Dear friends and neighbors, 

As the 2026 legislative session comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the work we’ve done together and where we go from here. 

This was a challenging session. We entered it facing a budget shortfall, rising costs for working families, and increasing uncertainty driven by actions at the federal level. From inflation and tariffs impacting everyday expenses, to cuts to health care and food assistance, many Washingtonians are feeling real strain. At the same time, we saw growing concerns about federal overreach and its impacts on our communities. 

Despite these challenges, our focus remained clear: protect the good things, reject the harmful ones, and make progress wherever we could. 

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community and trust the systems meant to serve them. This session, we took steps to strengthen accountability, protect civil rights, and ensure transparency in law enforcement. 

We passed legislation to: 

• Increase protections for immigrant workers by requiring transparency around federal workplace audits and safeguarding employee rights 

• Prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing face-concealing masks while interacting with the public 

• Regulate the use of license plate reader data to protect privacy 

• Ban impersonation of law enforcement officers 

• Ensure consistent accountability standards across all levels of law enforcement leadership 

While we cannot control federal actions, we are committed to doing everything within our power to protect people here in Washington. 

One of the most significant steps we took this year was passing the Millionaires Tax, helping rebalance Washington’s regressive tax code. 

This policy affects fewer than 0.5% of taxpayers while generating critical funding for public services. It will: 

• Expand the Working Families Tax Credit 

• Provide meaningful tax relief for small businesses 

• Remove sales tax on essential items like diapers, over-the-counter medications, and hygiene products 

• Fund free school meals for all public school students 

This is about fairness: ensuring our tax system works better for working families. 

With limited resources, we took a balanced approach to the supplemental budget. Our priority was clear: protect essential services. 

We maintained funding for: 

• Food access 

• Housing and homelessness programs 

• Health care 

• K–12 education 

While some reductions were unavoidable, we focused on minimizing harm and continuing to support those who rely most on state services. 

I’m proud to share that we secured funding for a wide range of local projects that will directly benefit our 1st LD community: 

• School-Based Health and Behavioral Health Clinics – Community Health Center of Snohomish County (Lynnwood High School) 

• Northshore Senior Center Battery Storage Project 

• Brier Park Bathroom Rebuild 

• Lake Forest Park – Lakefront Park improvements 

• Woodcrest Neighborhood Utility Improvement Project 

• Burke-Gilman Trail ADA Accessibility improvements 

• Kirkland Green Loop Trail 

• Emergency Operations Center Backup Battery 

• Ashley House Woodinville Renovation 

• Bastyr University Healing Village 

• Cascadia College Gateway Building 

• Waynita Creek Restoration 

• Lakefront Park Development (Aquatic Lands Enhancement) 

• UW Bothell Asset Preservation (Minor Works) 

These investments support everything from public health and environmental restoration to infrastructure, education, and community spaces: helping our district thrive now and into the future. 

Even though the legislative session has ended, the work continues and staying connected with our community is a critical part of that. 

Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations across the district: 

Because this is an election year, there are restrictions under the state’s Ethics in Public Service Act that limit how legislators can communicate using official channels. 

As a result, my office will not be sending updates through official legislative communications until after the election is certified. 

That said, I remain fully committed to serving you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions, concerns, or ideas. Hearing from you is essential to this work, and I value the opportunity to stay connected. 

Thank you for the trust you place in me to represent our community. It is an honor to serve you. 

Sincerely,