Happy Summer!

Hi all,

I hope you’re enjoying the warmth and sunshine of our beautiful summer!

As the days grow longer and warmer and the Pacific Northwest buzzes with outdoor activity, I wanted to take a moment to update you on some important pieces of legislation and investments that are shaping our community during this tourism and summer season.

Tourism and the World Cup Fever Hitting Seattle!  

Exciting news! Seattle has been selected as one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the prestigious international soccer event. Our local businesses and attractions are eagerly preparing to showcase the best of what Seattle and our state have to offer. It was exciting to meet and hear from the local World Cup leadership team during one of our Innovation, Community & Economic Development, & Veterans Committee (ICEDV) meetings during the legislative session.

As we prepare to welcome visitors from around the globe, it is essential to recognize the significance of tourism to our state’s economy. Washington has incredible potential to attract visitors and generate revenue from out-of-state guests. However, compared to other states, we’re currently allocating considerably less funding towards tourism marketing.

To address this issue and seize the opportunity to bolster our tourism industry, we passed House Bill 1258 to enhance statewide tourism and increase the state’s fiscal contribution to our public-private partnership tourism marketing efforts.

Investing in tourism promotion is an investment in our state’s economic growth. By attracting more visitors, we create job opportunities, support local businesses, and increase revenue for our communities. Hosting the World Cup serves as a prime example of the economic potential that tourism brings to our region.

Protecting Orcas, Our Marine Treasures  

Washington’s waters are home to magnificent marine creatures and it is our duty to protect them. Over the past few years, we’ve made significant progress in safeguarding orcas and their habitat, including through this year’s Senate Bill 5371. This legislation reinforces our commitment to respect the delicate balance of nature by updating vessel distance regulations, ensuring magnificent Southern Resident Killer Whales are given the space they need to thrive. Through extensive outreach, education, and reporting efforts, we aim to foster a deep sense of stewardship among our community, inspiring everyone to embrace their role in safeguarding these endangered creatures, and protecting the beautiful ecosystems around us.  

Investing in Our Parks: Preserving Natural Beauty  

Summer is the perfect time to explore the breathtaking beauty of our local and state parks. Whether it’s hiking along the trails, picnicking with loved ones, or simply finding solace in the tranquility of nature, our parks offer a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on Washington’s state parks, from creating a maintenance backlog to losing crucial fee-based revenue, even as more people were using the parks, trails, and open spaces. While we made some investments this year, we need more budgetary funds allocated to ensure the preservation, maintenance, and accessibility of our public spaces for all Washingtonians.

Just this year alone, we allocated more than $4.3 million for the enhancement of parks across the 41^st Legislative District, including Mercer Island’s regional gem, Luther Burbank Park!

Protecting Vulnerable Communities: Prohibiting Electricity Shutoffs during Summer Heat Waves  

As temperatures spike during the scorching summer heat waves, it is essential to meet the well-being of our most vulnerable community members. This year, we successfully passed House Bill 1329 to prohibit the shutoff of electricity during these critical times. Access to electricity is not just a luxury but a necessity, enabling us to stay cool, safe, and connected. By ensuring that our neighbors have uninterrupted access to power, we are working towards a more equitable and resilient future.  

As always, I am deeply grateful for your continued support and engagement. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. I hope you have a memorable summer!

Sincerely,

Rep. Tana Senn