Dear Neighbors,
The 2025 legislative session began in January with deep uncertainty about how changes at the federal level would affect us. Since then, our pace has quickened with a clear need to focus on supporting vulnerable communities across our state. Here’s a quick update on what the legislature has working on this month:
February is Black History Month
In honor of Black History Month and the ongoing work to ensure all Washington residents have equal access to rights and opportunities, I take this moment to recognize and remember my friend and predecessor, the Honorable Peggy Maxie.
Representative Maxie was elected in 1970, the first African American woman elected to represent the 37th Legislative District. She served for 11 years in the House of Representatives where she was Chair of the Higher Education committee. Her work was centered on what today we would identify as diversity, equity, and inclusion. One of the landmark pieces of legislation she introduced and passed was the Landlord-Tenant Act.
Sadly, in February 2024, Representative Maxie passed away. Below is the video of my remarks during a point of personal privilege honoring my late, dear friend on the House floor last year. She leaves a lasting legacy of civic contributions that continues to inspire me and my colleagues representing the Legislative Black Caucus.
A Day of Remembrance – Yesterday & Today
In 1942, my maternal family was forcibly relocated to an incarceration camp under Executive Order 9066. They were among the 120,000 Japanese Americans stripped of their birthrights simply because of their ancestry. This injustice serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of racism and fear.
Today, as we reel from the stream of pronouncements coming from the White House, we must remember that the struggles of the past are not distant, but can be seen and felt in the experiences of communities of color and immigrants today. This is why I stand firmly in support of immigrant and vulnerable communities, as reflected in recent statements from the Latino Democratic Caucus and Speaker Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma).
On February 19th, the legislature issued a call to action with the passage of House Resolution 4619. From the Chinese Exclusion Act to the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans to the current examples of detention and deportation, history has shown us the devastating impact of discrimination. We must remain vigilant, ensuring these injustices are never repeated and that every family, regardless of origin, is treated with dignity.
Legislative Deadlines
February ends with two key legislative deadlines: policy cutoff (Feb. 21) and fiscal cutoff (Feb. 28). Policy bills must pass out of policy committee in order to move forward in the legislative process. Those bills that affect state spending or revenue must clear a fiscal committee (Appropriations, Capital Budget, or Transportation) by fiscal cutoff.
With just 105 days in a long session and 60 in a short one, these cutoffs help manage bills and balance the state budget efficiently.
House Bill 1262 is a strong example of staying on schedule, passing the Health Care & Wellness Committee on January 31st. This bill addresses health disparities by strengthening the Governor’s Interagency Council on Health Disparities, equipping it for community-led, evidence-based interventions. It also ensures tribal representation, amplifying community voices in shaping health equity strategies. By tackling systemic inequities, this bill moves Washington toward a future of greater health, justice, and equity.
Stay Engaged
As we enter March, stay engaged by following me on Facebook, reaching out to my new legislative assistant, Kathy Strauss, via email, or visiting me in Olympia. I look forward to connecting with you!
Sincerely,
