Dear friends and neighbors,
I believe that everyone deserves to feel safe. As a social worker, I have worked with survivors and individuals recovering from trauma, making the protection of vulnerable populations my top priority. Without enough well-trained, highly qualified law enforcement officers, our most vulnerable community members face the greatest risks.
This year, I have introduced several bills addressing violent crime, property crime, substance abuse, and accountability:
Washington has the lowest number of law enforcement officers per capita in the nation. Increased officer presence in communities has been shown to reduce crime. HB 1428 provides $100 million in funding to hire more officers and enhance public safety.
Criminals are targeting businesses by driving vehicles into storefronts, and this must be addressed. Regardless of whether one visits cannabis dispensaries, these crimes threaten the safety of our communities. HB 1548 examines cannabis-related robberies to develop effective policy solutions.
Fentanyl is devastating an entire generation, and we must continue investing in critical treatment and recovery services. A few years ago, I secured funding for a new treatment center on the Lummi Nation, which recently broke ground—but there is still much more work to do.
Since 2018, Washington has seen a rise in child fatalities and near-fatalities involving fentanyl, primarily due to accidental ingestion and overdoses. To address this crisis and better protect infants and young children, I’ve introduced two key bills: HB 1753, which strengthens child removal standards in cases involving synthetic opioids, and HB 1968, which expands the crime of Endangerment with a Controlled Substance to include fentanyl-related offenses.
Everyone deserves a safe workplace. Tragically, a metro bus driver was recently killed in a violent crime while on the job, and state ferry workers are facing increasing abuse from frustrated riders. HB 1989 strengthens protections for transit employees and school transportation personnel, while working in conjunction with HB 1616 to protect ferry personnel. Looking ahead, I will work with my Senate colleagues to advance both.
Finally, HB 1972 strengthens accountability in bail considerations for individuals who manufacture, deliver, or possess opioids and similar drugs. It also enforces stricter bail conditions for those arrested for violent offenses.
As public safety and behavioral health challenges continue to grow across our state, I remain committed to enhancing community safety and protecting our most vulnerable.
Upcoming Town Hall
Whether it’s improving community safety and affordability, or supporting families, your input is invaluable in shaping policies that reflect our district’s priorities. I hope you’ll consider attending an upcoming 42nd district town hall on March 15th at Ferndale High School from 11 AM to 12 PM to share your thoughts and discuss the issues that matter most to you.
If you can’t make it, please remember you can always reach out to share your thoughts on proposed legislation, request assistance connecting with a state agency, or schedule a meeting.
As always, it is a sincere an honor to serve the 42nd district.
Best wishes,
