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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Last week was the deadline for bills to pass out of their house of origin. Those that stalled are “dead,” or at least tabled until the beginning of the 2026 session next January. House bills that made it through this process are now in the Senate for further consideration, and, if passed by that chamber, will reach the governor’s desk.
The House is making progress on crafting budgets in the face of a significant shortfall in revenue. My goal is a budget that preserves essential services for the people of Washington. One that sustains our K-12 schools, as well as career and technical colleges and universities. We must also care for seniors and those with behavioral health issues or disabilities, and ensure communities are safe places to live, work, and raise our families.
With a significant revenue shortfall this year, we will have to raise revenue to avoid deep cuts. As a member of the House Finance Committee, I’ll continue the work on fair and progressive solutions that ensure the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share. We cannot balance the budget on the backs of workers.
BILLS IN THE SENATE
As chair of the House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee, I have not introduced as many pieces of legislation as I would have before taking on bigger responsibilities. Of those I did introduce this year, three passed the House, while the others will have a second chance next year. I’m grateful for this success:
- House Bill 1209 prohibits the sale of sodium nitrite in dangerous concentrations. This chemical, which has legitimate uses at very small concentrations, can and does kill when ingested at high concentrations accidentally or, sadly, on purpose. A number of young people in our state have ordered sodium nitrite online and used it to take their own lives. Under my bill legitimate business users can still obtain sodium nitrite, but it will be otherwise unavailable at concentrations larger than 10 percent. To watch my floor remarks and read my press release, go here.
- HB 1759 declares the 12th day of the 12th month – in other words, December 12 – to be Day of the 12s here in the Seahawk State. This is really a way to celebrate and honor the fans who love rooting for the home team and who are so loud that they have a name and number of their own. We are at our best when we’re a team. There’s no prerequisite to being a 12. You don’t have to speak a certain language or have been born in a certain place. You just have to wear the blue and the green and be proud. Go here for my press release and floor remarks.
- On a more serious note, I introduced HB 1321 in response to very real threats from other state governors. This bill establishes gubernatorial authority to prevent a military force from another state from entering our state for military or law-enforcement purposes. It might sound like a scenario from a post-apocalyptic movie, but it is a real possibility. This bill does not impact emergency management or military readiness in our state. It simply allows us to determine who can send their military and for what purpose. I don’t question the right of other states to enact laws that the great majority of Washingtonians disagree with, but they need to stay within their own jurisdictions to enforce them. Read my press release and watch my floor remarks here.
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LATINO LEGISLATIVE DAY
On Monday, March 10, we celebrated the 20th Latino Legislative Day at the Capitol. We had a Mariachi band and colorful dancers, and several of my colleagues and I got to say a few words. Seeing so many young people making their way to Olympia from different parts of the state fills me with excitement and hope for the future. It was a great, fun-filled event where stories and gestures of solidarity were shared.
Jaime Mendez News covered the event, you can watch the report here. And you can also read this story in the Olympian.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
This month we are celebrating and honoring the trailblazing women who have shaped history and continue to break barriers! This year’s theme for Women’s History Month is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” Let’s move forward together to continue paving the way for our daughters.
In Washington, more women than ever before are serving in the Legislature, and more than half of the House Democratic Caucus are women!
Here’s a roundup of bills introduced this year by women for women:
- Contraceptive coverage: HB 1090
- IUD pain control options: HB 1077
- Health plan coverage of fertility-related services: HB 1129
- Removal of pregnancy exclusion from advance health directives: HB 1215
- Cost sharing for maternity services: HB 1291
- Sales tax exemption for children’s diapers: HB 1318
- Dignity in pregnancy loss: HB 1333
- Access at public higher ed institutions to medication abortion: HB 1677
- Chemicals in personal hygiene products: HB 2008
Some of these bills went to the Senate and the ones that didn’t move will be automatically reintroduced next session.
GREEN TEA WITH REP. DOGLIO
I shared a cup of green tea with Rep. Beth Doglio (22nd Legislative District) during a floor break last week. We talked about how my Cumulative Risk Burden (CURB) Pollution Act bill can help protect overburdened communities and why environmental justice must be at the center of our policy decisions. You can read more about this bill in my previous newsletter. While this legislation did not pass the House this time around, I will continue working on this issue during the interim.
WASHINGTON BY THE NUMBERS
Ever wonder how our state compares to other states in this great nation? Or maybe you’d like to know how many wineries, breweries and craft distilleries we have? How about what our largest exporting goods are? Wonder no more! The Department of Commerce has done the legwork for us and, in its Choose Washington website, has a page adequately named Washington by the Numbers.
KEEP IN TOUCH
I thank you for reading my electronic updates and hope you find them informative. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with your feedback and concerns.
Sincerely,
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