Dear friends and neighbors,
As we take our first steps into the 2023 legislative session, I am so honored to continue representing our community at the Capitol. I’ll never stop fighting for long-term solutions to our housing crisis and ensuring all Washington residents have access to the health care & mental health services that are essential to their well-being.
I hope you will stay in touch this session! Never hesitate to reach out to me at (360) 786-7992 or by email.
Everyone needs a home
Washington’s housing crisis is creating increasingly expensive homes and driving up the cost of rent in every corner of our state. We are currently 140,000 homes short of where we need to be, and projections from Washington’s Department of Commerce show we’ll need to build 1,000,000 homes over the next 20 years. To close the gap, we must triple the pace of construction.
And while there may not be a single magic solution to this crisis, it’s clear that we must act with a concerted effort now to ensure we create a future where all Washingtonians have access to an affordable home. One step we can take to help get us there is legalizing middle housing options statewide.
My bipartisan House Bill 1110 would create a new statewide zoning floor by making it legal to build up to fourplexes on residential lots in cities with 6,000 residents or greater – or up to sixplexes if at least two units are made affordable. It would also allow building up to sixplexes near public transit. Importantly, the bill requires cities to comply with anti-displacement provisions so that families don’t have to move unnecessarily.
While similar to a bill I introduced last session, this year I’m working with my colleague across the aisle, State Rep. Andrew Barkis, to finally get the job done. Washington’s housing crisis isn’t a partisan issue and I’m willing to work with anyone who wants to help ensure Washington’s families have access to the affordable homes they deserve.
Watch me testify on this important bill by clicking here.
The legislative page program is back!
With the Legislature back in person, the legislative page program is back! Last week, I was thrilled to sponsor Gracie & Robin during their time here at the Capitol.
The page program gives young Washington residents the chance to learn and participate in the legislative process by attending page school, assisting offices, delivering messages and working on the House & Senate floors.
For more information, eligibility, and to apply, visit the page program’s website by clicking here.
It is an honor to represent you here at the Capitol. Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime. For more frequent updates, I invite you to follow my legislative Facebook page.
Best wishes,
State Representative Jessica Bateman
22nd Legislative District