Defending Washington’s Election Integrity

Washington has some of the most accessible, secure, and well-run elections in the country—trusted by voters and recognized nationally for their integrity. Our vote-by-mail system, same-day registration, and rigorous security measures ensure that every eligible voter can participate while safeguarding against fraud.

I would like to take a moment to honor Ralph Munro, former Washington Secretary of State, who exemplified bipartisan collaboration throughout his tenure. His efforts in streamlining voter registration and modernizing our election system have left a lasting impact on our state.

Our recent Joint Memorial Session, honoring state officials who have passed

Recently, Donald Trump issued an executive order imposing new federal mandates on state election procedures. Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs has expressed deep concerns about this order, warning that these changes could disenfranchise voters and undermine the strong protections we already have in place. I stand firmly with Secretary Hobbs in opposing this dangerous federal overreach. Washington’s elections are not just working—they are a model for the nation, and I will fight to keep them that way.

Building a Responsible, People-Centered Budget

The House Democratic Caucus has released the 2025-2027 operating budget, prioritizing essential services like housing, food assistance, healthcare, and education while making responsible adjustments to address our state’s financial challenges. Our approach ensures that Washingtonians—especially the most vulnerable—continue to receive the support they need without compromising the long-term stability of our state.

While the Senate has put forward its own budget proposal, the House budget better reflects the needs of working families by making stronger investments in critical programs. The House budget prioritizes affordable housing, behavioral health, and education, ensuring that every Washingtonian has the resources they need to thrive. In contrast, the Senate budget takes a more cautious approach, allocating less funding for essential services in favor of building reserves. While financial responsibility is important, we must not allow short-term cuts to jeopardize long-term well-being.

The next step in the process is negotiating a final budget that both chambers can agree on. A conference committee—comprised of members from both the House and Senate—will work to reconcile differences between the two proposals. I will continue to advocate for the House’s approach, which prioritizes Washingtonians’ well-being by making the necessary investments in our communities. Once the final budget is agreed upon, it will go to the governor for approval.

Throughout this process, I remain committed to fighting for a budget that protects critical services, strengthens our economy, and ensures a brighter future for all Washingtonians. Our budget is a reflection of our values, and I will continue pushing for one that puts people first.

It was an honor to speak at the WEDA reception and discuss our shared commitment to strengthening Washington’s economy. As we navigate a challenging budget year, we are making strategic investments to support workforce development, infrastructure, and local businesses—key drivers of economic growth. While tough choices must be made, our budget prioritizes smart, responsible investments that will create jobs and sustain our communities. I’m grateful for WEDA’s partnership in advancing economic opportunities across our state.

For more information on the House budget proposal:

House Democratic Caucus 2025-2027 operating budget proposal news conference available on TVW here.

Budget details from the House Office of Program Research available at fiscal.wa.gov.

Public Hearing on the House budget proposal in the Appropriations Committee (Tuesday, March 25, 4PM) available on TVW here.

Revenue proposal press release here.

Defending Disaster Relief from Political Attacks

Disasters don’t care about politics—but unfortunately, the Trump administration is once again playing political games with FEMA, threatening to undermine the disaster relief system that Washingtonians rely on in times of crisis. Proposed changes to FEMA policies could make it harder for communities to access the aid they need after wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters.

I will not stand by while political maneuvering puts Washingtonians at risk. I am fighting to ensure that FEMA remains fully funded and responsive, so our state can recover quickly and effectively when disaster strikes. Investing in resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and community preparedness is not just smart policy—it’s a necessity.

This year, we took action in the Legislature to strengthen Washington’s emergency preparedness. As Chair of the Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee, I helped pass two key bills that will improve disaster response and recovery:

✅ House Bill 1201 – Emergency Shelters for Pets  During emergencies, many people are forced to choose between seeking shelter and staying with their pets. This bill ensures that emergency shelters can accommodate pets, removing a barrier that prevents people from accessing life-saving resources during crises.

✅ House Bill 1271 – State Fire Service Deployment  Washington has faced devastating wildfires in recent years, and our state fire service plays a crucial role in responding to these emergencies. This bill strengthens deployment strategies, ensuring that our fire services are better prepared to respond swiftly and effectively.

Disasters don’t wait for bureaucracy, and neither should our response. I will continue working to protect Washington’s access to disaster relief and ensure that our communities are not left behind when they need help the most.

Steps to Sine Die!

As we approach the conclusion of the 2025 legislative session, set to adjourn on April 27, here’s a roadmap of key milestones leading up to Sine Die:

I encourage you to stay engaged and share your thoughts on these and other issues. Your input is invaluable as we navigate these challenges together.

Thank you for the honor of serving as your representative.

Warm regards,

Rep. Cindy Ryu