Dear Friends and Neighbors,
On Monday, January 13th, we kicked off the 2025-26 legislative session. At nearly two weeks into this process, we are busy hearing and debating bills. I am excited to share my priorities with you, as well as how to participate in the legislative process.
My priorities
I am proud to sit on the Rules, Appropriations, Capital Budget, and Post Secondary Education & Workforce committees, and to serve as co-chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans’ & Military Affairs.
This year, I’m laser-focused on addressing the challenges that matter most to the 28th. My session priorities include:
Public Safety: Ensuring safer communities for everyone.
Housing & Homelessness: Promoting affordable housing solutions, increasing housing supply, and supporting those without shelter.
Living Expenses: Working to ease the financial burden for hardworking families and retirees.
Behavioral Health: Strengthening mental health and substance use recovery services to help individuals and families thrive.
Education: From early learning, to supporting teachers to improving resources for students, to access to strong and robust postsecondary education and training opportunities, education remains at the heart of our work this session.
Your voice is critical in shaping these priorities. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to participate in the legislative process. Please reach out to my office to share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences. We want to hear from you. You can click the image below to see all the ways you can testify during a committee hearing.
Bill highlight: Keeping Our Washington National Guard Strong Act
Washington is home to more than 8,000 citizen soldiers and airmen in the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard who are ready to jump into action when called upon during natural disasters and other domestic emergencies. As recently as last week, dozens of Washington firefighters were dispatched to California to help fight and manage the devastation left by unprecedented wildfires. Nothing underscores the need to retain talented and experienced National Guardsmen in our state than disaster preparedness. That’s why I’m proud to sponsor HB 1073, which passed out of committee unanimously, that will establish a retention program for the Washington National Guard. This will ensure the Guard has what it needs to encourage members, many of whom are part-time, to extend their service and make sure Washington is always prepared for the unthinkable. I look forward to keeping you updated as this bill progresses.
The 28th LD represents!
Finally, I want to shout out some outstanding constituents who joined us for our opening ceremonies during the first week of session.
I had the honor of hearing Mr. Cornelius Winesberry, a veteran and former firefighter, perform a stunning rendition of the national anthem. His voice filled the room with pride and inspiration, reminding us of the strength and unity of our neighborhoods in Washington State.
The incredible Steilacoom HS Chamber Choir, under the direction of the talented Kasey Eck, also had the honor of performing the National Anthem before Governor-elect Ferguson’s inaugural address to a Joint Session of the Legislature.
How amazing it was that everyone in our Legislature, and people who were watching all over the state, got a little taste of the immense talent and joy I know exists in our district. We were represented very well!
I look forward to updating you as the session moves.
It’s an honor to serve the beautiful 28th!
Rep. Mari Leavitt