Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

As the legislative session gains momentum, I’m writing to share updates about the important work we are doing in Olympia to build a stronger, safer, and more equitable future for our community and our state. Whether through public testimony or advancing critical legislation, your voices and priorities guide my efforts every day. 

• Fair Financial Services: I am working on legislation to protect individuals from predatory lending practices, such as payday loans and exploitative pawn shop practices. Everyone deserves access to fair financial resources without the risk of being trapped in debt. 

• Home Equity Sharing Agreements: I’m championing a bill to create innovative pathways to homeownership. This legislation introduces a model that allows individuals to build equity without requiring monthly mortgage payments, offering a lifeline to those who may struggle to buy a home through traditional financing. 

• Tougher Penalties for Organized Crime: I’m advancing a bill that makes a third offense of organized crime activity a felony. By holding repeat offenders accountable, we aim to protect our communities and deter crime. 

• Animal Cruelty Prevention: I’ve introduced a bill to strengthen penalties for dog fighting, ensuring justice for animals subjected to such cruelty. 

• Second Chances for Youth Offenders: As Vice Chair of the Community and Public Safety Committee, I’m proud to support a bill that gives youth offenders who have served 20 years the opportunity to petition an independent review board for release. This legislation recognizes the potential for growth and redemption, ensuring a fair and humane justice system. 

• Green Bank Initiative: I am pushing for the establishment of a green financing vehicle to leverage federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. This “green bank” will attract private investment to help decarbonize our economy and transition Washington to a cleaner, more sustainable future. 

• Hydrogen Caucus: As Chair of the Hydrogen Caucus, I’m promoting hydrogen energy as a promising alternative to lithium battery engines. Expanding this technology is critical for reducing our carbon footprint and positioning Washington as a leader in clean energy innovation. 

Engagement is at the heart of our democracy, and I’m committed to making it as easy as possible for you to participate in the legislative process. Here are some ways to stay connected: 

• Watch: Join me on TVW.org for live broadcasts of committee meetings, debates, and votes. 

• Testify: Share your voice on legislation—virtually or in writing—during the committee process. Personal stories make a powerful impact. 

• Contact: To schedule a meeting, reach out to my Legislative Assistant, Leona Wankowski, at Leona.Wankowski@leg.wa.gov.  

Thank you for your trust and partnership. Together, we can continue to make Washington a state that works for everyone. 

In service,