Dear friends and neighbors,
As hard as it is to believe, we’re almost halfway through this year’s legislative session! As Rep. Ramos mentioned in his most recent E-newsletter, this is the last week for bills to pass out of fiscal committees before we move to full-time action on the House floor. It can be tough to keep track of where different bills are in the process and which may be put on hold until next year. Be sure to check out leg.wa.gov to follow along from home!
Strengthening our behavioral health workforce
Washington is seeing unprecedented workforce shortages across nearly every sector, including health care, behavioral health, labor & trades, and other skilled vocations. To get more people into these critical fields, we need to streamline licensing and certifications where we can and expand the workforce pipeline.
One way to bridge the gap in our behavioral health workforce is to lower barriers and cut unnecessary red tape for those already qualified to work. I’m proud to co-sponsor HB 1724 to help behavioral health practitioners who have completed their educational requirement or are fully licensed in other states get out into the field here in Washington.
We know families throughout the state are struggling to find access to mental health counselors, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. This bill will help get qualified practitioners into this crucial workforce as quickly and safely as possible.
I am also proud to co-sponsor HB 1069, which the House passed earlier this month, to add Washington to the Counseling Compact. This interstate agreement will allow licensed professional counselors to practice in any member state.
Legislative Moms Caucus
I’m so thrilled to serve alongside my great colleagues as a member of the legislative Moms Caucus! We’re committed to supporting legislation and budget investments that support Washington’s parents, families, and children.
One of our biggest priorities this session is expanding access to childcare. I’m a proud co-sponsor of bills that will expand our childcare workforce (HB 1451), provide access to childcare for those in apprenticeship programs (HB 1525) and allow more options for childcare in our communities (HB 1199).
Upcoming Community Town Hall
Join Sen. Mullet, Rep. Ramos and me for our upcoming in-person community town hall! On Sunday, March 19, we’ll be at Gibson Hall in Issaquah from 2-3 p.m. to give you an update on this year’s legislative session and answer your questions about what comes next. Hope to see you there!
It continues to be an honor to serve the families of Washington’s 5th district in Olympia. Keep in touch!
With gratitude,
State Representative Lisa Callan
5th Legislative District