Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Please join me, Senator Manka Dhingra and Representative Larry Springer for a Telephone Town Hall on Thursday evening. This is a great opportunity to get your questions answered, share your experiences, and hear more about what’s happening in the legislature. I hope you’ll join us!
Here’s the latest update on what’s happening in the legislature.
Designating 12/12 the Day of the 12s
Recently, I was excited to vote for House Bill 1759, to designate December 12th the Day of the 12s as a tribute to our dedicated Seahawks fanbase, celebrating the passionate community that comes together during football season to cheer on the Seattle Seahawks.
Washington boasts some of the most passionate and dedicated sports fans in the world. We are known as the “12s,” and we bring an unmatched energy to the game, making our presence feel like an extra player on the field. We’ve been filling the stands since 1976, creating an electrifying atmosphere in support of our team. On December 15, 1984, the Seahawks made history as the first NFL team to retire a jersey number in honor of their fans. Since then, the number 12 belongs to us forever.
We are the proud, loud 12s who have twice set the Guinness World Record for loudest crowd noise at a sporting event. But beyond the roar in the stadium, we, as the 12s, have forged deep connections within the Washington community. When we wear the iconic blue and green, we stand together regardless of where we live, what language we speak, or where we were born. We are proof that collective passion can create a powerful impact.
As we voted on the House Floor, we fortunate to be joined by 45th District resident Terri Fletcher, president of the Kirkland Sea Hawkers and the 2024 Seahawks Super Fan of the Year. I am proud that someone with so much pride comes from our district.
This bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. Go Hawks!
Dual Credit Programs – Double the Benefits
We’ve accomplished quite a bit this session to make higher education more accessible. We’re working to expand pathways to vocational training and streamline licensing regulations in industries experiencing workforce shortages.
One bill I wanted to highlight is House Bill 1273. This legislation will improve access to dual credit programs, particularly career and technical education. By streamlining regional efforts, developing a comprehensive catalog of dual credit courses, and aligning CTE programs with postsecondary pathways, dual credit programs can lead to higher rates of college enrollment, persistence, and completion.
These Proposals Could Lower Healthcare Costs – Here’s What You Need to Know
We continue to work on lowering the cost of health care. This remains one of the most expensive necessities, with costs significantly outpacing economic growth. I am committed to advancing simple, common-sense policies that ensure timely access to care without financial hardship. There are several bills making their way through the legislative process including:
House Bill 1287, inspired by a constituent, improves coordination between law enforcement and health providers during mental health crises, reducing treatment delays. This simple change enhances both behavioral healthcare and public safety.
House Bill 1566 improves transparency and efficiency in healthcare preauthorization by setting clear time frames, requiring medical necessity decisions to be made by licensed professionals—not just AI—and requiring insurers to disclose their criteria. This reduces delays, denials, and costs.
House Bill 1521 supports caregivers of children with complex medical needs by adjusting payments to home health agencies, ensuring family caregivers are compensated. This reduces financial strain on families and lowers state costs by keeping children in home care instead of costly institutions.
House Bill 1663 expands student access to school social workers through workforce development and community partnerships, strengthening mental health services and reducing long-term intervention costs.
Keep an eye out for these bills and others as they make their way through the legislative process.
Thanks for your interest in public policy and the legislative process. I’ll be coming back to you soon with another legislative update.
All best wishes,
Rep. Roger Goodman