Dear friends and neighbors,

Today marks the beginning of the 2023 legislative session and I am honored to return once again as your 11th Legislative District representative. Once again, I will serve on the House Education and Rules Committees, and will continue to serve as Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee. For the first session since 2020, my colleagues and I will be working in-person, in Olympia. I look forward to seeing many of you face-to-face, and hearing about your legislative priorities for our community, district, and state.

Supporting a better state

I am incredibly proud of the impactful work the State Legislature has accomplished over the last few years, especially in the face of great challenge.

As both an educator and legislator, I have always believed that every student deserves a fair opportunity to learn and grow. In the last few years, we have prioritized student well-being, expanded educational accessibility and cultural competency, have brought more counselors, nurses, and social workers to schools, and have made higher education more accessible for everyone.  

Last year, we heard from you that public safety was one of your biggest legislative priorities. That’s why I’m proud to share that we passed a bill that I sponsored to make retirement benefits more secure for firefighters and law enforcement officers, to help address workforce shortages and honor public service. The Legislature also increased funding in 2021 and 2022 for the state’s law enforcement academy, and passed legislation to compensate Washington State Troopers with a competitive wage, and give 911 operators the training and tools they need to best help the public in times of crisis, making our communities safer.

Here’s how to share your legislative priorities this session:

One of my greatest priorities is to continue serving Washingtonians better. Our democracy is strongest when everyone can participate, which is why I am seeking your input on some of the key challenges, priorities, and policies that we’ll be working on in 2023.

Every year, I release a survey at the beginning of the session to hear directly from you. You can take my 2023 Legislative Session survey by clicking here or the button below. If you have additional feedback or advocacy, please feel free to email me.

Thank you for your time—I look forward to hearing from you!

Here are some additional ways to continue to stay involved in the legislative process this year:

• Watch — TVW.org broadcasts all the debates and votes that happen in the House and Senate, along with committee meetings and other events you may be interested in.

• Research — Look up legislation by lawmaker or by topic.
• Learn — Learn about the legislative process, from start to finish.
• Testify — Committee testimony will continue to have a virtual option, so instead of driving to Olympia to weigh in on legislation during the committee process, you can continue to do so from home. Written testimony is also an option, and you can always share your story with me. Learn more about how to testify.
• Get in touch — You can reach my office by email at Steve.Bergquist@leg.wa.gov, or are welcome to call the legislative hotline number (toll free 8
• 00-562-6000).
• Schedule a meeting — I would love to see you and hear your views! Syd Locke, my legislative assistant, can assist you with scheduling a meeting. Just email him at syd.locke@leg.wa.gov  and he will work with you to find a time. If you are planning to come to Olympia, our office is now in the Legislative B
  uilding (LEG 438 B). Due to space restrictions and health precautions, we are limiting groups to five guests. We are also happy to accommodate virtual appointments.

During session, you’ll also have several opportunities to connect with me and ask questions about our legislative work during town halls and coffee chats. We’ll send more updates on these events soon!

Serve as a Legislative Page!

The Washington State Legislature has one of the best page programs in the country. Because we are operating in-person again, our page program is back and I invite you to apply.

Pages are sponsored by legislators and serve for one week during the legislative session, learning about the legislative process while distributing materials throughout the Capitol, assisting offices, delivering messages, and presenting colors at the opening of the day’s legislative session.

This year, the legislature is making a one-time exception for students who are 17-18 years old and were unable to previously participate due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find out more about the page program by clicking here!

 

It’s an honor to continue to represent the 11th Legislative District. I look forward to hearing your continued advocacy, feedback, and engagement throughout the 2023 Legislative Session–please don’t hesitate to send me an email or give me a call at (360) 786-7862.

Thank you for reading!

Sincerely,

Rep. Steve Bergquist