SAVE THE DATE: District Town Hall
Please join me, along with Senator Lisa Wellman and Representative Judy Clibborn, at the 41st Legislative District Town Hall on Saturday, February 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The town hall will be held at Somerset Elementary (14100 Somerset Blvd SE, Bellevue, WA).
We want to give you an update on the current legislative session, hear what’s on your mind, and take your questions on issues that matter to you, such as education, healthcare, public safety, transportation, the environment, and the economy.
I hope you’ll join us!
Protecting college financial aid for DACA students
In the past year, there have been many threats to eliminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program by the Trump Administration. In the current political climate, many undocumented students are uncertain about their futures. Here in this Washington, however, we can make sure students don’t lose their financial aid or college affordability benefits no matter what happens with DACA.
That’s why I am supporting House Bill 1488, which recently passed out of the House Appropriations Committee. The bill will protect financial aid eligibility for undocumented students, including College Bound state financial aid for DACA students if DACA is eliminated. Building an economy that works for everyone means making college affordable and accessible for qualified students, no matter their immigration status.
Finding a solution for special education funding
Over the past decade, the Legislature has invested more than $13 BILLION of new state dollars into K-12 schools—an effort led by Democrats the entire way.
However, we have still not fully funded public education. In addition to the need to fund things like nurses and school counselors, I’ve heard concerns from our school districts, parents and advocates on the topic of special education funding. While the Legislature may be fulfilling its legal mandate to fully fund special education, our school districts still need to use a significant portion of their local levies to fully fund our special education to ensure all students have the opportunities they need to learn.
That’s why I was proud to co-sponsor House Bill 2964, which would increase state funding to improve access to educational opportunities for all students enrolled in special education programs. Like so many big issues that our state faces, funding education is an interactive process, and I’m hopeful we will continue to address the gap between state funded, levy funded and needed dollars for high-quality public education.
Healthcare continuity for foster youth
To help ease the transition and ensure continued access to therapy, their prescriptions and preventive services for foster youth, I’ve introduced House Bill 2530. The bill, which recently passed out of the House Appropriations Committee, will allow foster children to continue to receive health care benefits through the Apple Health Foster Care program for up to 12 months following reunification with their parents or guardian. Providing these continued benefits can help improve overall stability for the family and ensure that former foster youth receive the care they need and don’t fall through the cracks. Reunifying families is beneficial for children, families and the state. However, the transition can be a vulnerable time for foster youth. Parents may be just getting their lives back in order and the children are trying to readjust to being back in the home. The last thing on their minds is selecting a new health plan.
To help ease the transition and ensure continued access to therapy, their prescriptions and preventive services for foster youth, I’ve introduced House Bill 2530. The bill, which recently passed out of the House Appropriations Committee, will allow foster children to continue to receive health care benefits through the Apple Health Foster Care program for up to 12 months following reunification with their parents or guardian. Providing these continued benefits can help improve overall stability for the family and ensure that former foster youth receive the care they need and don’t fall through the cracks.
Serve as a Legislative Page
I am proud to have my son in Olympia this week to take part in the Legislative Page Program!
The Page Program is a great opportunity for young Washingtonians to learn firsthand about the legislative process, have fun and earn money while spending a week helping out House or Senate members in the Washington State Legislature. If you know a 14-, 15- or 16-year-old who is interested in getting a close-up look at government in action, click here to learn more and to download an application.
Thank you for visiting!
Thank you to all of the groups and constituents who have come down to Olympia to meet with me—from Grandmothers Against Gun Violence and Realtors to The Innocence Project and Radiologists. Leaders from our cities and school districts have also been frequent visitors! Your participation is an essential part of the legislative process, and I appreciate your dedication to improving the lives of the people in our district and across the state!
As always, feel free to share this update and please reach out if you have questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Rep. Tana Senn