Dear Friends,

We are in the thick of the legislative session, working hard on the issues that matter most to our community.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the fear and uncertainty that too many people of color and trans folks are experiencing across our state and let you all know that we are holding our ground as a sanctuary state and standing strong against these attacks on our community members. We are thankful that our Attorney General Office is on the forefront of protecting Washingtonians and communities across our country.

As our committees are finishing up hearing bills and we are headed to vote on bills that make it to the House floor, I want to share some updates, highlight key legislation, and let you know how we can stay connected and support.

Our First Town Hall – Prioritizing Spokane this Session

We had a great turnout at our recent telephone town hall—thank you to everyone who tuned in! Here are a few things that stood out from our conversation and what we are focused on for Spokane:

➡️ Housing remains a top concern—We discussed the urgent need for affordable housing and solutions that keep people housed – this was a top priority for folks who tuned in! I introduced HB 1746 to establish land banking authorities with our own Spokane Low Income Housing Consortium. Read more about this bill below.

➡️ Education funding is a priority—Spokane’s students deserve more resources and better mental health support. I’m thankful to all of the students that I was able to meet with to hear about their priorities and the impact budget cuts will have on students across WA.

➡️ Safeguarding WA from the Trump Administration —it was clear that many of you have understandable concerns right now. We’re here, we’re fighting for you, and we’ll protect this Washington from the other Washington. We want to hear what is happening on the ground in Spokane while we are working hard in Olympia – please share your experiences with our legislatures, governor, and attorney general. Collective action is how we make real change.

And in a live poll, 22% of you said the cost of housing is your most pressing issue, 45% said cost of basic needs, and 33% said cost of healthcare. 

ICYMI, you can listen to it here! 

Celebrating Children on President’s Day

This Presidents’ Day, I was honored to welcome families and young leaders to the State Capitol for Children’s Day—a special tradition where we celebrate the voices, dreams, and bright futures of our youngest constituents. As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to create policies that uplift and protect Washington’s children, ensuring they have access to quality education, healthcare, and safe communities. Seeing their energy and curiosity in the House chamber reminded me why we do this work—to build a better future for the next generation.

A Classroom’s Vision for the Future

Recently, a 5th grade classroom at Garfield Elementary took a survey on what they’d like to see the Legislature work on this year and shared it with our office. It inspires me to see young people so engaged in shaping their future.

Their top priorities? Making CPS better, banning ICE, Women’s health and Resources for our homeless community – these are who we want as our future legislators! These young voices matter—and I’ll keep fighting for these priorities in Olympia!

Our Legislative Focus: Championing OUR Future

🔹 Rent Reporting Credit (HB 1927) – Because Good Tenants Deserve Good Credit Right now, millions of renters pay their rent on time every month—but unlike homeowners who build credit through mortgage payments, renters don’t get the same benefit. My bill creates a pilot program that helps renters build their credit history just by paying rent on time. This could open doors to lower interest rates, homeownership, and financial stability—especially for people who have historically been shut out of the credit system and home ownership.

Tune in for my testimony and a mustard moment – IYKYK 🙂

🔹 Establishing Land Banking Authority (HB 1974) – Expanding Opportunities to Increase Affordable Housing and Homeownership. Land banks across the country are helping make equitable, inclusive neighborhoods and resilient communities possible. State and local laws grant land banks special powers that allow them to focus on some of the most complicated problem properties: those that are vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated. By acquiring these harmful properties, stewarding them on behalf of the public, engaging residents, and attracting new investment, land banks are generating significant positive impacts for the communities they serve. This bill came from our own Spokane Low Income Housing Consortium and I am excited to continue working with them on this opportunity.

Watch my testimony in Housing here! 

🔹 Tribal Health Representation (HB 1946) – A Seat at the Table for Every Tribe and Tribal Org Washington is home to 29 federally recognized tribes, but right now, not all of them have representation on their local boards of health. That’s a problem. Tribes deserve a say in the health policies that impact their people, and this bill ensures they do. Every tribe should have a seat at the table when it comes to healthcare decisions—because representation leads to better health outcomes for Indigenous communities.

Watch my testimony in Local Gov here! 

Legislator Spotlight: Catch Me on TVW!

I recently sat down with TVW to talk about my journey to the Legislature, the work I’m doing for Spokane, and why your voices are at the heart of everything I do. Check out my TVW Legislator Spotlight here!

Get Connected: Legislative Black Caucus Newsletter

ICYMI: The Legislative Black Caucus is rolling out a newsletter to keep you updated on the work we’re doing to uplift and empower Black communities across Washington. Read the latest newsletter here, and sign up to stay in the loop here! You’ll find a fun word find for the Kids and Kids at Heart to help you get to know your black legislators’ names.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

My job is to represent YOU. Whether it’s housing, education, or any issue that’s keeping you up at night—I want to hear from you. Reply to this email, call my office, or reach out on social media.

Thank you for trusting me to be your voice in Olympia. Let’s keep pushing for a better Spokane, together.

Let’s go!

Rep. Natasha Hill

State Representative, 3rd Legislative District

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