NINE DAYS LEFT AND SO MUCH TO REPORT!

Dear friends and neighbors,

We are quickly approaching the finish line. From now until the end of session, we will be spending all our time briefing and passing bills. Budget writers from both chambers are leading budget negotiations and will propose a package to each of our caucuses. It is a tough road full of difficult choices and we’ll have to iron out any differences until we agree on a unified version to send to the Governor.

OUR BUDGET PUTS PEOPLE FIRST

The House budget proposal holds the line on education, honors collective bargaining agreements, and maintains essential services. The House budget also contains strategic investments while making responsible adjustments to keep our state financially stable. Washington families are feeling the impact of rising costs, and the last thing we can afford is to cut the very services that help people stay housed, fed, and healthy.

Our budget prioritizes critical programs like housing assistance, food security, education, and public safety—investments that make a real difference in people’s lives:

Keeping People Housed & Fed – We’re maintaining funding for emergency food assistance, ensuring seniors, kids, and families don’t go hungry. We’re also securing $117 million for local governments to keep shelter beds available, because no one should be left without a place to sleep.

Protecting Schools & Education – Our children deserve every opportunity to succeed. This budget fully funds teacher salaries, school meals, and special education, while keeping college tuition stable so higher education remains within reach.
Standing Up for Working Families – We’re holding strong on key programs that support childcare providers and early learning, ensuring families have access to care while keeping costs manageable.
Supporting State Workers – This budget honors the essential contributions of public employees by protecting healthcare benefits, avoiding furloughs, and preserving strong contracts that support the workforce serving our communities every day.
Building Safer Communities – Public safety remains a priority, with $50 million in new funds for local law enforcement grants, as well as critical investments in crime victim support and reentry services.

A FAIRER TAX SYSTEM FOR WASHINGTON

Our state’s tax code is upside down, with working families contributing a higher share in taxes than wealthy Washingtonians and corporations. This is not sustainable. We are working on strong proposals to create a fairer tax structure. Right now there are too many moving pieces, so I will keep you updated as these progressive options flesh out and are ready to be discussed.

BILLS UPDATE

In my previous newsletter I let you know that three of my bills had gone to the Senate. Unfortunately HB 1759, Day of the 12s, did not make it out of the Senate by the deadline, however, there is good news on the other two bills:

HB 1321 – Limiting Outside Militia Activities passed the Senate and has been delivered to the Governor.
HB 1209 – Regulating the Transfer of Sodium Nitrite was signed into law last week! Read my press release and watch the bill signing ceremony:

REMEMBERING SPEAKER FRANK CHOPP

You may have heard of the sudden and tragic passing of Speaker Frank Chopp a few weeks ago.

Speaker Chopp made such a difference for millions of families across Washington. The groundbreaking programs he worked on made it possible for low-income kids to see doctors regularly, regardless of their immigration status; helped working families find housing they could afford; created resources for Latino students to pursue their academic dreams; the list goes on and on.

He was a legend in his own time, and he left us too soon.

PROTECTING OUR ELECTIONS SYSTEM

I was honored to stand with our Attorney General Nick Brown on April 4 to announce a lawsuit against the Trump Administration’s latest attack on our democracy. Trump’s executive order on elections threatens to disenfranchise millions of voters in Washington. As chair of the House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee, I will fight back and protect the right of all Washingtonians to have their vote count and matter. Watch my remarks at the press conference:

Learn more by reading:

My op-ed in The News Tribune to see why this fight is personal and why we must keep moving forward on voting rights.
The News Tribune coverage of the event.

HONORING PHYLLIS GUTIERREZ KENNEY

Last week, the Senate adopted a resolution to recognize and celebrate former State Representative Phyllis Gutiérrez Kenney’s incredible legacy.

I love this photo of Sen. Rebecca Saldaña and me with Phyllis in the middle!

Phyllis has been a trailblazer, mentor, and fierce advocate for equity and opportunity in Washington state. As one of the first Latinas to serve in the Legislature, she broke down barriers and opened doors for future generations of leaders, including myself.

She is a living example of what is possible when we strive with heart and purpose. I am very fortunate that she’s been in my life for many years teaching me how to make a difference.

LAWMAKER TO LAWMAKER

March was Women’s History Month and several of the women legislators who serve in the House Democratic Caucus participated in a video series to honor and celebrate how far we’ve come and how much more there is still ahead.

I hope that our conversations, which were always honest and sometimes funny, will inspire women of all ages and all walks of life to take hold of their strength and reach for their goals.

I was honored to sit with Rep. Darya Farivar (46^th district, North Seattle) for a few minutes to learn a bit about each other. Click here or on the image below to watch the video.

For other videos in the series, go to the House Democrats YouTube channel and, in the search box, type lawmaker to lawmaker.

KEEP THOSE EMAILS COMING!

I truly appreciate your interest in what’s happening in Olympia, taking the time to read my newsletters, and even sending me your feedback! Please continue to do so, hearing from you helps guide my decisions and keeps me focused on what’s important.

Sincerely,