Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Thank you to everyone who joined recent town halls, meetings, and community events. Hearing directly from you helps guide the work I do in Olympia — and your priorities continue to shape the decisions we’re making during this legislative session.
I enjoyed engaging with folks who joined my town hall this past weekend in DuPont! I am so grateful you took time to be part of a thoughtful conversation about what matters most to our 28th District.
I also appreciated hearing your priorities on affordability, housing, education, public safety, federal actions, and protecting critical services. I am especially thankful for the local perspective and community updates we were able to share together.
Whether you asked a question, listened in, or introduced yourself afterward, thank you. Your input helps guide my work in Olympia and reminds me that the best policy starts with listening to the people we serve.
| If you could not attend, please reach out anytime. My office is here to help, and I want to hear from you. It is an honor to represent the 28th.
Shout out to special guests DuPont Mayor Ron Frederick, Deputy Mayor Mike Winkler, and Police Chief Bryan Moore for moderating and presenting. It’s my highest honor to serve the beautiful 28th! |
Onward in Olympia
Over the past week, the House released three major budget proposals: Operating, Capital, and Transportation. These proposals reflect our shared goals of affordability, safe communities, strong schools, and reliable infrastructure.
Transportation investments that matter to the 28th
The House transportation budget focuses on:
- Preserving and maintaining roads and bridges
- Over $500,000 for Tacoma-area HOV and I-5 improvements
- More than $250,000 for JBLM HOV improvements
- $11 million for SR 7 improvements which addresses pedestrian and community safety
- Improving ferry safety and experience
- Fully funding the Youth Ride Free on County Ferries program
- Improvements to the ferry landings at Anderson Island and Steilacoom
- Supporting workforce and community-based initiatives
- Funding for the Puyallup Avenue Transit/Complete Streets improvements
- Providing resources for rail improvements
- Fully funding the Youth Ride Free on Amtrak program
- Investing significant funding in efforts for rail expansion and on time performance
These investments help keep our region connected while supporting long-term economic growth.
Behavioral Health is Health Care
I was honored to present my resolution making it a statewide priority and highlighting the real challenges building trades workers face. Proud to partner with labor and community advocates to expand access, strengthen our workforce pipeline, and make sure no one falls through the cracks when they reach out for help.
I was also excited to speak at the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council’s rally at the Capitol (broken arm and all).
Keeping Up with Constituents
Meeting with folks from my district and around the state is vital to the work I do here. The following are just some of the amazing groups I have been able to visit with so far this session:
It was great to meet with Pierce County’s early learning leaders, who do extraordinary work to make sure children and families are set up for success from day one. Thanks for the conversation and for all you do for our community.
It was a real treat to host the Pacific Northwest Scouting leaders at the Capitol this session, representing Scout troops across our region, including right here in Washington and in the 28th District. Thanks for sharing the opening prayer and for the work you do to support young people across our communities.
Scouting gives kids and teens so much more than outdoor skills. It builds confidence, friendships, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to service. Our local troops show up for their neighbors again and again, and I’m grateful for the mentors and volunteers who make those opportunities possible.
Thanks for visiting Olympia and for everything you do for our youth and our communities.
| Before session, I joined early learning workers, business owners, and advocates for a powerful conversation focused on our littlest learners.
We talked about what it takes to set kids up for success, support early educators, and help families find and afford quality care. Early learning is workforce, education, and economic policy all at once, and we have work to do. I’m grateful for everyone who came together to share solutions. I’m bringing those priorities with me to Olympia. |
Legislation I’m Working On
Here’s a quick update on some of the bills and resolutions I’ve been advancing this session:
SHB 2428 — Life insurance policy protections This bill helps protect families by addressing life insurance policy lapses and ensuring clearer safeguards for policyholders, so people don’t unexpectedly lose coverage when they need it most and enhances consumer protection.
HB 2309 — Reducing barriers to state employment by eliminating unnecessary postgraduate degree requirements This bill establishes that the state’s comprehensive classification plan must not require a postgraduate college degree as the only way to demonstrate qualifications for a job position, unless that degree is required by law for that work.
HR 4677 — Recognizing construction worker health and safety I was proud to offer a House resolution highlighting the importance of protecting the health and safety of construction workers who help build and maintain the infrastructure our communities rely on.
ESHB 1717 — Affordable housing tools Housing affordability continues to be a top concern across our district. This legislation helps expand local options to support housing development and create more attainable homes for Washington families.
SHB 2088 — Dietitian Licensure Compact This bill makes it easier for licensed dietitians to practice across state lines, helping address healthcare workforce shortages and improving access to nutrition care — especially in underserved areas.
HR 4686 — Honoring Robert Steven Masko I was honored to support this resolution recognizing Rob Masko and his contributions to our community. Mr. Masko was a dedicated public servant in the 28th.
HB 2470 — Providing school construction assistance program facilities support for on-base schools. This bill will benefit Clover Park School District and help our military children have quality facilities in which to learn.
HB 1169 — Concerning sexually explicit depictions of children and ensuring folks are held accountable and loopholes for prosecution and expands offenses relating to minors.
Stay in touch
As we move deeper into budget negotiations and policy decisions, I’ll keep sharing updates about how this work impacts the 28th Legislative District.
Thank you for trusting me to represent you — it’s my highest privilege to serve our community.
Warmly,
Rep. Mari Leavitt
28th Legislative District