Dear friends and neighbors,
With less than 30 days left in the 2025 legislative session, things are moving fast in Olympia. I wanted to share where key legislation stands and how I’m working to protect our community’s values, grow opportunity, and ensure everyone has a voice in our state’s future. I’m toiling long hours until the very end to ensure I finish this session strong on behalf of the 28th.
Budget Work: Investing in people, not cuts
Our top priority is making sure Washingtonians have access to food, shelter, and health care. When we talk about raising revenue, it’s because it’s essential to protect lives and meet basic needs.
As your representative, I’m fighting to make sure we protect critical services—like health care, education, and public safety—without burdening working families or small businesses. That means tough choices, but I believe we can balance the budget the way you do at home: responsibly and with care for others.
Did you know Washington’s budget is really three separate budgets? Operating, transportation, and capital. We’re now deep in negotiations to finalize them all. The goals: Minimize harm, maximize potential, and put people first. Learn more about the impact of our state’s budget at wabudgetcuts.com.
Budget Spotlight: Postsecondary education & workforce
I’m sure you’ve heard about Washington’s budget challenge, and you may have seen recent news reporting about the various proposals for solving it.
One of those areas is in the higher education arena, and the original proposal would mean a potential $1.1 billion cut to our state’s postsecondary education institutions and system at a time we need trained workers the most. These include pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, community and technical colleges, and our strong public universities. It also includes one of the country’s strongest college grant programs. A dramatic cut would impact our ability to train the workers of today and tomorrow. This would mean fewer programs available for students to choose from, and a drastic reduction in the critical support services that are effective to retain our students to completion. Businesses are clamoring for these prepared workers and I’m fighting hard to ensure we keep this system on behalf of students, their families, and our economy strong.
Here is a great article that features the WA College Grant program. It’s worth the read! I chose to focus on our efforts to improve college experiences in Washington and the Grant in this week’s video.
Bills update
Below, find highlights about some of the bills I’ve worked on this session and their status:
- Maintenance and repair of vital transportation systems
When the backup and main ferries serving Anderson Island both went down in early 2023, it highlighted just how critical reliable maintenance is to keeping our local ferry systems running. HB 1054 gives counties like Pierce the flexibility to enter long-term contracts—up to 10 years—for ferry maintenance and repairs. That means fewer disruptions, better deals for taxpayers, and safer, more reliable service for our island communities. This is a practical, bipartisan fix to help our county-run ferries compete for limited dry dock space and ensure families aren’t left stranded. It passed both the House and Senate with strong bipartisan support.
- Bolstering community safety
Keeping our communities safe is always my top priority. SHB 1133 strengthens the tools prosecutors and the Attorney General need to determine whether someone meets the criteria to be civilly committed as a sexually violent predator. It also ensures that individuals under less restrictive alternatives don’t earn early release credits that could put public safety at risk. This bill is about improving access to critical information, protecting survivors, and making sure decisions are based on the most complete and accurate facts available. It was passed unanimously by both the House and Senate.
- Strengthening Washington’s workforce
HB 1114 brings Washington one step closer to joining the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, helping us address workforce shortages and expand access to critical care. This bill makes it easier for licensed respiratory therapists to practice across state lines, supporting timely, high-quality patient care—especially in underserved communities. It also supports our military families by giving service members and their spouses the flexibility to continue their careers when they move. This is about breaking down barriers and strengthening our health care system when we need it most. It was passed unanimously in both the House and Senate.
- Emergency shelters for individuals and families with pets
No one should have to choose between their safety and their pet in a crisis. HB 1201 ensures emergency shelters include plans for co-sheltering people and pets. The bill passed the House and is now in the Senate waiting on a vote by the full body. Protecting our most vulnerable will always be a top concern. This bill is currently being considered by the Senate.
- Protecting health care workers
Violence against nurses and other health professionals is rising. HB 1162 requires hospitals and clinics to investigate incidents and update safety plans yearly. It passed the House with unanimous support and is moving through the Senate.
Key upcoming dates
April 8: Fiscal Committee Cutoff for opposite house bills. This is the last day to read in opposite house committee reports from House fiscal committees and Senate Ways & Means and Transportation committees.
April 16: Opposite House Cutoff. This marks the final day to consider opposite house bills, with certain exceptions.
Following these cutoffs, the Legislature will focus on finalizing and reconciling bills, particularly the state budgets, leading up to the session’s conclusion on April 27 (Sine Die).
Support for veterans and the National Guard
As the proud daughter of a veteran, I’m deeply committed to honoring those who serve and have served in our armed forces. I recently had the privilege of attending two powerful events that reflect the strength and sacrifice of our military community and their families.
At the mobilization ceremony for the Washington National Guard’s 262nd Cyber Operations Team, I was honored to hold the unit’s guidon as they prepared for deployment. It was a moving reminder of the vital role our Guard members play in protecting our nation, both at home and abroad.
I also had the opportunity to participate in the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Ceremony in DuPont, hosted by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. Hearing the stories of those who served—and witnessing their long-overdue recognition—was humbling. It’s our duty to ensure these heroes know their service is remembered and valued.
These moments, both in district, reinforce my commitment to advocating for service members, veterans, and their families every day.
REAL ID reminder: May 7
Starting May 7, you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to fly within the U.S. That includes:
- Enhanced driver’s license or ID
- Passport or passport card
- S. military or tribal ID
…and a few other accepted forms.
Flying soon? Make sure you’re ready.
👉 REAL ID Quiz | Video overview
What I heard at recent town halls
At recent town halls, many of you spoke up about a range of topics, including:
- Housing insecurity
- Cuts to Medicaid and veteran services
- The rising cost of living
- Education to include early learning programs including ECEAP
- Impacts on proposals for state employees working in various agencies
Your stories fuel my work. I’ll keep fighting at the state level to protect our values and support those hit hardest by federal instability. Thank you to those who took the time to come to either the in-person town hall or the telephone town hall! Look for information soon for the next gathering where I can listen and learn from you.
Stay in touch
Your feedback makes our legislation stronger. Please keep reaching out!
📬 Email: Mari.Leavitt@leg.wa.gov
📞 Phone: (360) 786-7890
🌐 Track bills and sign up for updates
I’ll be hosting a virtual coffee chat soon to recap the session and hear from you—stay tuned for date and time. Together, we’re building a stronger Washington.
As always, it’s my highest honor to serve the 28th and beyond. I’m grateful for the opportunity.
Warmly,
Rep. Mari Leavitt
Washington State House – 28th Legislative District