Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Floor action is heating up this session! We are voting on House Bills this week and next that will be sent to the Senate for their votes; and we will be getting Senate bills in the House to vote on soon. Remember you can watch live or catch a recap daily at TVW.

Happy Women’s History Month!

I’m proud to serve as your representative in a woman-majority caucus and work alongside so many incredible women who inspire me daily! As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the trailblazing women who have shaped our nation and our communities. From activists and scientists to educators and leaders, women have been at the forefront of progress, fighting for equality and justice.

Sponsored Bills: Our First Bills Voted out of the House!

🔹 Public Works Bidding Sub Contractor Bidding (HB 1633)  

This bill cosponsored by Representative Kevin Waters had bipartisan support and was unanimously passed from the House Floor on March 5. This is our first bill to be voted off the house floor!

This bill amends RCW 39.30.060 to a ensure a transparent and competitive bidding process, particularly in large-scale public works projects, while minimizing discriminatory practices and promoting fair competition. This will help prevent bid shopping and protect responsible subcontractors. It also will remove an outdated directive to the capital projects advisory review board to prepare a report.

“When we build something here in Washington, it should be done right. This bill will ensure that happens. No one should be able to cut corners and hire unlicensed and unbonded subcontractors to do work like plumbing, HVAC, electrical, rebar, structural steel – the foundation of most of what we build.”  Natasha Hill

🔹 Service of Process (HB 1361) 

This bill was requested by the Secretary of State’s Office and co-sponsored by Representative Taylor. It passed unanimously passed in the House on March 5.

Washington’s service of process laws should be clear, consistent, and easy to follow. This bill updates service requirements for business entities, resolving conflicts in RCW 23.95 and RCW 4.28 to remove confusion and ensure alignment with state law. Additionally, it reorganizes the dense section on service for out-of-state motorists, making it clearer and easier to understand and ensures that these requirements apply equally to both self-represented individuals and those with legal counsel.

Bills Still on Deck!

🔹 Expanding Affordable Homeownership (HB 1516) – Finding Solutions for Permanent Affordability

Too many families are priced out of homeownership, and we need creative solutions to make housing permanently affordable. This bill commissions a study on insurance coverage options for permanently affordable homeownership units, helping us build a future where more Washingtonians can put down roots.

🔹 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.

Our Legislative Focus: FIXING WASHINGTON’S TAX CODE

Washington state has the second worst tax code in the nation!

Washington has led the Northwest in so many areas, from education and fair labor practices to environmental and civil rights protections. However, when it comes to our tax system, we are way behind! Washington’s budget deficit is directly related to its outdated tax code.

Washington even lags behind our neighbor states, Idaho and Oregon. Both Idaho and Oregon have a higher overall tax rate, each has a state income tax and Oregon has no sales tax. If we had Idaho or Oregon’s tax rate, we would not be in a deficit.

Washington cannot be left behind and must do better – Now!

We need an economy where all Washingtonians gain, not just the wealthiest few. 

Watch my video on this here! 

How did we get here?  

Washington’s tax system simply has not kept up with the growth and needs of its residents. We do not have a state income tax, so we have had to handcraft a tax code with varying tax rates for different types of property.

This means that even though Washington has produced more millionaires and billionaires than any other state in the Northwest, we’ve lost out on investments we as Washingtonians deserve by not having a fair and responsible tax code. This is unacceptable!

What can we do? 

By updating our tax code to treat intangible property (think stocks) like tangible property (think houses), we can reduce tax burdens on individuals and small and mid-size businesses. We will also see more gains by more folks in Washington, as our state’s wealth will be accessible by more Washingtonians. If we had Idaho or Oregon’s tax rate, for example, we’d be in a surplus, not a deficit.

To fix our tax code and catch up with the rest of our region – we need YOUR support to raise revenue!

Realities of “No New Revenue”: DEEP CUTS TO CRITICAL SERVICES

For those considering an all-cuts, no-revenue approach, we must look at what that means: catastrophic cuts to healthcare, childcare, education, public safety. These aren’t just numbers on a page—these are programs that keep families and individuals afloat and cuts will result in real harm to real people across our state.

Legislative Black Caucus: Holding Commitments to Equity and Justice

I am proud to bring voices from Spokane and eastern WA to our Legislative Black Caucus (LBC) and ensure we are not left out of these equity and justice conversations and priorities. Our LBC has identified 3 top priorities this session, in addition to the priorities of our Democratic Caucus:

1. Community Reinvestment Fund

Investing directly in communities of color that have been historically excluded and marginalized (black, native, latino, asian) is a cornerstone of our agenda. The proposed Community Reinvestment Fund aims to channel resources into areas such as education, healthcare and housing in communities of color. By prioritizing direct community investments, we seek to rectify discrimination, address disparities and promote economic justice.

2. Social Equity in Cannabis (HB 1551)

The LBC is committed to ensuring that Washington’s burgeoning cannabis industry benefits communities disproportionately affected by past drug policies. We’re advocating for reforms to the cannabis social equity program, aiming to provide greater support and opportunities for Black entrepreneurs and those from marginalized backgrounds. By addressing barriers to entry and ensuring equitable access to licenses and resources, we strive to create an inclusive industry that reflects our state’s diversity.

3. Reparations Study Budget Proviso

The LBC supports a budget proviso to fund a comprehensive study on reparations for Black Americans. Black Americans led the way in civil rights and understanding and addressing the historical injustices faced by Black communities is essential to righting past wrongs. This study will explore the long-term impacts of slavery and systemic discrimination in Washington State and recommend actionable steps toward restitution, repair and healing. Our LBC stands in solidarity with the Members of Color Caucus, advocating for policies that advance racial equity across all sectors. More below.

Our historic Members of Color Caucus (MOCC)

Members of Color Caucus: PRIORITY BILLS 2025

Diversity is growing in the WA State House! The Member of Color Caucus represents over 1/3 of the House of Representatives. That means, nothing about us – without us!

Our members of color are focused on building a fairer and more inclusive Washington for all people of color and have identified priority bills this session. Not all bills will make it to the floor for a vote, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be back in the future. Please reach out to your Representatives and Senator about bills you support or oppose!

Constituent Corner

Had the honor of hosting a visit from Asians for Collective Action! It’s inspiring to connect with passionate advocates working towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

In District Town Hall: March 22 – Save the Date!

Join Senator Riccelli, Representative Ormsby, and I for an in-person town hall meeting on March 22nd at 10:30 AM at Spokane Falls Community College. This will be an opportunity to discuss legislative updates, answer questions, and collaborate on solutions that benefit our district and beyond.

We hope to see you there! 

Habrá un intérprete de Español en el evento.

If you need an interpreter for ASL or any other language, please contact our office and we will get it scheduled.