Dear friends and neighbors,
We are almost halfway through the 2025 Legislative Session! The biggest issue before the Legislature is the state budget. You may have heard or read about Washington’s $12 billion budget shortfall and seen various numbers and cuts floating around. Below are details on what you may be hearing.
|
|
BUDGET
House Democrats launched a new website this week called WA Budget Cuts.
 |
This website highlights the budget cuts included in the governor’s “Book 1” budget. For context, the Governor’s Office releases two budgets: Book 1 and Book 2. Since a majority of state dollars are already reserved under our state constitution for programs such as K-12 funding, all other priorities are funded using the leftover dollars and any revenue the state brings in. Book 2 is reflective of the governor’s proposals assuming we have new revenue. This can be described as the governor’s goal budget outlining his funding priorities. Alternatively, Book 1 reflects a budget plan based on actual money in the bank and doesn’t account for revenue that is anticipated to come in. In short, Book 1 is a realistic, worst-case scenario outlook highlighting an all-cuts budget using only the money that is leftover after funding constitutionally reserved programs. When we have no revenue coming into the state, what is left are various priorities that would have spending reduced. For example:
- Eliminating essential services like adult dental care, kidney dialysis, and family planning or abortion services for Medicaid recipients.
- Deep cuts to state colleges and universities, weakening our ability to train the workforce needed to keep Washington’s economy strong.
- Significant reductions in services for seniors and people with developmental disabilities.
- Severe cuts to human services and early learning programs, including the elimination of some programs and major reductions in others.
- Major cuts to behavioral health services and corrections.
As a member of the House Finance Committee, I am working with my colleagues to explore revenue options. We need to raise money by asking wealthy individuals to pay their fair share to fill some of the gap. Even so, some cuts will likely be required.
Please reach out to me here if you want to talk more about the budget.
|
|
BILL HIGHLIGHTS
I am proud to bring forward legislative proposals that help working people and families. Read on to learn more about some of the bills I introduced this year.
HB 1764: Raising the Minimum Wage and Guaranteeing Paid Leave – Too many people are working long hours and still can’t keep up with the cost of living. No one should have to work multiple jobs just to meet their basic needs, which is why I sponsored HB 1764. My legislation would have established a new minimum wage schedule that would increase from $17.50 in 2026 to $25.00 by 2032. Additionally, it would require employers to provide paid vacation and bereavement leave, because I strongly believe that people deserve to have a healthy work-life balance and should never have to choose between properly grieving the loss of a loved one and paying their bills. While my bill didn’t advance this year, please know that I will continue working on it next year. |
.
HB 1903: Statewide Low-Income Energy Assistance – It’s clear that the majority of Washingtonians are struggling to afford basic necessities. The cost of living continues to climb, forcing many struggling families to make difficult decisions between paying their utility bill or medical expenses, groceries and rent. In 2023, I passed a bill directing the Department of Commerce to produce a report highlighting the urgent need for a centralized energy assistance program. HB 1903 is the result of that 2023 study. My bill creates a statewide program to provide financial relief to low-income residents facing escalating energy costs. By addressing the widening disparities in household access to energy assistance programs, this legislation will allow eligible households to apply directly for assistance, which will reduce barriers to access. |
.
HB 1303: The CURB Act – Everyone deserves to breathe clean air and drink clean water. Unfortunately, this is not the reality for many neighborhoods in our state, and communities of color often carry the greatest burden as many live in areas surrounded by major industries, highways, or airports. Breathing unhealthy air on a daily basis can cause serious health issues, exacerbate pre-existing conditions, and contribute to a reduced life expectancy. The Cumulative Risk Burden Pollution (CURB) Act requires government agencies to conduct an environmental justice review for all new project proposals to look at the impacts on people that the incoming project would cause. When a review finds that pollution would be increased at a substantial rate, it requires said businesses to mitigate their impacts in communities that are already overburdened by air pollution. I discuss this bill in my latest video update: |
 |
|
|
WORKING FAMILIES TAX CREDIT
- Do you have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number?
- Did you live in Washington for at least 183 days in 2024?
- Are you between 25 and 65 years old or do you have a qualifying child?
- Did you file a federal tax return for 2024?
If your answers are YES, you may qualify to receive the Washington Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC)!
 |
Since it was first launched, in 2023, the WFTC has provided over 359,000 refunds totaling more than $263.4 million. This is real money that can make a real difference for many working families across our state.
|
|
TVW LEGISLATOR PROFILES
TVW has a tradition to film short videos of legislators at the start of each biennium. Here’s the one we shot the first week of session:
 |
|
|
Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter, I hope you found it to be informative!
Please don’t hesitate to call my office or send me an email with your feedback.
Sincerely,
 |
 |