 Dear friends and neighbors,
The 2026 session kicked off earlier this month. It’s a short session this year, only 60 days, and it’s off to a fast start. Before session I sat down with the Seattle Channel to talk about our state budget, the impact of HR 1 and other federal cuts, and how we can create a tax system that works better for the people of our state. Unfortunately, dealing with callous-to-malevolent actions from the Trump administration is a big part of our work so far this year. It’s a concern for our budget, where HR 1 will force us to pay more in administrative costs in order to get less for the people of our state. It’s a concern with access to democracy, which is why I sponsored HJR 4209 which would allow mid-cycle redistricting if another state does so first. Washington state is not going to just sit by while Donald Trump and his allies in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio seek to rig the US House to lock in a Republican majority. I’m also deeply concerned about the ICE activity we’re seeing in Minnesota and across the country. We’re doing what we can at the state level to protect Washingtonians should we see the same tactics here. I’m a cosponsor on a number of these bills including ones to prevent federal law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings to conceal their identities, increase immigrant worker protections, and limit data sharing from license plate cameras like Flock cameras. I’m also supportive of legislation preventing ICE from entering places like schools, childcare facilities, or hospitals without a warrant. While the current federal administration is taking us backward in the fight against climate change, we’re continuing our work on clean air and water for future generations. One way we’re doing that is HB 1607, which would improve the recycling system for glass, plastic, and metal beverage containers in our state and encourage more re-use of recycled materials. I’m also committed to maintaining our state’s Climate Commitment Act investments in fighting climate change, something the voters supported at the ballot in 2024. There’s a lot more going on, so as always please reach out to my office with any questions or concerns that you have. |
