Dear neighbors,
Last week, I asked you to share which issues matter most to you in this survey. Thank you to everyone who responded. Finding common ground and bipartisan solutions that work for our community starts with listening to each other. Your input is very helpful in guiding my legislative agenda every year. The four issues our community is most concerned about are transportation, affordable housing, education, and protecting the environment.
To address these priorities, I’ve co-sponsored legislation that will:
- address county ferry maintenance and repair contracts (HB 1054),
- improve funding mechanisms for local roadways (HB 1098),
- provide more affordable housing options in rural areas (HB 1010),
- prioritize resources for special education (HB 1310),
- address student mental and behavioral health (HB 1547),
- and support retirees to access the benefits they deserve (HB 1292 and 1312).
As the legislative session continues, I’ll keep you updated on additional legislation that addresses your priorities and improves the well-being of our community.
Prioritizing Fixing our Ferry System
Earlier this month, I joined Governor Ferguson to tour ferries and terminals that serve the Clinton-Mukilteo route—and discuss much-needed reforms to our ferry system. We listened to ferry employees, met with local leaders and community members, and discussed concerns about ferry reliability, workforce shortages, and the importance of this marine highway. It’s clear that ferries—and the people who depend on them—are struggling. Ferries are vital to our community, which is why I serve as the co-chair of the Ferry Caucus and budget writer for ferries in the House Transportation Committee. As the legislative session progresses, I’ll work with my colleagues and the Governor’s office to prioritize procurement reforms, address staffing challenges, and improve route reliability. Read more about the Governor’s visit in the Whidbey News-Times.
Join WSF For a Community Forum
Please consider joining Washington State Ferries’ (WSF) upcoming virtual community meetings on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at noon and Thursday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. These sessions will provide updates on ferry service restoration, new vessel construction, electrification efforts, and legislative developments. WSF leaders will answer questions and share the latest information. Pre-registration is required to attend. Each meeting will cover the same topics, allowing participants to choose the session that best fits their schedule. Following the meetings, video recordings will be available online.
- Register for Feb. 12 at noon: Click here
- Register for Feb. 13 at 6 p.m.: Click here
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your representative. Please don’t hesitate to email me and share your thoughts on how to improve our community.
Sincerely,
