Friends and neighbors,
The legislative session started on January 9th and we have some important work ahead of us. I will be working with my colleagues on several important pieces of legislation.
Fully funding special education
Special education has been woefully underfunded in our state for decades. With Superintendent Chris Reykdal, I’ve joined Superintendent Chris Reykdal to introduce HB 1436, removing an unconscionable and unconstitutional cap on the number of children with disabilities the State will fund education services for. I have also introduced House Bill 1305 to greatly improve access to special education services and evaluations for children with disabilities.
The Washington Promise: Tuition free community college
Community college is a great path to family-wage jobs, and I am leading the effort to create a system for tuition-free community college for all high school graduates, along with the supports needed for them to succeed.
Access to reproductive health care
Reproductive health care should be protected and preserved. I’ve cosponsored important legislation to prevent hospital mergers from reducing access to abortion, gender affirming care, and reproductive health care. I am currently working on legislation to bar hospitals that receive state funds from restricting medical practice (including abortion, gender affirming care and end of life choice).
Open government
Government works best when it is open, accessible and transparent. I continue to lead on making our government more open at all levels. I have and will continue to object to claims of “legislative privilege” to avoid public records disclosure.
Tribal sovereignty
I’m drafting an amendment to our State Constitution that will make Washington the first state in the U.S. to constitutionally recognize Tribal sovereignty. The US Supreme Court decision in June 2022 prompted this legislation by undoing 200 years of recognition of tribal sovereignty.
Preserving local journalism
I am teaming with Attorney General Bob Ferguson to introduce House Bill 1206, which creates a permanent tax preference for local news outlets Washington.
Affordable housing for working families, retirees, and middle-income residents
I have Introduced House Bill 1276 which encourages the use of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to expand affordable housing opportunities in all communities. ADUs are the lowest cost option to increase housing supply while preventing homeowners with limited income from being displace. I am focusing on authorizing ADUs for affordable rental or extended family housing, and not allowing subsidies for them if they turn into Airbnb type rentals. I’ve co-sponsored other housing legislation and remain committed to ensuring that efforts to increase housing supply do not displace retirees, low-income residents, and persons of color.
Accessing the legislative process
In addition to leading on open government, I believe your legislative bodies should be accessible to you. We have maintained our expanded options for remote participation and I recently recorded a video about taking part in the legislative process this year.
Page program
Now that the Legislature has returned to in-person session in Olympia, the legislative page program is back and accepting applications! This program gives young Washingtonians education and experience in the legislative process by attending page school, assisting offices, delivering messages and working on the House & Senate floors.
This unique opportunity is open to Washington residents who are 14-16 years old. This year, there is a one-time exception to allow 17 & 18-year-olds to participate during two specific weeks since the program was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information, visit the page program’s website by clicking here.
As always, I look forward to hearing more from you as we continue to tackle the issues that matter.
Thanks again,
Rep. Gerry Pollet