Dear neighbors,
I hope you have the chance to watch, comment, and participate in the issues we’re debating during the 2022 legislative session, which began on Monday, Jan. 10 and will last 60 days. It’s already moving along at a rapid pace and I continue to be so honored to serve you.
This is a quick update about priorities I’m working on and how you can get in touch with me.
Legislative priorities for 2022
I’m focused on the kitchen-table issues of people in the 28th District: workforce development for military families, housing security, consumer protection, public health and safety, and economic security.
Here are the bills I introduced and am pushing to get passed:
House Bill 1592, the Military Spouse Employment Act, creates several policies to help military spouses seeking employment. Military families sacrifice a lot to keep us safe, and we owe it to them to help them navigate change of station more easily. Among other things, this legislation speeds up the process for military spouses to get professional licenses when relocating to Washington.
House Bill 1642 makes college and professional training more affordable for WA National Guard members by expanding the Washington National Guard Post-Secondary Grant and increasing access to the program.
House Bill 1819 increases personal property tax exemptions, a key reform to help small businesses, the backbone of our neighborhoods. In a time when so many local businesses are struggling due to the covid pandemic, this is something tangible we can do to give them relief.
House Bill 1593 helps survivors to get away from their abusers without losing deposits or being stuck with other housing costs. The legislation is intended to help victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, stalking, or harassment.
House Bill 1601 helps vulnerable students meet their basic needs by providing students experiencing homelessness or foster care with housing programs and other critical services at all community and technical colleges.
House Bill 1620 helps keep the most vulnerable safe during extreme weather events.
House Bill 1650 protects people from unwanted commercial solicitation and guards against fraud.
House Bill 1751 is aimed at the problem of hazing on college campuses. It creates establishes prevention and educational and reporting requirements to address the problem and increase transparency and accountability.
House Bill 1758 is known as “Sam’s Law” and named after Sam Martinez, a student who died in a hazing incident at Washington State University. The bill strengthens penalties for hazing.
House Bill 1697 ensures privacy rights for Washington minors.
All these bills are in the process of receiving public hearings. I’ll keep you updated on their status, along with other bills of interest to the people, businesses, and neighborhoods of the 28th District.
To learn all the ways you can participate, visit this non-partisan guide to remote session.
Hearing from you
I always appreciate hearing directly from you.
Please contact me with your stories, questions, or ideas!
