Dear friends and neighbors,
As we pass the midpoint of the 2024 legislative session, it’s inspiring to see the impact your voice is having! Together, we’re prioritizing a range of critical pieces of legislation rooted in democratic values. These include bolstering behavioral health supports, increasing access to higher education, reducing gun violence, increasing tax fairness, and championing reproductive healthcare protections. These policy priorities reflect our commitment of putting people first. Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement in shaping a better future for all.
Upcoming Townhall
Next weekend, on February 17th, Senator Keiser and Rep. Orwall and I will be hosting a town hall from 2-3 pm. Please consider joining us at Highline College, 2400 S 240th St, Des Moines, WA 98198. This is a great opportunity to connect directly, share your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you, and learn more about the 2024 legislative session.
We strive to establish a welcoming and inclusive environment. Please contact Tyra.Zeigler@leg.wa.gov by Monday, February 12 if you require interpreter services.
I hope to see you there!
Addressing The Housing Crisis
Rents are skyrocketing, making housing unaffordable for many. Half of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, and over 20% spend more than half. This burden falls heavily on low-income families, seniors, and minorities.
We’re working on tangible solutions to address this issue. For example, House Bill 2114 proposes predictable rent increases to provide stability for tenants. We’re also focusing on increasing access to affordable housing through last year’s $400 million investment in Housing Trust Fund. House Bill 2276 will also create a stable funding source by taxing high-value property sales. One of my bills, House Bill 1998 will further expand access to diverse housing options by introducing co-living options for affordable living in desirable locations.
Other pieces of legislation I’m particularly excited about include:
- House Bill 1932 to provide cities, towns, and special purpose districts the option to shift their general elections to even-numbered years with the goal of increasing voter participation in elections.
- House Bill 2368 assists refugees and immigrants by requiring the Dept. of Social and Health Services to coordinate statewide efforts to support the economic and social integration and basic needs of immigrants and refugees arriving and resettling in Washington.
Dive into Science: Make a Difference in Your Community!
Calling all Washington high school students with a passion for science and a desire to make a real impact! The Washington Tracking Network Youth Science Contest is your chance to dive into the world of data, gain valuable skills, and champion positive change in your own community.
Follow The Legislative Process
Following legislation during session can be a complex endeavor, even for seasoned observers. So, we’ve put together this legislative “how a bill becomes a law” guide, a valuable tool for anyone seeking to understand the journey of a bill through the Washington State Legislature. This concise guide outlines key stages, providing clarity and context as you track critical legislation during this session.
Become an Intern
Calling motivated students passionate about making a difference! Imagine yourself in Olympia, joining a team of 70 non-partisan interns working directly with the Washington State Legislature. This transformative experience goes beyond mere academic credit – it’s your chance to tackle real-world problems, network with leaders, and gain unparalleled insights into the inner workings of state government.
Throughout the Legislative Internship Program, you’ll be expertly matched with a legislator in the House of Representatives or Senate and dive into the world of public policy, developing your professional toolkit, and shaping the issues that impact Washington every day.
This year, our office was paired with Avril Regin, who attends St. Martin’s University and studies political science. Many interns, like Avril, are utilizing this internship to gain more insight into a future career path and learning how to give back to their community.
Don’t wait – applications will open in the early Fall of 2024, so now is a great time to work on your application materials early. Learn more here!
Best wishes,
Representative Mia Gregerson
33rd Legislative District