Dear friends and neighbors,   

Time flies, and we are just three weeks away from the end of the 2023 legislative session. As we approach the final stretch, I want to take a moment to express how grateful I am for the opportunity to be back in-person with my colleagues and have had face-to-face and continuing online conversations with so many of you.  

As we gear up for floor action to pass bills in the coming weeks, I would like to provide you with an update on some important developments. First, I would like to share an update on our continued work on tax reform, and some highlights in our proposed House budgets that will benefit residents and communities across our state!  

We cannot continue to rely on a tax system that places a greater burden on those who can least afford it. Washington has earned the unfortunate title of “most regressive state.” This tax structure disproportionately affects low-income families and people of color, and it is essential that we address this issue: We must instead consider progressive tax options that provide relief to those who need it most while generating the revenue necessary to fund vital programs and infrastructure. 

It is understandable that people may not like the idea of taxes, but the reality is that we need resources and revenue to build roads, bridges, broadband, and other infrastructure that is essential to our communities. The question then becomes, where should this money come from? What forms of revenue can provide relief to families who need it most while balancing public needs?  

Recently, the Washington State Supreme Court confirmed that the capital gains tax is an excise tax, and therefore constitutional. As anticipated, it’s confirmed to be a tax applied to the sale of assets, such as stocks, rather than income. The revenues generated from this tax will go towards funding essential services in our communities: This confirmation from the Court is a significant development for tax reform in our state, enabling us to create a more equitable structure. Ultimately, the goal should be to create a tax system that is fair, just, and meets the needs of all Washingtonians. As your representative, I am committed to working towards this goal and advocating for progressive tax policies that benefit everyone. 

I am proud to have advocated strongly and successfully for $2,050,000 in capital for the Volunteers of America Lynnwood Neighborhood Center (LNC). This funding will go towards providing a hub of services and programs that will serve the Edmonds School District area and help meet the needs of the South Snohomish County community. 

The LNC will be a multicultural, multi-generational place where neighbors can connect with services, learn new skills, find new opportunities, and build community. The facility will provide an extensive set of social, educational, and behavioral services for families, older adults, and individuals in need. The center will have a gymnasium, a multipurpose room, flexible classroom space, and a commercial kitchen to provide a wide range of amenities and services. 

The LNC has been a long-term project, and in 2021 I was able to secure $1,550,000 in capital funding. With this additional funding in 2023, the center has now met its target funding from the state and can continue to make progress towards gathering service providers under one roof to better serve the community. 

We are excited about the impact the LNC will have on the community and grateful to Volunteers of America Western Washington for taking the lead on such an important project. Their long-standing tradition of compassionate, holistic services and creating opportunities to serve one another will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the residents throughout Northwest Washington.