Friends and neighbors, 

Government should work for the people. It should make life safer, more affordable, and more just. But at the federal level, we are seeing the opposite—a concerted effort to dismantle our rights, threaten our democracy, and roll back the progress we’ve made. Here in Washington state, we are fighting back. 

In the House, we’re halfway through the legislative session and have passed policies that are now being considered in the Senate to protect our communities and push back against the chaos and harm coming from Trump and his allies. We’re making sure Washington remains a place where fairness, opportunity, and justice thrive, no matter what happens at the national level. 

• Expanding Gender-Affirming Care Access (HB 1971): we are ensuring Washingtonians can access a full year of prescription hormone therapy at once, protecting our trans and nonbinary community from federal rollbacks on healthcare rights.  

• Addressing hate crimes (HB 1052): We are strengthening accountability for hate crimes to ensure dignity, fairness, and a justice system that works for everyone. As hate-fueled rhetoric rises across the country, Washington is taking a stand against bigotry and violence. 

• Permit to purchase (HB 1163): While extremists in D.C. block gun safety reforms, we’re taking action to keep firearms out of dangerous hands and protect our families in Washington from gun violence. 

• Protecting immigrant workers (HB 1875): No one should have to risk losing their job to attend a crucial immigration proceeding. This law ensures workers can use their paid sick leave for immigration hearings. 

• Expanding protections for workers (HB 1821): At a time when the federal government is eroding worker rights, Washington is strengthening prevailing wage protections to ensure fair pay. 

• Covenant Homeownership (HB 1696): Decades of federal housing discrimination left Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color behind. Washington is righting this wrong by expanding down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers impacted by historical redlining. 

• Expanding housing options (HB 1075, HB 1491, HB 1757): While federal policies fail to address housing affordability, we’re increasing options for housing construction, promoting transit-oriented development, and repurposing commercial buildings to provide more homes.

• Expanding support for children exposed to violence (HB 1028): Washington is stepping up where the federal government has failed—ensuring kids affected by violence get the support they need. 

• Strengthening child welfare and housing assistance (HB 1177): No child should be forced into foster care because their family lacks stable housing. This law helps ensure housing instability is not a barrier to family reunification. 

We know the playbook: sow chaos, attack fundamental rights, and make people feel powerless. But here in Washington, we reject that agenda. We are defending democracy, protecting our communities, and investing in a future where everyone can thrive. 

If you’re concerned about what’s happening at the federal level, make your voice heard. Reach out to your members of Congress—Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and your U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland. But know this: no matter what happens in D.C., Washington state will continue to lead. 

I’m thrilled to share that several of my bills have passed in the House and are now headed to the Senate for consideration. These measures focus on environmental sustainability, worker rights, and energy efficiency—key priorities for a stronger Washington. 

HB 1497– Improving Waste Management Systems  This bill enhances how we manage waste materials, reducing pollution and improving recycling and composting systems. By strengthening waste management practices, we can cut down on landfill waste and move closer to a circular economy that prioritizes sustainability. 

HB 1068 – Expanding Collective Bargaining Rights at DOC  Currently, Washington Management Service (WMS) employees at the Department of Corrections are excluded from interest arbitration—a key tool for resolving labor disputes. This bill ensures these employees have the same rights as others in public service, promoting fair labor practices and workplace equity. 

HB 1543 – Increasing Compliance Pathways for Clean Buildings  Energy efficiency is crucial in fighting climate change, and Washington’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard is a key tool in reducing carbon emissions. This bill provides building owners with more flexibility to meet energy efficiency goals while ensuring progress toward a greener future. 

I’ll keep pushing for these important policies in the Senate and will keep you updated as they move forward! 

In addition to my committee work, I also lead the Food Fighters Caucus – a group of legislators working to highlight solutions to food insecurity here in Washington. As we continue to grapple with a difficult budget climate, I firmly believe that we cannot lose sight of our commitment to meet the basic needs of Washingtonians. With 1-in-10 Washingtonians food insecure and reliant on a network of state and federal programs, food banks, and other in-demand resources its clear that going back on food assistance is not an option. That’s why I am so pleased that 17 of my colleagues joined me in signing a letter to the Chair and Vice Chairs of the House Appropriations Committee. On the heels of the announcement that the Federal Government is cutting off $1billion of farm to school and farm to food bank funding, we need to stand strong in Washington. 

1. Extended Funding for Food Banks and Food Pantries – Dept. of Agriculture ($93.25 million)  

2. Fully Funding Senior Nutrition Programs – DSHS-ALTSA ($35.4 million)  

3. Maintaining Current Funding Levels for Fruit & Vegetable Incentive Programs: SNAP & Produce Prescriptions – DOH ($6 million)  

4. Funding for SUN Bucks/Summer EBT to Feed Kids in the Summer – DSHS-ESA ($11.83 million) 

These investments are essential to ensuring that no Washingtonian goes hungry, especially as demand for food assistance continues to rise. By prioritizing funding for these critical programs, we can support families, seniors, and children who rely on them to access nutritious food. I am grateful to my colleagues for standing with me in this effort, and I will continue to advocate for policies that strengthen our food security network and uphold our shared commitment to a Washington where everyone has enough to eat. 

The deadline to comply with REAL ID requirements for air travel is fast approaching. Make sure you have the necessary documents to ensure smooth travel. You may already have one of these in your possession.  Accepted forms of ID include: 

✔️ Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) 

✔️ U.S. Passport or Passport Card 

✔️ Military ID 

✔️ Permanent Resident Card 

📅 Date: Tuesday, March 18 

⏰ Time: 6-7 PM 

📍 Location: Virtual – Join on Facebook, Youtube, or Instagram! 

Hope to see you there!

Remember that your voice matters, and I want to hear from you. Reach me anytime at Beth.Doglio@leg.wa.gov. We’re all in this together. 

Best, 

Rep. Beth Doglio