Dear Friends and Neighbors,
With just nine days left in this legislative session, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made—and the work that still lies ahead—to make our communities safer, more affordable, and more supportive for families and children across Washington.
Healthcare is Too Expensive
As Vice Chair of the Healthcare & Wellness Committee, I’ve focused on easing the financial strain many families face and expanding access to care. No one should have to choose between groceries and medical treatment. Parents experience years of debt from the birth of their baby, despite paying so much for high insurance premiums.
That’s why I introduced House Bill 1318 to remove the sales tax on diapers and HB 1291 to ensure all insurance plans include maternity coverage. I also championed HB 1521 to provide compensation for caregivers supporting children with complex needs. These parents are providing lifesaving healthcare for their children with feeding tubes and in wheelchairs. This bill would provide a path to get certified, provide that care, and receive compensation if another caregiver is not available.
Insurance companies need to be held accountable. To reduce unexpected out-of-pocket medical expenses, I introduced HB 1566 to make insurance more transparent and cut down on delays caused by preauthorization requirements.
When a person requires anesthesia, the medical provider should be trusted to decide on how much and how long it is needed. When patients pay their expensive premiums each month, they shouldn’t have to worry if the surgery runs long. Despite the common sense of this, medical bills—especially for anesthesia and surgical services—continue to hurt families. That is why I sponsored HB 1812 to address insurance companies attempting to implement a policy limiting reimbursement for anesthesia services.
Finally, HB 1502 advances behavioral health services, helping ensure timely, affordable mental health care statewide.
Housing Affordability is a Big Concern
Housing affordability remains one of our communities most pressing challenges. Rising rents and a shortage of housing units are pushing families into financial hardship. This legislative session, we’ve also made some significant progress in addressing the issue by bringing stability and predictability to rental markets (HB 1217). We expanded access to condominiums for first-time homebuyers (HB 1403) and have worked to allow commercial buildings in residential zones to be converted into housing (HB 1757).
Community Safety
Public safety remains top of mind for many of us. As a mom of three and a social worker, I know that real safety starts with prevention, accountability, and making sure every family feels secure in their neighborhood. This session, I helped secure a $100 million investment in local law enforcement through HB 1428, focused on addressing staffing shortages and enhancing training. I introduced HB 1753 and HB 1968 in response to the heartbreaking rise in fentanyl-related child exposures and introduced HB 1287 to improve coordination between law enforcement and behavioral health professionals during crises. HB 1972 strengthens bail considerations for individuals involved in manufacturing, delivering, or possessing opioids and enforces stricter conditions for those arrested for violent offenses.
To address the ongoing threat of robberies targeting cannabis retailers, I introduced HB 1548, aimed at deterring crime in these often-targeted establishments. Ensuring the safety of transit workers and school transportation staff is equally important, which is why I introduced HB 1989 to provide them with stronger workplace protections.
Protecting Youth and Investing in Schools
Protecting our youth will always be a priority for me. HB 1544 strengthens child abuse risk assessments, HB 1803 enhances safety in youth sports with regard to abuse, and HB 1863 promotes the implementation of cardiac emergency response plans in schools. Supporting the mental and behavioral health of children and teens also remains a top priority. HB 1663 expands school-based mental health training and services, while HB 1667 establishes comprehensive cancer education in schools—ensuring kids have access to both support and prevention resources.
I’ve also worked to secure crucial investments in our public schools through this year’s budget, including funding for school meals, summer EBT, special education, school construction, modernization, and seismic upgrades. To help connect students with career pathways in conservation and the natural resource sectors, I sponsored HB 1925 and HB 1955 to support training and educational opportunities in fishing and shell fishing industries.
I continue to advocate for increased public-school funding and equitable access to library services, knowing how vital they are for student success. HB 1910 increases funding for certified teacher-librarians, while HB 1727 ensures students across the state have access to strong library information and technology programs. Outdoor learning experiences also help kids grow—socially, emotionally, and academically—which is why I introduced HB 1734 to expand access to outdoor school programs.
Finally, I introduced House Resolution 4621 recognizing February as American Heart Month in Washington, spotlighting the need for expanded CPR education and better access to AEDs—especially in schools and public gathering spaces. With thousands of children experiencing cardiac arrest each year, we must be ready to act quickly and save lives.
Stay In Touch
As we near the end of session, I remain deeply committed to the priorities that brought me here: supporting working families, protecting children, and building healthy, resilient communities. Thank you for trusting me to represent you in Olympia.
In Service,
