In 2025, I continue to invest in the “Heal One Washington” foundation and remain committed to identifying key policies, regulations, and fiscal strategies that will enhance our efforts. I am working across local, tribal, state, and federal levels to shape a brighter future for all Washingtonians seeking a better life for themselves, their families, and their friends. 

I take pride in the substantial investments made in the past two years, particularly the allocation in 2024 of over $50 million and a second request for a similar amount in 2025 toward substance use disorder (SUD) centers serving all Washingtonians. Moving forward, I will continue to advocate for the investment of State Opioid Settlement funds into Tribal SUD Centers. These facilities provide crucial recovery support and have shown effective results in helping all patients navigate their recovery journeys. 

The opioid crisis, particularly the rise of fentanyl, has significantly impacted Washington State, leading to a sharp increase in overdose deaths. Fentanyl, being far more potent than other opioids, has led to a surge in accidental overdoses, especially from counterfeit pills laced with the substance. In response, Washington, through multi-agency collaborations, is strengthening its commitment with local, tribal, and federal governments. The WA State Health Care Authority is leading the effort with a comprehensive plan and shared goals across sister agencies. As a legislator, I am committed to expanding programs such as increased access to treatment services, naloxone distribution, and education campaigns to mitigate this epidemic. 

The achievements of tribal recovery centers are noteworthy, demonstrating lower relapse rates compared to traditional recovery facilities. My 2025 legislative proposal ensures that federal distributions for non-Native individuals receiving services at tribal centers are reimbursed at 100% to the tribes. Since 1998, the State has not followed the federal mandate to transfer the entire federal Medicaid reimbursement, and this legislative action aims to bring the state into compliance and fully fund the tribes for SUD medical services. Tribal SUD services are truly “Healing One Washington.” Two noteworthy tribal SUD centers are the Swinomish-operated Didgwalic Wellness Center in the 40th District, which has provided over 4 million services to Washingtonians, and the Healing Lodge of Seven Nations, a tribal consortium owned by Eastern Washington Tribes including the Colville, Spokane, Kalispel, Yakama, and Nez Perce Tribes. Located in Spokane, the Healing Lodge has helped thousands of Washington youth through culturally sensitive recovery strategies. Their plan works.

The Washington State Legislative Housing Committee is focused on tackling the homelessness crisis through a comprehensive approach that prioritizes accessibility and affordability, ensuring all residents have equitable access to safe and suitable housing. With rising housing costs, a lack of affordable options, and insufficient living-wage jobs contributing to homelessness, urgent action is needed. 

One major issue in the housing crisis is supply. House Bill 1195 aims to increase access to essential housing solutions by prohibiting cities and counties from denying permits for permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and indoor emergency shelter (STEP housing) within most urban growth areas. It mandates an administrative review process for project permit applications and requires the Department of Commerce to mediate disputes between local governments and housing developers. If disputes persist, Commerce can issue a finding of noncompliance to ensure housing development moves forward. 

House Bill 1899 modifies Washington’s homeless census and Point-in-Time Count requirements, eliminating the annual census mandate. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires communities to collect data on homelessness through the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, estimating both sheltered and unsheltered individuals. The Department of Commerce will now conduct this census in alignment with HUD guidelines to improve accuracy. Additionally, outdated mandates requiring Commerce to implement an online referral system and continuous case management have been removed, streamlining processes and enhancing the state’s response to homelessness. 

In Washington State, the previous requirement for an annual homeless census has been removed. Now, the Department of Commerce will conduct the census on a schedule aligned with HUD guidelines, focusing on accurately counting individuals experiencing homelessness. This resolution aims to enhance data collection efforts while ensuring compliance with HUD standards and the Washington Homeless Client Management Information System. 

Additionally, outdated mandates requiring Commerce to implement an online information and referral system and develop capacity for continuous case management have been eliminated. These changes streamline processes and improve the state’s response to homelessness, allowing for more effective strategies to address this pressing issue. 

Legislative action in Washington State is urgently needed to address pre-authorization requirements for healthcare insurance and Medicaid services. These processes often create delays in patient care, hindering timely access to necessary treatments and medications, which can lead to worsened health outcomes. Additionally, pre-authorization imposes a significant administrative burden on healthcare providers, diverting their focus away from patient care. The lack of transparency and variability in protocols can create confusion and unequal access, particularly for vulnerable populations. By streamlining these requirements through legislation, we can foster a more equitable and efficient healthcare system that prioritizes patient needs and improves health outcomes 

House Bill 1566 aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the prior authorization determination process for healthcare services. This legislation modifies several key requirements related to the notification and reporting of prior authorization determinations.  

Key provisions of the bill include improvements in how determination notifications are communicated to patients and providers, ensuring that all relevant information is clear and accessible. The bill also addresses retrospective denials, requiring clearer guidelines around the circumstances under which a previously approved service may be denied after the fact. 

Furthermore, House Bill 1566 introduces regulations regarding policy changes in the prior authorization process, ensuring that any adjustments are well-documented and communicated appropriately. Notably, the bill allows for the incorporation of artificial intelligence in the prior authorization process, aiming to streamline decision-making while maintaining accuracy and fairness. 

This legislation applies to private health insurance, the Public Employee Benefit Board, the School Employee Benefit Board health programs, and Medicaid programs. By fostering greater transparency and accountability, House Bill 1566 seeks to improve patient access to necessary healthcare services and reduce administrative burdens on healthcare providers. 

House Bill 1187 addresses concerns regarding delayed ambulance bills for patients involved in motor vehicle accidents in Washington State. This legislation prohibits ambulance services from selling or assigning medical debt to collection agencies until 120 days after an initial billing statement is sent to the patient or responsible party. This protection extends to all motor vehicle accidents, including incidents where pedestrians or bicyclists are injured. 

The bill ensures that patients have sufficient time to navigate their insurance claims and financial responsibilities without the immediate threat of collections. If the Commissioner suspects that an ambulance service has consistently violated these billing and notification provisions, they can refer the matter to the Department of Health (DOH) for further action. Before escalating to the DOH, the Commissioner may allow the ambulance service a chance to resolve the alleged violations. 

If a pattern of unresolved violations is found, the DOH has the authority to impose fines or take other corrective actions as necessary. After reviewing any potential violations, the DOH must report the findings back to the Commissioner, thus promoting accountability within ambulance services while protecting patients from undue financial pressure following a traumatic event. 

The 2025 Legislative Appropriations Committee, one of three key fiscal committees, convened last week to vote on bills affecting the state budget. This committee’s primary responsibility is to make critical fiscal decisions regarding the operations and management of the state budget. The House Appropriations Committee considers the operating budget bill and related legislation, budget processes, and fiscal issues, including pension policy and compensation. It also evaluates bills that have fiscal impacts on the operating budget. The Legislative Fiscal Committees collaborates with the Governor’s Office of Fiscal Management, and the legislative and executive branches coordinate together. Each of the Governor’s Agencies make recommendations to the Governor’s Office, and both branches engage with Agencies in their role of technical experts. One of the first actions taken by the Legislature was to adopt the 2024 Governor’s Budget, which is the only budget formally introduced to the Legislature. As previously highlighted in last week’s Fantastic Friday update, the Governor’s Budget serves as the foundation for budget discussions, guiding the decision-making process for the state’s legislative budget and shaping future operating priorities.  The new Governor outlines their budget priorities for the Legislature and works with lawmakers to identify fiscal options. Last week, Governor Ferguson presented his budget priorities to the Legislature. The Legislative Fiscal Committee Chairs, along with Senate and House leadership, will coordinate with the Governor and their agency directors. After 12 years under the outgoing Governor’s leadership, the transition to a new administration comes as the Legislature prepares to address two budgets. 

In my fourth year serving on the Appropriations Committee, I join 38 members in making difficult decisions impacting thousands of citizens, families, and communities. Our district’s local governments, tribal organizations, businesses, and industries must collaborate now more than ever. 

After seven years of dedicated effort, I remain committed to shaping the future of early childhood programs. In 2024, the Legislature passed a bill focused on the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), a no-cost preschool initiative administered by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. One of the hardest votes in the 2025 Appropriations Committee was delaying the implementation of this law. House Bill 1489 postpones ECEAP’s entitlement from the 2026-27 school year to the 2030-31 school year, but our commitment to early childhood education remains unwavering.  

The Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Program, administered by the Employment Security Department (ESD), provides partial wage replacement benefits to employees taking leave for specific family and medical reasons. Funded through premiums from employers and employees, eligible workers with at least 820 hours of work in a qualifying year can access up to 12 weeks of paid family or medical leave, or 16 to 18 weeks of combined leave, receiving up to 90 percent of their wages, subject to a maximum of $1,542 in 2025. Employers with 50 or more employees must restore eligible employees to equivalent positions upon their return from leave. The program also ensures that health care coverage is maintained during the leave period. Overall, PFML supports employee well-being while providing job protection and financial stability during critical times.

I continue to be invested in families, and this is why I continue to support PFML and ESD, by voting yes on House Bill 1213. The new bill enhances these benefits by reducing the minimum claim period for leave to four hours, expanding employment protection to all employers, and requiring health care coverage maintenance during leave, ultimately improving support for Washington families. 

Expanding the implementation dates of the law presents challenges, creating uncertainty in delivering essential services to families in need. However, I know that patience will be crucial for our district as we navigate these changes. It is essential to rely on our community to lean into one another and support those facing early childcare needs. By collaborating, we can overcome obstacles and ensure every child has access to the quality care and education they deserve. Together, we can build a brighter future for our youngest learners. The passing of House Bill 1489 is a reflection of the decisions that I am taking across all of my policy work this year.  My focus of legislation ensured that I did not create additional fiscal obligation for new programs and new funding sources, but rather I leaned into laws that needed to be sharpened and/or amended to address today’s governmental needs for WA State.  In Committee we moved several bills that focused on no new money, but rather holding the baseline of absolute necessity to save lives and have a place to call home in a safe community.   

The deadline for obtaining your REAL ID for air travel is fast approaching – May 7, 2025. After this date you will need a REAL ID or another approved form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. If you haven’t already, make sure to visit your local DMV to apply for REAL ID. There are other acceptable forms of identification that can be used as well, including a valid passport.

Here are some links with more information: 

• Washington DOL REAL ID Website: https://realidwa.com/ 

• Department of Homeland Security Site: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id 

• WA DOL Locations: https://fortress.wa.gov/dol/dolprod/dsdoffices/