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Dear friends and neighbors,
Last week marked the beginning of my third session in Olympia! We have a full agenda this year, and we hit the ground running. We have so much more work to do to address the high cost of living—from rent to groceries. This is my highest priority. We also must keep working to address the housing shortage, ensure community safety, support clean air and water, prepare a skilled workforce and, of course, balance our state budget.
Before I get into the details, I invite you to fill out this short survey to tell me your priorities. It’s my job to represent you so hearing from you is critical.
Opening Day Ceremonies
We kicked off the 2025 Session with opening day ceremonies; a time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished thus far and get energized for the work that lies ahead. This is the day when all the members of this legislative body take our oath of office. It’s a vow to uphold the constitution and serve our constituents to the best of our abilities.
What makes the first day truly special and memorable is the way we honor and celebrate the cultural diversity of our people. This year, we were proud to see tribal members on the rostrum leading us in prayer and song
It was also exciting to cast my vote for my colleague, Rep. Chris Stearns, from the 47th district, as our Speaker Pro Tempore.
In the history of our state, Rep. Stearns is one of a few Native Americans to ever serve in the Legislature. Rep. Stearns has a vast knowledge on tribal and gaming issues, and I’m honored to have him as Vice Chair in the State Government & Tribal Relations Committee. Click here for his remarks upon being sworn in.
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Watch my first Video Update of 2025
In this video update I talk about my experience so far as Chair of the State Government & Tribal Relations Committee, and I discuss two of my bills: the Fashion Act (HB 1107), and regulating the sale of sodium nitrite (HB 1209). Click here or on the image below to watch it.
For more information on the Fashion Act, read this January 14 story in the Washington State Standard.
For more information on the sodium nitrite bill, read/watch this January 17 story in KING5 TV.
Recognizing Election Day
Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of American democracy, and the right to vote is among our most fundamental privileges. Our state has a long history of protecting Washingtonians’ right to vote in elections, easing barriers to participation and combating attempts to suppress turnout. But we can do more to encourage voter turnout and civic engagement, so I introduced House Bill 1116, which designates Election Day as a legislatively recognized holiday. Click here or on the image below to watch a quick video to learn more about my legislation.
My Bills
So far I have introduced these seven bills below. To learn more, follow them through the process, or find out when they’re scheduled for hearings, you can access this information anytime HERE. This page is constantly updated, so make sure to check back to get the latest!
Get Involved!
Our government works best when the democratic process runs as intended: with everyone’s participation to ensure all voices are heard.
Whether you want to come to Olympia or stay home, we have options to watch and participate in committee hearings, contact your legislators, comment on a bill, or just learn more about what’s going on. Click here to review the many ways you can get involved in the lawmaking process.
Page Program
Applications are open for our Page Program!
Legislative pages are youth aged 14 – 16 who are sponsored by legislators and serve in Olympia for one week during the session.
They receive daily civics education, participate in mock committee hearings, and help conduct legislative business.
If you know any young people who may be interested, please click here for more information.
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I am here to represent you, and hearing from you on the issues you care about helps better inform my work in the Legislature, so please don’t forget to take my survey.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime and check out my legislative Facebook page.
I am honored to serve you and committed to working on your behalf.
Sincerely,
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