A Session of Progress, Protection, and People-First Policy

The 2025 legislative session was one of the most challenging we’ve faced in years—but also one of the most important. Despite deep budget shortfalls and renewed attacks on our fundamental rights from the Trump administration, we remained committed to a simple truth: government should work for the people.

This year, House Democrats led with our values—protecting the progress we’ve made and advancing bold new policies.

🏠 Big Wins for Renters and Housing Justice 

The cost of housing remains one of the biggest issues facing working families. That’s why one of our very first votes this session was on rent stabilization—and after years of grassroots advocacy and near misses, we got it done. The final bill will bring real relief to renters and manufactured homeowners across the state.

We also passed:

• HB 1491 – Transit-Oriented Development: More homes near transit, more sustainable communities.

• Continued historic investments in affordable housing, building on years of progress in expanding supply and keeping people housed.

🧒 Investing in Kids, Schools, and Economic Security 

We fought hard for a budget that reflected our priorities, not austerity. The final operating budget prioritized food, shelter, health care, and education—especially for our most vulnerable neighbors.

• We eliminated the cap on special education funding, so all kids can get the support they deserve.

• We protected our progress in early learning and childcare, despite tough fiscal conditions.

• We honored our promises to state workers and made smart investments in community safety and local law enforcement—without turning our backs on equity or accountability.

🚍 Sustainable Transportation for the Future 

In memory of our late colleague Sen. Bill Ramos, a transportation champion, we passed a $15.45 billion transportation budget focused on:

• Maintenance and preservation

• Ferry system improvements

• Climate-smart investments in long-term decarbonization

We kept the wheels turning—literally—while staying rooted in our climate goals and equity values.

🛑 Stopping Harmful Policies in Their Tracks 

Not all wins are bills passed—some are bad ideas prevented. This session, House Democrats stopped attempts to:

• Freeze the minimum wage

• Ban gender-affirming care

• Defund public schools and eliminate the Office of Equity

• Repeal climate protections and workers’ rights

• Replace real government with gimmicks like a “DOGE” department modeled after Elon Musk’s failed federal experiment

Without Democratic majorities, many of these dangerous ideas might have moved forward. We stood firm.

💚 Putting People and the Planet First 

As Chair of the House Environment & Energy Committee, I’m proud to report that this year’s legislative session delivered some of the most transformative environmental victories Washington has ever seen. Together with advocates, scientists, frontline communities, and fellow lawmakers, we passed bold, future-forward policies that tackle the climate crisis head-on, while centering equity and protecting our health, environment, and future.

From reshaping how our state recycles and manages waste to accelerating the transition to clean energy and reducing harmful emissions, this session was about action—and results.

We advanced policies that:

• Modernize Washington’s recycling system through HB 1150/SB 5284, making it more accessible, more accountable, and more equitable—especially for communities historically left out of environmental decision-making.

• Cut pollution from transportation—our largest source of emissions—with HB 1409, which strengthens the Clean Fuels Program and aligns us with West Coast leaders in climate action.

• Phase out dangerous super pollutants like hydrofluorocarbons with HB 1462, setting a national example in reducing potent greenhouse gases.

• Protect communities from harmful waste practices with HB 1154, improving oversight and safeguarding public health across Washington.

• Make clean energy more affordable and accessible with HB 1329, helping utilities and families alike transition to renewable power.

Check out my latest episode of Green Tea, featuring Rep. Liz Berry! 

🧾 Bills I Sponsored 

This session, I championed legislation to support healthier buildings, fairer workplaces, and more inclusive public health programs. Here are a few highlights:

🔧 HB 1543 – Stronger Standards, Cleaner Buildings  As the prime sponsor, I led the charge on this bill to update Washington’s clean building performance standards. It gives building owners more flexibility while cutting energy use, lowering utility costs, and improving indoor air quality—especially for renters, low-income families, and communities of color.

⚖️ HB 1068 – Expanding Worker Rights  This bill extends interest arbitration rights to Washington Management Service employees in the Department of Corrections—giving more public workers a stronger voice at the bargaining table. It’s about fairness, dignity, and ensuring all state employees are treated with respect.

🧠 SHB 1848 – Supporting Brain Injury Survivors  I also sponsored legislation to double the traffic infraction fee that funds our state’s Traumatic Brain Injury Account. The bill ensures that at least 30% of those funds go directly to in-person support groups, peer mentoring, and programs that help survivors—and their families—reconnect, heal, and thrive in every corner of our state.

These bills reflect my deep commitment to environmental justice, worker rights, and accessible care for all Washingtonians. I’m proud of what we accomplished together—and more determined than ever to keep fighting for bold, equitable progress.

📊 By the Numbers 

✅ 421 bills passed 
✅ 65% received 80%+ bipartisan support 
✅ Zero tolerance for cuts that hurt people—our budgets reflect our values