We are back in Olympia and I want you to know my first priority will always be to work with and for you to build a more equitable, healthy, and thriving community for all our residents in our legislative district and across our state.

As you know, we are facing many new challenges but I remain strong in advocating for the values that our country was founded on such as religious freedom, liberty, and justice for all.

These past three weeks of session have moved very quickly and there are many challenges facing the Legislature this session; nevertheless, I fully intend to make sure our state continues to move forward.

During the months before session, I had the opportunity to meet with many of you to listen to your concerns. I want you to know that many of the bills I’m sponsoring this year are a direct product of those conversations. So far, I have introduced 18 bills to address a variety of issues including education, economy, mental health, victim assistance, restorative justice, foster care and parent child visitations. If you would like more information on all the bills I am sponsoring this session, please click here.

Fully funding public schools

While the Legislature has made some progress in recent years towards increasing education funding, the state still has more work to do to fully fund public schools. House and Senate Democrats are working on solutions that will provide our public schools and teachers with the resources they need to provide each child with the education they deserve.

It is the state’s job to fully fund basic education. Passage of HB 1059 is a critical part of keeping the promise lawmakers made to families that we would fully fund public schools. Local school districts need assurance from their state lawmakers so they can plan for the upcoming school year. When the state finally steps up and fully funds education, measures like the levy cliff bill will not be necessary. In the meantime, this bill is essentially an insurance policy to make sure schools can plan their budgets for the upcoming school year. Despite recent delays, I believe we can still come to agreement this session on a solution that fully funds our public school system and gives all children the chance to reach their dreams. I will keep you posted as negotiations continue. Addressing our teacher shortage also continues to be a top priority for me. Our children deserve our most qualified teachers.

Hungry kids cannot learn

Each of us probably knows a student who goes to school hungry (even if we do not realize it).  Hungry kids struggle to learn. On January 23, House Democrats introduced a package of proposals to address the problems of hunger and poor nutrition in school. I was happy to sign on to bills that address the needs of our kids.

For too many children, meals at school are their only opportunity to eat each day. My colleague Rep. Monica Stonier is sponsoring a bill that gives kids a chance to eat breakfast after the bell and eliminates co-pays for students that get reduced cost lunches. House Democrats are working to make sure students are not too hungry to learn. Another bill, sponsored by Rep. Marcus Riccelli, will help schools purchase the equipment needed to make more food from scratch.

Representatives joined Anti-Hunger advocates last week to highlight these proposals and others aimed at addressing Washington’s food needs. Other bills included engaging at-risk high school students in farming, extending the Food Policy Forum, and conducting an economic study of the impacts of our in-state food supply.

The House of Representatives also adopted a resolution recognizing the importance of combating childhood hunger, the economic and education benefits of connecting local farmers with schools, and commending advocacy groups for their efforts to end hunger in Washington.

Paid Family and Medical Leave

I am glad to stand by Sen. Karen Keiser and Rep. June Robinson who introduced bills on the second day of session allowing workers to take time off in the face of a serious illness or to care for a new baby.

Under the bills, (SB 5032 & HB 1116) employees would be able to use extended paid leave for the birth of a child, a personal health emergency, or to take care of an ill family member. It’s a comprehensive, practical and affordable plan for both workers and businesses that will promote stronger families and a secure middle class. Get more details here.

Lastly, let me say I have seen and heard from many of you, and even marched with some of you. Thank you for making your voice heard. This is not the time to remain silent.  May our voices be so loud they are heard in D.C. and beyond.

I look forward to continue representing our district. I will keep you updated on issues that I’m working on, please feel free to contact me anytime with questions, and to share your thoughts or concerns.