Dear Neighbors, 

This month, I had the profound honor of being sworn in as your representative for the 3rd Legislative District.  As a friend, neighbor, and advocate, I am committed to being a strong voice for Spokane in Olympia and working with you all to foster a community rooted in fairness, opportunity, and shared prosperity. 

My election as Spokane’s first Black legislator marks an important milestone in our shared journey toward equity and progress. I’m especially proud to serve as Vice Chair of the Housing Committee, addressing the urgent housing challenges facing our state, as Communications Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, now the largest Black Caucus in the Western U.S. (take that Cali!),and Vice Chair of the Members of Color Caucus, helping to amplify voices of all historically underrepresented in policymaking.  

Please keep reading for updates on my work in Olympia, and stay tuned for an invite to an upcoming telephone Town Hall—I look forward to connecting with you! I would also like to thank my legislative assistant, Dasha Ventura, for her great work for Washington. If you stop by my office, you’ll meet her outside my door! 

I had the privilege of addressing the House floor this Martin Luther King Jr. Day to reflect on Dr. King’s enduring legacy and urge action to combat the persistent racial and economic injustices in our communities. Dr. King’s teachings remind us that words alone are not enough; we must take bold and decisive, direct action to defend the rights we have fought so hard for in this county and heed Dr. King’s warning that a “rightist take over of our government would lead to a fascist state in America.” It did not happen then, and it cannot happen now.

Together, we can and must honor Dr. King’s legacy not just in words, but through transformative action. 

No parent should face the impossible decision between buying diapers and putting food on the table. That’s why I’m proud to champion legislation that addresses the urgent needs of families across Washington by ensuring access to essential baby products. 

This bill is bipartisan bill cosponsored by Rep. Carolyn Eslick, ranking chair on Early Learning and Human Services committee and establishes a grant program to support diaper banks and alleviate the administrative burdens for allocating these funds. This bill is about more than diapers—it’s about dignity, health, and giving every child the best possible start in life. We are simply making this process easier and less costly. 

Expanding Opportunities for Student Success in Eastern Washington

No student should decline pursuing post-secondary college due to lack of financial resources.  That’s why I’ve introduced HB 1495, a bipartisan bill cosponsored by Rep. Suzanne Schmidt from our neighboring 4th Legislative District.  

This bill is essential for advancing student economic mobility in Eastern Washington, building on the success of similar programs in the Puget Sound region. It establishes a scholarship program for students in LaunchNW’s mentorship initiative whose household incomes fall below 150% of the area median income. The program offers last-dollar-in scholarships of $2,500 to $5,000, based on financial need, to supplement the Washington College Grant.

Passing this legislation would underscore the state’s dedication to supporting students in every region, providing a pathway from high school mentorship to college enrollment and graduation.

Stabilizing Rent and Protecting Tenants 

Affordable housing is the foundation of thriving communities and should be treated as a basic human right. Did you know that every $100 increase in median rent is estimated to increase homelessness by 9%? With skyrocketing rents pushing families to the brink, we’re taking bold action to stabilize housing costs and protect tenants from displacement while we work to increase housing supply as quickly and cost effectively as possible. 

By advancing rent stabilization and tenant protections, we’re not just fighting against homelessness; we’re building a Washington where families can put down roots, children can grow up securely, and communities can prosper. 

This priority reflects our commitment to tackling the housing crisis head-on and upholding the values of fairness and dignity for all Washingtonians. 

Are you a student interested in government and how laws are made? The Washington State Legislature’s Page Program offers an incredible chance to step into the heart of the legislative process! Each year, students aged 14 to 16 from across Washington join this week-long program, where they play a hands-on role in state government while learning about the legislative process – and get paid! 

I encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to learn the process, meet your legislatures and build your resume for your next adventure! 

Learn More and Apply 

Applications for the 2025 session are open! Spaces fill quickly, so start preparing now. Visit the Page Program website for details on how to apply and hear from past pages about their incredible experiences. 

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: 

• Subscribe: Sign up for this e-newsletter for updates from Olympia and invitations to upcoming town halls. 

• Follow: Get the latest news by following me on Facebook. 

• 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, Dasha Ventura, at Dasha.Ventura@leg.wa.gov. My door is open! 

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as Spokane’s first Black legislator. Together, we’re breaking barriers and building a future rooted in equity and inclusion. Let’s keep the momentum going—I’m excited to hear from you and work alongside you this session. 

Lets go! 

Rep. Natasha Hill, 3LD