

2 years

I hope my colleagues remember this election. The fear mongering crime message was unsuccessful. We can and must follow the data and research to make safety available for EVERYONE! 💯

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Tarra Simmons

2 years

Remember when I got those death threats from white nationalists for a sentencing reform bill? Kimonti Carter would have been the only person affected. Good news, community turned his LWOP sentence into freedom, and six weeks later we went to EOI's Changemaker dinner. #2ndChances

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Tarra Simmons

5 years

Beyond proud of our team. We organized the first LFO Reconsideration Day in Washington State. Nearly 1,000 cases were resolved and millions of dollars in criminal debt relieved. Lots of tears of joy. #SecondChanceMonth #ReentryMatters #CivilSurvival

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Event gives people a chance to get out from under overwhelming legal debt

Those with legal financial obligations were given an opportunity to make a case for debt forgiveness at the Kitsap County Courthouse on Wednesday.

www.kitsapsun.com

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Tarra Simmons

5 years

Can't wait to celebrate tonight with @shonhopwood and so many of our Washington state leaders!! It's going to be a great night!

@shonhopwood

Shon Hopwood

5 years

Just landed in Seattle. Here to help raise money for @TarraSimmons5 ’s run for state representative in Washington state. She could be the first formerly incarcerated person to be elected for state office in Washington state.

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Tarra Simmons

5 years

My success is the culmination of a beautiful community effort. Receiving this award was one of the times where accolades are misplaced. But thank you all who join in this effort and keep pushing so ALL people have HOPE & opportunities for #SecondChances

@ProfAClark

Annette Clark

5 years

Watching @seattleulaw alumna @TarraSimmons5 '17 receive Sen. Patty Murray's Golden Tennis Shoe Award for her LFO/re-entry work. Such a powerful advocate for justice and for others.

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Tarra Simmons

2 years

Nearly 5 years has passed since @shonhopwood won my Supreme Court case. Today, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled in the first case since. We are building the prison to lawyer pipeline, and breaking down systemic racism in the process!!

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Tarra Simmons

6 years

Special night here in Chelan. Honored to receive the WACDL Champion of Justice Award. Special to receive it from my special professor and lawyer John Strait. #SecondChances #Lawyering

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Tarra Simmons

9 months

Love being with my people. This is being framed for my #waleg office to get me through the hard days! 💯

@Bryanwidenhouse

Bryan Widenhouse

@Bryanwidenhouse

9 months

At @FAMMFoundation Second Chance Working Group conference. This is what 230 years of combined incarceration looks like, but are now advocating for second look.

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Tarra Simmons

6 years

Can't wait for Saturday! #SecondChances #Lawyering

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Tarra Simmons

2 years

My US Marine came home today! Now my heart is full. ❤️

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Tarra Simmons

2 years

A vote is not a Valentine. You aren't confessing your love for a candidate. It's a chess move for the world you want to live in. #VoteBlueIn2022

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Tarra Simmons

3 years

Thank you @seattletimes for endorsing HB 1078! It is past time to undo the harms of Jim Crow era laws. #LetMyPeopleVote

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Legislature should remove voting barrier for ex-felons

The Legislature ought to pass a bill to make voting-rights restoration automatic for all offenders after release from state custody.

www.seattletimes.com

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Tarra Simmons

3 years

@EddieGibbsNY I am the first formerly incarcerated person to ever serve in the Washington State House!!! I am soooooo excited to not be alone in this work.

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Tarra Simmons

5 years

Super excited to be appointed by our Lt. Governor & House Speaker to the Washington Criminal Sentencing Task Force. We need more healing and restoration in our criminal legal system. #halfby2030 #cut50 #missiondriven #decarcerate #FIPleadership

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Tarra Simmons

8 months

Yesterday was one of the best days of my life. Formerly Inc. lawyers have full circle moments. It felt great securing a 5-0 vote in favor of my "client" to receive a Pardon. Fact: I wouldn't be here without my client. She was my volunteer in prison, then my 1st friend on reentry.

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Tarra Simmons

9 months

Thank you JLUSA! When those closest to the problem get the power and resources to create their own solutions...it changes the whole game. I'm looking forward to getting more of us elected! 💯

@JustLeadersUSA

JustLeadershipUSA

@JustLeadersUSA

9 months

Thank you, @PBS @Newshour , for helping tell the story of Rep. @TarraSimmons5 (Leading with Conviction™ 2018) — the first formerly incarcerated state legislator in Washington state! Watch the full video: #PBS #PBSNewshour #TarraSimmons #WashingtonState

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Tarra Simmons

2 years

Housing is a huge barrier for those who have been incarcerated. I'm so glad my bill is off to @GovInslee desk. This bill also removes probation fees. Let's give our neighbors a fighting chance when we welcome them home!

@PioneerWA

@PioneerWA

2 years

Congrats and thank you so much Representative @TarraSimmons5 . The Senate just passed HB 1818, unanimously that will remove barriers to the DOC providing housing vouchers & support to people leaving incarceration. #RebuildingReentry #ReentryMatters

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Tarra Simmons

6 months

Thank you @NDNlawyer for being such an amazing friend and co-conspirator in our work towards healing and restoration for our incarcerated family. It was hard to bare my soul today and be met without compassion. Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated! ♥️ #HB2065 #HB2001

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Tarra Simmons

5 months

Such an incredible honor!! I miss you and your colleagues already! ❤️

@AMEddieGibbs

Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs

5 months

Yesterday, I had the privilege of welcoming Washington State Representative Tarra Simmons to the Chamber! We are collaborating to see how each state can learn from one another and ultimately effect change at the federal level.

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Tarra Simmons

2 years

Best. Day. Ever! I'm such a proud Marine Mom!

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Tarra Simmons

7 years

Great panel about lived experiences leading the decarceration and reentry movement at UPenn Law School. Great time with @shonhopwood @bcobbACLU and others!

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Tarra Simmons

2 years

Ending the slavery loop-hole in WA is a personal issue. Nobody should be forced to work for 42 cents an hour.

Simmons introduces the Real Labor, Real Wages Act to end ‘slavery loophole’ in Washington State

OLYMPIA – Today, Rep. Tarra Simmons (D-Bremerton) introduced the Real Labor, Real Wages Act to require that incarcerated workers in Washington prisons be paid

www.einnews.com

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Tarra Simmons

6 years

My son, Dominic, testified yesterday on #NewHopeAct asking legislators to remember the children caught in the crossfire. Criminal records hurt the most precious members of our families, especially when parental involvement in education is banned. So proud of this rising advocate.

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Tarra Simmons

2 years

@VanJones68 We got a Bluewave here in Washington State. We even added to the majority when there was fear-mongering crime messaging in response to our progressive criminal justice policies. I feel pretty validated and won my race by a larger margin than in 2020! 💙

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Tarra Simmons

6 years

Feeling the excitement all over again today. Watching the hearing as I will every year on November 16th. The Washington Supreme Court gave hope to me and my community with this order. I will never stop being grateful. #SecondChances

@chrispouloslaw

Christopher Poulos

@chrispouloslaw

6 years

One year ago today the WA Supreme Court unanimously ruled that WA #reentry Council co-chair @TarraSimmons5 is fit to be an attorney!

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Tarra Simmons

2 years

Congratulations @DougBaldwinJr on your appointment to the Clemency & Pardons Board. Looking forward to watching you bring justice & healing to our communities most impacted by the criminal legal system, and bringing some structural changes to the process.

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