Dear friends and neighbors, 

February is flying by here in Olympia, and I wanted to take a moment to share what I’ve been up to, what I’m working on, and a few ways you can get involved. Let’s dive in! 

February is Black History Month – a time to honor the achievements, leadership, creativity, and resilience of Black Americans who have shaped our communities, our state, and our country. 

Here in Washington, Black history isn’t just something we reflect on, it’s something we continue to build. From civil rights and labor organizing to education, arts, and public service, Black Washingtonians are moving our state forward. I’m grateful for the opportunity to uplift that legacy and recommit to the work of equity, opportunity, and justice for all. 

This session, I introduced HB 2401, legislation to create a Washington State Boys & Men Commission. 

Here’s the big picture: 

Too many boys and men in our state are struggling. When we ignore that pain, it doesn’t disappear. It shows up in classrooms, families, workplaces, and communities. 

In Washington: 

• Nearly 80% of suicides are men 

• Most youth in juvenile rehabilitation are boys 

• Men make up the majority of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness 

• Boys are falling behind academically and graduating at lower rates 

These challenges hit hardest for boys and men of color, LGBTQ+ youth, rural communities, and low-income families. 

This bill isn’t about taking attention away from women or other communities. It’s about recognizing something important: when we support boys and men, everyone benefits. Stronger mental health supports, better outcomes in school, healthier families, and safer communities help us all. 

The Boys & Men Commission would: 

• Focus on mental health and reducing stigma 

• Support education, job training, and mentorship 

• Address isolation and loneliness 

• Work alongside existing women’s, LGBTQ+, and ethnic commissions 

Compassion is not a zero-sum game, and dignity shouldn’t depend on gender. 

🗣️ I Want to Hear From You! 

The bill recently had its public hearing and is moving along in the legislative process. I want your input. 

👉 Do you support creating a Washington State Boys & Men Commission? 

Your voice matters, and it helps shape the work we do. 

Even in a challenging budget year, I’m focused on protecting what matters most: 

✔️ Quality, Safe Healthcare Access

• HB 2182 & HB 2242 — protecting access to reproductive and preventative health care 

✔️ Strong schools and early learning so kids get a solid start

• HB 2116 — expanding ECEAP preschool access through public-private partnership

• HB 2438 — addressing early childhood education workforce shortages 

✔️ Safe, healthy communities built on trust, not fear

• HB 2165 — preventing impersonation of law enforcement officers

• HB 2173 — requiring law enforcement to be clearly identifiable

 • HB 2332 — protecting driver privacy and limiting misuse of license plate data 

✔️ Affordable housing and common-sense tenant protections

• HB 2265 — protecting renters during extreme heat events

 • HB 2381 — modernizing building codes to lower housing costs and speed construction 

✔️ Fairness and transparency in government and the economy

• HB 2294 — stopping restrictive grocery store covenants that harm communities

 • HB 2283 — increasing transparency and accountability in health insurance 

At the end of the day, this work is about making sure Washington remains a place where people can live with stability, dignity, and opportunity.  

Thank you for being part of this community and for staying engaged. I’m honored to represent you and will keep working every day to bring your values with me to Olympia. 

With gratitude,