Summer Sendoff: Bill Signings & Important Update

Dear friends and neighbors,

Thank you for the opportunity to serve in yet another incredible session! We achieved much this year that will benefit our families and communities and I’m deeply grateful for your continued support, engagement, and trust as I serve our state.

Highlighted below are the bills and budget investments I championed this session. I hope you’ll take a look to get a sense of the broad swath of issues I work on for our communities!

This will be my last e-newsletter until after the November election (see more below). However, I will still be available to answer your questions and emails, attend meetings and events, and work on policy development during this interim period! Good governance never rests.

I look forward to seeing you out and about the district.

New Sound Transit Line In-District!

Sound Transit’s light rail on the Eastside has officially opened! This project was a huge undertaking of local, state, and federal investment and is a critical next step in connecting our region. “Line 2” has eight stations from South Bellevue to Redmond and next year will be able to take people all the way into downtown Seattle!

Going Electric

One of my bills I’m particularly excited about from this session is HB 1368, which we fondly call the ‘Magic School Bus Bill’. Expanding the adoption of zero-emission school buses will not only contribute to reducing pollution and combating climate change, it also will reduce asthma, respiratory illness and other negative impacts on our children’s health!

Watch this video of our journey turning an amazing idea into a state law that will transform our school transportation system and our communities for the better.

Signed Into Law! ✔️

I’m thrilled to share four major bills that I championed this year have been signed into law by the Governor!

1. HB 1368 promotes zero-emission school buses, making our children’s rides to school healthier and reducing pollution.
2. HB 2021 ensures responsible disposal of firearms forfeited to law enforcement, enhancing public safety.
3. HB 1916 expands access to early support for infants and toddlers with disabilities.
4. HB 2015 addresses the urgent need to expand long-term care housing options for seniors in our communities by streamlining the process for adult family home expansion.

I have the honor of serving on the Appropriations Committee where we make critical decisions about the state budget overall. I secured critical investments in the final budget including:

• Tripling access to an entrepreneurial mentoring program that has successfully increased family home childcares across the state.
• Expansion of the childcare mental health consultation program.
• $2M for the nonprofit security grant program for organizations and religious institutions that are victims of hate crimes and threats.
• Ongoing funding for compliance of parity in physical and behavioral health access and coverage.
• Evaluation and start-up costs for four youth wellness and prevention zones.
• Increased training, consultation and access to autism diagnosis, ABA therapy and the ECHO program for pediatricians.
• Increased funding for juvenile courts’ diversion programs.
• Access to shared business services for childcare.
• And more…

For a broader look at our budgets this year, please see last month’s e-newsletter. 

Important News: E-Newsletter & Facebook Freeze

Over the interim period, I want to ensure that you stay informed about legislative matters that affect our community. However, please be aware that due to election year restrictions, this will be the final E-Newsletter I can send until after the election is certified in November 2024. My legislative Facebook page will also be frozen starting May 6, until after the general election in November.

For those who have questions, comments, or would like to meet, please know that my office remains available and accessible. You can reach out directly, and I will do my best to address your concerns and inquiries promptly.

I appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period. Your engagement and involvement in our community are invaluable, and I look forward to continuing to serve you effectively.

Thanks to my team!

I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to two individuals who have been instrumental in my efforts to serve you: Yuval Berenstein, my legislative assistant, and Soeun Son, my dedicated intern from UW Bothell. Together, Yuval and Soeun embody the spirit of public service that defines our district. Their hard work and passion have made a difference in the lives of our constituents, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside them.

Thank you, Yuval and Soeun, for your exceptional contributions to the 41st Legislative District and Washington state.

It’s been an amazing year, and I’m so proud of our accomplishments. I’m incredibly honored to have been recognized by Treehouse as their Legislator of the Year! Together, we are helping foster youth feel heard and supported, as well as giving them tangible tools to improve their lives now and into adulthood. Thanks for your support and engagement – it’s driven so much meaningful change.

Wishing you all an amazing summer filled with joy, warmth, and unforgettable memories! 

Warm regards,

Rep. Tana Senn

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