Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2025 Legislative Session is officially over! We ended on time with balanced budgets that center our progressive values by investing in our community, prioritizing K-12 education and protecting our most vulnerable during these uncertain times.
My bills to become law
The following bills have been approved by the legislature and are now with the governor to be signed.
A budget that invests in our future
Despite a large budget deficit, the impact of Trump’s tariffs on Washington state, and slowing revenue growth, the state’s 2025-2027 Operating Budget provides new and continued funding that will support Seattle and our communities:
- $34.2 million for Seattle Public Schools, including $7.3 million more for special education and $1.9 million for materials, operating costs, and supplies
- $17.2 million for the Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention, including grants for programs to provide evidence-based violence prevention and intervention services to youth
- $128 million in food security and assistance programs that have been in high demand since the pandemic
- $145 million for housing and homelessness to keep local shelter beds online and support local community housing efforts
- $47 million to fund the 988 behavioral health hotline and for crisis facility grants
- $110 million for the Community Reinvestment Project, which provides legal assistance, violence prevention and intervention services, and economic development support. This project is estimated to generate $1.6 billion in economic benefits over the next decade
Investments in the 36th legislative district
Noel, Julia, and I were proud to secure funding for the following transportation and construction projects in Northwest Seattle:
- $8.2 million for the Harris & Mercer Transit Access Project
- $878,000 to fund the construction of the Forest Trailhead exhibit at Woodland Park Zoo
- $290,000 to renovate the lighting in the Charlotte Martin Theatre at Seattle Children’s Theatre, replacing a 31-year-old system
- $227,000 for of the Whim W’Him Contemporary Dance Center renovation in Queen Anne
- $200,000 to update and complete the I-5 Lid Feasibility Study
- $80,000 to update security fencing and lighting at the Ballard Boys and Girls Club
With the legislative session over, I look forward to spending more time in our beautiful, vibrant district. If you know about any meetings or events in our community, please let me know!
It’s an honor to serve you in the legislature. Thank you for your trust in me.
Best wishes,
State Representative Liz Berry
36th Legislative District