Dear friends and neighbors,
The 2025 legislative session is a few short days away, kicking off Monday, January 13. I am honored to have another opportunity to represent our Kitsap community and deliver policies and investments that make our state more affordable, grow the economy, protect Puget Sound, and make sure folks have access to excellent healthcare, childcare, and education.
We know that this is going to be a tough budget year. Our state budget is how we support the people of Washington and the services that individuals and families depend on, like education, behavioral health, and public safety. There is no easy path forward, but as we tackle tough questions, I will be laser-focused on delivering for Kitsap’s working families, like the one I grew up in.
I’m here to work for you – which is why I need to hear from you.
What do you need from the State? What can we do better? Click here to take a short survey to share your ideas, priorities, and suggestions to help shape a Washington that works for you.
I also invite you to join me at one of my upcoming Fix our Ferries town halls in Bremerton, Kingston, Bainbridge, or Poulsbo. I’m eager to hear your questions, complaints and suggestions, and to share our game plan for getting boats in the water and restoring reliable service.
What does a guy have to do to get some kelp around here?
People in the Pacific Northwest and around the world watched last week as southern resident orca Tahlequah J35 pushed her dead calf hundreds of miles in a display of grief akin to a funeral procession.
It was a demonstration of heartache and loss we usually associate with humans, not ocean-dwelling mammals. It is also a message, and a warning. When populations of top predators like killer whales steadily decline year over year, it’s not just trouble for orcas – it’s a sign that the entire ecosystem is starting to fail and food is in short supply up and down the chain.
Inspired by the work of the Suquamish and Port Gamble S’Klallam tribes and Puget Sound Restoration Fund, this session I’m sponsoring legislation that protects Puget Sound, starting with kelp: an often overlooked but hugely important part of the marine ecosystem and food chain. Kelp used to be abundant on shorelines all along the WA coast, but climate change and industrialization have depleted much of it. By designating kelp as our state marine forest, we can draw attention to the importance of kelp as a food source and shelter for salmon and other aquatic life and energize young people to champion the welfare of this important resource.
Get involved in the the 2025 legislative session
You have the power! Our democracy is designed to put the power in the hands of the people it represents, but that only works if folks actively participate.
There’s lots of ways you can make your voice heard and let your lawmakers know what is important to you. Join one of my townhalls around Kitsap, or call, email, or visit me at the capitol in Olympia to discuss bills you care about. Not sure how to learn about bills? Visit www.leg.wa.gov to search for a bill by topic, bill number, or sponsor.
The major milestones of session. The legislature meets yearly, but alternates between a short, 60-day session and a long 105-day session. The long sessions happen on odd-numbered years like this one. Here’s a quick look at some of the important dates during the next few months:
I want to close with a thank you. Though we face immense challenges, I’m grateful for neighbors across the peninsula coming together to support one another. Together, we’ll work through these challenges.
I’m honored to represent the Kitsap community that raised me. All the best,
