Friends and neighbors,
Please consider joining me for a Mini Town Hall on March 1st, at Refuel Café (401 Olympia Ave NE Ste, 102, Renton, WA 98056). Each participant will have the opportunity to sign up for a 15-minute time slot between 11 AM – 2 PM. This is a great opportunity to share your priorities with me directly, discuss issues facing your household, and learn more about recent work in the legislature.
If you’d like to get in touch but can’t participate in the Mini Town Hall, please feel free to email me or come stop by my office in Olympia. I hope to hear from you soon!
Education Survey Results
Thank you so much to those of you who responded to our education survey in the last E-Newsletter—I really appreciate you taking the time to share what kind of support is the most meaningful to your family.
Most respondents supported every education bill listed. HB 1296, prioritizing student safety and modifying parental and guardian rights, was the only bill to be slightly ahead in support.
When asked how legislative support in education could best address your households needs, you shared the following:
- Evaluate current spending, identify areas of efficiency and reallocate to necessary areas to help students get better support.
- Provide free meals for all students & forgiveness of meal debts.
- Be supportive of reaching academic standards based on individual capabilities; especially of those with a 504 plan.
- Ensure compensation to recruit and retain qualified teachers and support staff is number one.
Thanks again to those who responded!
What Makes You Feel Safe in Our Community?
According to a previous survey, our district’s number one priority is public safety. To best advocate for your priorities, I’d like to hear what kind of legislation you think would make the biggest difference for community safety.
Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey on current community safety legislation being considered in the legislature.
The foundation of my public safety priorities is to support increases in the number of well-trained law enforcement officers in Washington. Our state ranks last in the nation in officers per capita—an unacceptable reality. That’s why I’m backing a bill from Rep. Rule (D-Blaine) to invest $100 million in helping local governments recruit and hire more officers. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, this funding will be a priority in any budget I vote for.
Additionally, our policy priorities must reflect ongoing efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis, address gun violence, reduce both violent and property crime rates, and provide support for vulnerable communities.
Working Families Tax Credit
In 2008, Washington state launched a new tax credit dubbed the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC), a tax refund that helps Washington workers, and their families get more money back at tax time. The refund returns a portion of sales tax paid each year and is modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit program.
In 2021, the legislature passed an expansion of the program allowing even more people to access refunds. To learn more about the state’s Working Families Tax Credit, or to apply—by mail or online—visit workingfamiliescredit.wa.gov/resources
Blake Refund Bureau
Washington state has launched a website for people convicted of drug possession between 1971 and 2021 to request refunds for fines, fees, and other costs. This follows the 2021 State v. Blake decision, which ruled the state’s drug possession law unconstitutional.
To qualify, you must have had your conviction vacated by a judge. Click here for help vacating your conviction. Once vacated, apply for a refund at www.courts.wa.gov/blakerefund. For assistance about the application process, call 360.704.1913.
WA State Developmental Disabilities Council Survey
The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (WADDC) is gathering feedback to identify challenges faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Your input will shape the Council’s 5-Year State Plan. Take the survey here.
The survey closes July 21, 2025, and is available in multiple languages. Your support ensures all voices—especially from underserved communities—are heard in shaping a more inclusive Washington.
It’s an honor to continue representing the 11th Legislative District. I look forward to your continued advocacy and feedback throughout the 2025 Legislative Session.
Thank you for reading!
Sincerely,
Rep. Steve Bergquist