Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Wishing everyone a warm turn into fall and happy back to school! I hope this e-newsletter finds you well and ready for the exciting opportunities the new school year brings. As we dive into a fresh academic cycle, I wanted to touch base with you on some important updates and share a glimpse into my own back-to-school experiences.

b2s

First and foremost, I’d like to express my heartfelt wishes for a fantastic school year ahead. The ongoing challenges of “COVID catch-up” remain at the forefront of our legislative education agenda, focusing on two vital aspects: the mental health and academic well-being of our students.

On a personal note, I recently experienced the bittersweet milestone of sending my last child off to college, officially becoming an empty nester. It’s a poignant reminder of how our children each embark on unique paths: in my own family, one child is pursuing a college education alongside ROTC commitments, while another is passionately immersed in the world of STEM. I’ve come to appreciate that our children’s diverse journeys, reminding us that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to success.

A Look at My Education-Themed Work for Next Session

As we prepare for the upcoming legislative session, I want to highlight some of the education-related priorities I’m leading on.

Electric School Bus Legislation

Last session, I successfully secured funding in the House budget for grants to purchase electric school buses—but there is more to be done to ensure cleaner, greener transportation for our students. This year, I’m actively working to push forward legislation that requires new school bus purchases to be zero emissions. The funding and purchase of zero-emissions school buses supports the greening of our transportation sector, protects the health of our kids, and ultimately saves money for our school districts.

Timely Special Education Supports

Even with our significant investments in special education during the last legislative session, there is more to do to improve these services for our kids. I’ve been pushing to get more timely special education evaluations and IEP (Individualized Education Plan) development by paying for the work over the summer to ensure that every child is prepared day one of the new school year.

Connecting with our Community

Bellevue School District

This summer, I had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. Kelly Aramaki, the new Superintendent of Bellevue School District. He certainly knows his way around the district having served as a student, teacher, principal and parent there, and we had a productive discussion about the future of education in our community and the exciting opportunities ahead. The relationships I have with school districts across our district have generated numerous policy ideas and changes that have become law and more that are in the works, as well!

Kindering’s New Space

kindering

I was delighted to speak at Kindering’s grand opening in Redmond, celebrating their new space. Early interventions matter, and we’re proud to support services for Washington’s children and families. Kindering is such a gem for families on the Eastside whose little ones have developmental delays or disabilities. Congratulations to Kindering on their grand opening where they will now be able to serve hundreds more families on the Eastside!

Unlocking Imagination, One Book at a Time

We have exciting news! Children across Washington aged birth to five are eligible to receive a free monthly book from the Imagination Library delivered directly to their home! Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to foster a love for reading in your child. Enroll your little one today at www.imaginationlibrarywashington.org.

Warm Wishes for Rosh Hashanah!

Warmest wishes to all celebrating the Jewish New Year! Let’s embrace this season of reflection, unity, kindness and generosity, working together to make our state even better. Shanah Tovah – may the year ahead be filled with health, happiness, and prosperity.