Dear friends and neighbors,

Thank you for your engagement during the 2024 legislative session. I believe that the work we have done will make meaningful differences in the lives of Washingtonians. But our work doesn’t end here! Throughout the interim period, please feel free to reach out to me at April.Berg@leg.wa.gov with any questions, concerns, advocacy, or feedback.

Optimistic and determined – these two words encapsulate the spirit of the 2024 legislative session. This session was about setting a tone of unity and progress for our state.

With 373 bills sent to the governor’s desk, including 80% that passed with strong bipartisan support, we demonstrated our commitment to effective governance. These bills, crafted with input from diverse voices across the state, address critical issues facing our communities.

While Washington boasts accolades like the best economy in the nation and safest schools, we recognize that these rankings don’t tell the whole story. That’s why our focus this session was on areas where families and communities still struggle. From housing and childcare to tackling the fentanyl crisis and combating climate change, our agenda was centered on equity and progress for all.

Our achievements in housing and childcare are particularly noteworthy. With legislation to create more flexible housing options and streamline childcare access, we’re working to ensure that every Washingtonian has a stable home and quality childcare. Additionally, our investments in early learning and affordable housing reflect our commitment to supporting working families.

The fentanyl and opioid crisis also demanded urgent action. Through legislation focused on prevention, education, and treatment, we’re combatting this epidemic head-on. By providing support services and housing for those in recovery, we’re building a stronger, healthier Washington for all.

On the climate front, we’re proud to champion clean energy initiatives that protect our environment and public health. Legislation to advance zero-emission school buses and support clean energy development demonstrates our commitment to a sustainable future.

Equity was at the forefront of our agenda, with bills to promote equal pay, LGBTQ+ inclusion in education, and representation for marginalized communities. By passing legislation like the Nothing About Us Without Us Act and recognizing Lunar New Year as an official state recognition day, we’re fostering a more inclusive and representative government.

As we reflect on the 2024 legislative session, we’re filled with optimism for the future. While our journey towards progress is ongoing, we’re proud of the strides we’ve made together. Our commitment to serving the people of Washington remains unwavering, and we’re determined to continue this work in the months and years ahead.

Thank you for your support and partnership as we strive to build a better, brighter future for all Washingtonians.

Legislative Wins for Our Community

Here are some of the legislative victories from our session, highlighting significant progress in gun safety, housing, labor rights, environmental protection, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. These achievements underscore our ongoing commitment to creating a fairer, safer, and more inclusive Washington for all.

Victories for Our Workforce

Upholding workers’ rights is essential for building a fair and equitable society, and I’m proud to have supported legislation that strengthens protections for our labor force, including:

• Protecting Workers’ Rights (SB 5778): Safeguarding employees’ autonomy and freedom of conscience in the workplace.
• Increasing Vacation Accrual Cap (HB 2246): Recognizing the dedication of state employees by raising the annual vacation accrual cap.
• Expanding Paid Sick Leave (SB 5793): Extending paid sick leave benefits to gig economy workers and caregivers, ensuring workers can prioritize their health and well-being without fear of financial repercussions.
• Strippers’ Bill of Rights (SB 6105): Improves workplace standards in strip clubs by mandating security staffing, limiting fees, and providing training. It also aims to legalize liquor sales in strip clubs and remove lewd conduct regulations, addressing concerns of stigmatization and safeguarding workers’ rights and dignity.

By prioritizing workers’ rights and well-being, we’re fostering a workplace environment where all individuals are respected, protected, and empowered to thrive.

Enacting Responsible Gun Laws for Safer Communities

Gun violence remains a pressing issue affecting communities across our state, and I’m proud to have supported legislation aimed at curbing this epidemic. Our efforts have resulted in the passage of several responsible gun laws, including:

• Responsible Gun Legislation (HB 2021): This bill ensures the safe disposal of firearms seized by law enforcement, preventing their potential use in criminal activities or suicides.
• Lost or Stolen Reporting (HB 1903): Mandating the reporting of lost or stolen firearms within 24 hours, this law aims to prevent the illegal circulation of firearms and aid law enforcement in investigations.
• Firearm Dealer Code of Conduct (HB 2118): Establishing standards for licensed gun dealers, including inventory security and liability insurance requirements, to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands.

These measures are a testament to the tireless advocacy of passionate individuals, including many young people deeply affected by gun violence. By prioritizing community safety and responsible gun ownership, we’re taking significant steps towards building safer communities for generations to come.

Policy for a Greener Washington

Protecting our environment is a top priority, and I’m thrilled to share the passage of several key environmental policies aimed at advancing sustainability and combating climate change:

• House Bill 2301: Strengthening food waste management practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase food security for vulnerable communities.
• House Bill 2207: Providing new approaches to reel in unlawful solid waste dumping to preserve our natural resources and enhance waste management efforts.
• House Bill 1368: Funding the transition to zero-emission school buses to reduce emissions and protect public health.
• And many more: From energy efficiency standards to promoting clean energy innovation, our state is leading the way towards a greener, more sustainable future.

These initiatives reflect our collective commitment to safeguarding our planet for future generations while promoting equity and environmental justice for all Washingtonians.

Inclusive Learning Standards and LGBTQ+ Inclusivity

Education is a cornerstone of our society, and I’m thrilled to have supported legislation that promotes inclusivity and diversity in our schools, including:

• HB 1228: Supporting multilingual and multicultural education to empower students and celebrate linguistic diversity.
• HB 2331: Establishing a process for removing books from schools to ensure LGBTQ+ and diverse voices are represented in our curriculum and libraries.

These measures reflect our commitment to creating inclusive learning environments where all students feel valued, represented, and empowered to succeed.

Putting People First

The 2024 budget emphasizes our commitment to supporting communities in need across the state, ensuring sustainable aid reaches those facing economic challenges. New initiatives target the fight against fentanyl and synthetic opioids, bolstering recovery, treatment, education, and prevention efforts.

2024 Budget Successes

Racial Equity Focus:

• $150M: Low- and moderate-income clean energy assistance.
• $36M: Support for immigrants, refugees, asylees, and undocumented individuals.
• $28M: Healthcare for uninsured adults.
• $35M: Tribal supports and outreach.
• $19M: Housing vulnerable populations and tenants’ rights.

Climate Commitment Act and Natural Resources:

• $150M: Clean energy credits for low-income households.
• $30M: Wildfire fuel reduction measures.
• $6.3M: Investment in food waste reduction programs.

K-12 Education:

• $335M: Increased funding for maintenance, supplies, and operating costs.
• $335M: Support for special education services.

Early Learning and High-Quality Child Care:

• $115M: Increased caregiver and provider rates.
• Continued expansion of child care eligibility.

Opioids & Fentanyl:

• $215M: Funding for opioid and substance use disorder response.

Behavioral Health:

• $230M: Expansion of inpatient behavioral health beds.

Long-Term Care and Developmental Disabilities:

• $77M: Increased rates and reimbursements for long-term care programs.

Public Health and Health Care:

• $444M: Expansion of Medicaid Transformation Project initiatives.

Homelessness and Housing:

• $230M: Funding for local homelessness and housing programs.

College and Workforce Investments:

• $135M: Support for workforce development and student financial aid.

Human Services and Poverty Reduction:

• $150M: Funding for food assistance and poverty reduction efforts.

Public Safety, Legal Aid, and Corrections:

• $5M: Increased funding for the Crime Victims Compensation Benefits program.

In closing, I want to express my gratitude to all who contributed to these legislative victories, from grassroots advocates to dedicated lawmakers. As we move forward, I encourage you to stay involved, stay informed, and continue advocating for the issues that matter to you.

Together, we’re building a brighter future for Washington—one that is fair, safe, and inclusive for all.

Sincerely,

Rep. April Berg