News

Transportation makes our district go round | November 24, 2021

Dear neighbors, Earlier this month, Congress passed a bipartisan infrastructure package that has nearly $8.6 billion for highways, bridges, public transit, electric vehicle chargers, high-speed internet, clean drinking water and… READ MORE

Honoring veterans and resources for families | November 11, 2021

Friends and neighbors, Before I get into this week’s e-newsletter update sharing the latest resources for you and your family, I want to say thank you to our veterans. This… READ MORE

Children’s mental health & child care remain critical issues | October 22, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors, The trees have really embraced the transition to fall here in the Pacific Northwest. But for many of our students, transitioning back to in-person school after… READ MORE

Rep. Senn to Represent Washington at National Early Childhood Policy Academy | August 13, 2021

OLYMPIA – In recognition of her extensive work around early learning and child care in Washington state, Rep. Tana Senn (D – Mercer Island), has been invited to participate in… READ MORE

Statement by Rep. Tana Senn on Rep. Walsh’s Comparison of Vaccination Policies to the Holocaust | June 30, 2021

Representative Tana Senn (D-Mercer Island), Chair of the House Jewish Caucus, released the following statement regarding Representative Jim Walsh’s anti-Semitic remarks and his wearing of a yellow Star of David… READ MORE

Join Us TOMORROW, May 27 for a 41st LD Virtual Town Hall | May 26, 2021

Join us TOMORROW, May 27 for a Virtual Town Hall! Please join Rep. My-Linh Thai, Sen. Lisa Wellman, and me for a 41st District virtual town hall TOMORROW, Thursday, May… READ MORE

The Legislature is adjourned! | May 12, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors, Last month, the Legislature adjourned a historic and unprecedented remote session. Not only will it be remembered for its entirely virtual environment, but my colleagues and… READ MORE

JOIN US FRIDAY! Fair Start for Kids Celebration | May 6, 2021

Join us online to watch the live bill signing of the Fair Start for Kids Act and join our virtual celebration to honor childcare providers on Provider Appreciation Day. Sign… READ MORE

Investing in Working Families & COVID-19 Updates | April 22, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors, As of this week, most K-12 schools are open for hybrid learning, all adults are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, and the 2021 remote legislative session… READ MORE

Holocaust Remembrance Day Resolution | April 8, 2021

WHEREAS, On Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, we remember the six million Jews who perished alongside millions of other innocent victims: Persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, Roma, and others,… READ MORE

Intimidation v. Debate & the Washington Recovery Budget | March 29, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors, On Sunday, the House took a vital step in protecting our institutions of democracy and helping ensure the safety of our communities. Senate Bill 5038, which… READ MORE

COVID-19 Relief & Vaccines: A road toward recovery | March 19, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors, In recent weeks, Governor Inslee signed into law some key bills the Legislature passed swiftly early this session. In addition, the governor recently made announcements on… READ MORE

Breaking: Fair Start for Kids and Working Families Tax Exemption Move Forward | March 11, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors, On Tuesday, we reached another important cutoff in the Legislature: House of Origin cutoff. This is the deadline by which bills have to be voted off… READ MORE

House passes Senn bill to expand access to child care | March 9, 2021

OLYMPIA – Today, the House passed the Fair Start for Kids Act, sponsored by Rep. Tana Senn (D-Mercer Island), to address the child care crisis and make child care more… READ MORE

Vaccine Eligibility, March 11 Virtual Town Hall & Bill Updates | March 5, 2021

Dear friends and neighbors, Major announcements regarding vaccine distribution broke this week and I want to make sure you heard the news. Our teachers and child care providers are approved… READ MORE

Environmental Protections, the Child Welfare System & Day of Remembrance | February 16, 2021

Dear friends and neighbors, Over the last weekend, the big story, after digging out from under all that snow, was the entire state moving to Phase 2 of the Healthy… READ MORE

Inside Olympia: Debating a Capital Gains Tax to Fund Child Care | February 12, 2021

I was recently on Inside Olympia with my colleague Rep. Tom Dent to debate my proposal to use a capital gains tax to fund an expansion of child care. Watch… READ MORE

Funding Child Care, UI Relief, & Celebrating Diversity | February 10, 2021

Funding Child Care with a Capital Gains Tax Last week, I introduced legislation that will help our state invest in much needed child care and early learning. House Bill 1496… READ MORE

Senn proposes capital gains tax to invest in child care | February 4, 2021

OLYMPIA –Today, Rep. Tana Senn (D-Mercer Island) introduced House Bill 1496 to bolster economic recovery and economic well-being of working families by funding the expansion and affordability of child care… READ MORE

Public Safety and Police Accountability | February 4, 2021

Dear friends and neighbors, This session began under the watchful eye of National Guard soldiers, because of the threat of armed protesters in the wake of the violent insurrection in… READ MORE

An Update on COVID-19 Relief | January 26, 2021

Dear friends and neighbors, We know that the pandemic and the economy are inextricably linked. While Washington has focused on saving lives by emphasizing public health, it has come at… READ MORE

And the Session Begins… | January 17, 2021

Dear friends and neighbors, The 2021 legislative session began on Monday as we convened at the state capitol, in person, in order to ironically adopt rules to allow us to… READ MORE

Senn y Wilson presentan legislación para darles a los niños un comienzo justo para abordar la escasez de cuidado de niños y la recuperación económica | January 14, 2021

14 de enero de 2021 OLYMPIA – Anteriormente hoy, la Senadora Claire Wilson (D-Auburn) y la Representante Tana Senn (D-Mercer Island) presentaron legislación idéntica en las dos cámaras para abordar la crisis… READ MORE

Senn and Wilson introduce fair start for kids to address child care shortage and economic recovery | January 14, 2021

OLYMPIA – Earlier today, Sen. Claire Wilson (D-Auburn) and Rep. Tana Senn (D-Mercer Island) introduced companion legislation to address the child care crisis costing our families, businesses and economy. We… READ MORE

Food Assistance, Mental Health, Safe Celebrations–and Compassion–this Holiday Season | December 22, 2020

Dear Friends and Neighbors, My family and I wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday season! As you celebrate, albeit modified this year, I encourage you to take… READ MORE

Community Health and Support During COVID | December 10, 2020

Dear Friends and Neighbors, I hope this finds you safe and well. It’s an honor to once again represent you in the 41st District! Now that the election year activity… READ MORE

End of Session Report | May 8, 2020

Each year, I send a report to your mailbox with the details of what we accomplished during the legislative session. For those of you who didn’t receive one, please check… READ MORE

A Safe Start to Reopening Washington | May 6, 2020

Dear friends and neighbors, We hope this e-newsletter finds you and your family staying safe and healthy. We want to let you know this will be our last official e-newsletter… READ MORE

Helping Families and Small Businesses during COVID-19 | April 9, 2020

  Dear friends and neighbors,  Each new week during this unprecedented time in history brings unexpected challenges and moments of gratitude. As the sun has come out, it’s been harder to resist the temptations to… READ MORE

Confronting coronavirus with care and compassion | March 13, 2020

  Dear friends and neighbors, With our state experiencing a growing COVID-19 outbreak and our first confirmed cases in the 41st Legislative District, we want to make sure you are… READ MORE

Washington state Democrats secure funding to make child care more affordable and accessible | March 12, 2020

OLYMPIA – Today, the Legislature made major investments in child care and early learning. With passage of the 2020 supplemental budgets, families will be able to better afford child care,… READ MORE

Environmental protections & coronavirus update | March 6, 2020

Friends and neighbors, Before we jump into my legislative update for the week, I want to address the evolving situation regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus). On Tuesday, we transferred $100 million from… READ MORE

Supporting kids and families through policy and budget | February 29, 2020

Friends and neighbors, Short legislative sessions speed by and this one is no different. This week, we rolled out our House and Senate budget proposals and raced to pass bills… READ MORE

Confronting our housing and homelessness crisis | February 24, 2020

Friends and neighbors, Homelessness reaches all ages, all races, all backgrounds. And we know there is no one cause. Too many people are one financial crisis away from being homeless…. READ MORE

Welcoming workplaces & hearing from you! | February 14, 2020

Friends and neighbors, We’re over halfway through session! Which means we’re spending less and less time in committee and more time on the House floor voting on bills. This week… READ MORE

Access to OUR democracy | February 7, 2020

Friends and neighbors, Last week, dozens of armed demonstrators roamed the capitol and legislative buildings with long guns and tactical gear, scaring school children, families and visitors. Access to the… READ MORE

Prioritizing our environment and foster youth with developmental disabilities | February 1, 2020

Friends and neighbors, It’s hard to believe that three weeks of this legislative session are up! Here are some quick updates on the bills we’re advancing. For our environment On… READ MORE

Acting on gun violence and serving our vulnerable youth | January 25, 2020

Friends and neighbors, In the first few weeks of session I have been focused on responsible gun legislation, as well as bills that confront our child care crisis and ensure… READ MORE

Senn bill on forfeited firearms passes 56-42 | January 23, 2020

OLYMPIA – Today, the House passed House Bill 1010 56 to 42 to give the Washington State Patrol the discretion to destroy forfeited firearms in their custody. “It’s past time… READ MORE

Child care for all! | January 17, 2020

Friends and neighbors, It’s my favorite time of year! The time for making laws…and history! The 2020 session begins with a new face at the House rostrum: Speaker Laurie Jinkins!… READ MORE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Senn introduces bill to make child care more affordable and more accessible | January 15, 2020

OLYMPIA – State Rep. Tana Senn (D-Mercer Island) introduced bipartisan legislation today to make child care more affordable and more accessible for families across Washington state. The Fair Start for… READ MORE

State Representative Tana Senn’s (D-Mercer Island) statement regarding report on Rep. Matt Shea | December 20, 2019

Washington State Representative Tana Senn, D-Mercer Island, made the following statement in response to the independent investigation report on Representative Matt Shea released yesterday: “I vehemently condemn the acts of… READ MORE

Aging with dignity and security | November 15, 2019

Hello, Throughout this fall, I’ve been traveling across the state visiting with child care providers to learn more about the challenges of offering care and opportunities to expand. On these… READ MORE

State Representative Senn visits local child care providers in Yakima | November 13, 2019

  YAKIMA – State Representative Tana Senn, D-Mercer Island, visited local child care providers and stakeholders to hear about the successes and challenges they face. Rep. Senn met with providers… READ MORE

State Representative Senn visits local child care providers in Spokane | November 4, 2019

SPOKANE – State Representative Tana Senn, D-Mercer Island, visited local child care providers and stakeholders to hear about the successes and challenges they face in making child care accessible. As… READ MORE

State Representative Senn visits local child care providers in Bellingham | October 16, 2019

Representatives Callan (D-Issaquah), Shewmake (D-Bellingham) and Senn (D-Mercer Island) with child care stakeholders in Bellingham, Tuesday, October 15, 2019.   BELLINGHAM – State Representative Tana Senn, D-Mercer Island, visited local… READ MORE

Senn recognized for leadership in improving mental health, named Behavioral Health Champion | August 21, 2019

OLYMPIA – State Representative Tana Senn, D-Mercer Island, was recently named a 2019 Behavioral Health Champion by the Washington branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI WA) for… READ MORE

E-newsletter: Protecting our state’s beauty and natural resources | July 18, 2019

The environmental challenges that we are facing both locally and globally weigh heavily on my mind. From our district’s location around Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish, and along Cougar and… READ MORE

E-newsletter: Congrats grads! Here is how the legislature is supporting students | June 12, 2019

Let me first just say congratulations to each student who is making an educational transition – whether it is moving from preschool to kindergarten, graduating from high school or any where in… READ MORE

E-newsletter: Reproductive health choices for all | May 24, 2019

Across the country, women’s bodies are being used as political pawns. Bans on abortions and regulations of women’s bodies are nothing more than attempts to continue historical gender imbalances and… READ MORE

E-newsletter: That’s a wrap on the 2019 legislative session | May 3, 2019

Whew… The 2019 Session ended late last Sunday night after a marathon of long days and nights over the last week. Democratic majorities in the House and Senate allowed us… READ MORE

Bill to increase development of affordable condos passes legislature | April 22, 2019

OLYMPIA – A bill to encourage development of affordable condos passed its final hurdle on Friday, April 19, and is now heading to the Governor’s desk. Senate Bill 5334 will… READ MORE

E-newsletter: Investing in our State’s Infrastructure | April 15, 2019

This week we are highlighting two budgets: the transportation budget and the capital budget. You can read more about the operating budget in this earlier e-newsletter. Next steps? Negotiations with… READ MORE

Video update: Washington’s foster care system | April 15, 2019

Check out my latest video update on the crisis in Washington’s foster care system and what the legislature is doing to make things better for the young people who are… READ MORE

E-newsletter: Town hall Saturday, climate change and more | March 21, 2019

Climate bills moving forward  Thousands of kids staged a walkout last week to demand adults address climate change now.  They know, I know, we are seeing the dramatic impact humans… READ MORE

Video Update: Advocating for early learning | March 5, 2019

Check out this video I recently filmed with some of my colleagues about the importance of early learning and childcare for kids, parents, and the economy. I am happy to… READ MORE

E-newsletter: Upcoming Town Hall, bills on the move…and in the news | February 27, 2019

  Policy Cutoff Last week was policy committee cutoff at the Legislature. With over 2000 bills introduced this session, it is a challenge to make sure that everything keeps moving… READ MORE

Video update: Arming teachers with tools to support mental health | February 25, 2019

Check out my latest video update about increasing school safety by giving teachers, staff and students the tools they need to support student mental health and well-being. The bill I… READ MORE

E-newsletter: Taking care of the care workers | February 12, 2019

I hope you stayed warm and safe during the snowstorm this week. The Legislature was closed Monday, for the first time in anyone’s recent memory. But we are back, doing… READ MORE

Video update: Helping struggling families | February 7, 2019

Check out my latest video update about helping struggling families, including heart wrenching testimony on the need to reform some of the requirements of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families… READ MORE

E-newsletter: Keeping schools safe and people housed | January 30, 2019

Affordable housing In my most recent legislative video update I discussed the affordable housing crisis and a bill I am working on to help address the lack of affordable housing… READ MORE

E-newsletter: 2019 Legislative session is off and running | January 15, 2019

Happy New Year First and foremost, thank you for the opportunity to once again serve you in the Washington House of Representatives. As we usher in the New Year, I… READ MORE

Rep. Tana Senn elected as chair of the Human Services and Early Learning Committee | December 17, 2018

OLYMPIA – The Washington House Democrats just announced that Rep. Tana Senn, D – Mercer Island, will chair the Human Services and Early Learning Committee beginning in the 2019 legislative… READ MORE

2018 End of Session Newsletter from Rep. Senn | May 7, 2018

Click here to read Rep. Tana Senn’s end of session newsletter for the 2018 legislative session.

Senn Receives 2018 Champion for Children and Youth Award | May 3, 2018

OLYMPIA – State Representative Tana Senn, D-Mercer Island, was recently honored for her work advocating for policies and investments to promote positive outcomes for children and youth. On Tuesday, April… READ MORE

Exciting Wins in Housing, Education & Construction | March 30, 2018

In a quick session, it is difficult to get everything done that you want to. I’m proud to share that despite time limitations, I was able to ensure unique and… READ MORE

Governor signs Equal Pay & Children’s mental health legislation! | March 23, 2018

A good week to be a woman in Washington On Wednesday, Governor Inslee signed the Equal Pay Opportunity Act into law! I am beyond proud that this historic legislation passed… READ MORE

Governor signs Equal Pay Opportunity Act | March 21, 2018

OLYMPIA—This morning, in his conference room packed with lawmakers, advocates and supporters, Gov. Jay Inslee signed the Equal Pay Opportunity Act into law. Washington was one the first states in… READ MORE

MEDIA ADVISORY: Governor Inslee to sign Equal Pay Opportunity Act Wednesday | March 19, 2018

Governor Jay Inslee will sign House Bill 1506, the Equal Pay Opportunity Act, this Wednesday, March 21st, at 10:30 a.m. The bill signing ceremony will be held in the Governor’s… READ MORE

School Walkouts & Foster Youth | March 19, 2018

Students walk out in protest of gun violence Kids across America—including students from schools in our district—walked out in protest on Wednesday, demanding that their leaders take steps to ensure their… READ MORE

Washington minds the gap: Legislature passes Equal Pay Opportunity Act | March 7, 2018

OLYMPIA—It was 1943 when Washington passed a law making it illegal to pay a woman less than a man for similar work. Three-quarters of a century later, a white woman… READ MORE

My statement on transparency and Senate Bill 6617 | March 2, 2018

Transparency and Senate Bill 6617 Thank you to those who reached out to engage with me on the issue of public records. Overwhelmingly, people expressed concern about the lack of… READ MORE

Guns, Government Transparency & the Paris Climate Agreement | February 28, 2018

Now is the time for common-sense gun legislation In the wake of so many mass shootings nationwide – in schools, in churches, in workplaces – Washingtonians are calling on lawmakers… READ MORE

Senn hails passage of legislation banning bump stocks | February 23, 2018

OLYMPIA—Earlier today, the House of Representatives approved legislation to ban bump-fire stocks. Senate Bill 5992, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim, passed the House on a bipartisan vote… READ MORE

House passes Senn legislation on children’s mental health | February 16, 2018

OLYMPIA—Earlier this week, the House of Representatives passed legislation to improve access to mental health services for children and youth on a strong, bipartisan vote of 84-14. House Bill 2779,… READ MORE

Putting People First | February 15, 2018

Taking Action to Put People First Last week, Democrats in Olympia shone a light on how we are fighting for the families of Washington state. From empowering women with the Equal Pay Opportunity… READ MORE

House approves Senn legislation to extend health care benefits for former foster youth | February 9, 2018

OLYMPIA—Last night, the House of Representatives approved legislation to extend health care benefits for former foster youth during the transition from foster care back into the home. House Bill 2530,… READ MORE

Our 41st District Town Hall & Policy News | February 8, 2018

SAVE THE DATE: District Town Hall Please join me, along with Senator Lisa Wellman and Representative Judy Clibborn, at the 41st Legislative District Town Hall on Saturday, February 17, from 10… READ MORE

Senn legislation increasing housing for individuals with developmental disabilities passes House | February 1, 2018

OLYMPIA—Earlier today, the House of Representatives approved legislation to increase the availability of housing for people with developmental disabilities. House Bill 2448, sponsored by Rep. Tana Senn, D-Mercer Island, passed… READ MORE

Net Neutrality, Car Tabs & State Patrol Guns | February 1, 2018

Protecting our Communities from Gun Violence There is no simple solution to preventing gun violence, but here in the Legislature, we’ve been working to find common sense measures that will… READ MORE

Building a better Washington | January 25, 2018

The capital budget signed into law The new $4.18 billion capital budget, which has now been signed into law, will create thousands of jobs in every corner of the state—and… READ MORE

Clibborn and Senn cheer passage of $4 billion construction budget | January 19, 2018

OLYMPIA—Construction projects across the state of Washington and the 41st District now have the funding they need after the House and Senate passed the state’s $4 billion construction budget. “This… READ MORE

Equal Pay Passes the House! | January 18, 2018

Yesterday, the House passed the Equal Pay Opportunity Act for the fourth year in a row! I am so proud to be sponsoring this strong legislation for working women and… READ MORE

Video Update: The Equal Pay Opportunity Act | January 17, 2018

Fourth time could be the charm for Equal Pay in Washington | January 17, 2018

OLYMPIA—After active negotiations between the business and labor communities, the Washington House of Representatives passed the Equal Pay Opportunity Act this morning on a 69-28 vote. This is the fourth year… READ MORE

Senn sponsors resolution calling for appropriate funding for the 2020 Census | January 16, 2018

OLYMPIA – On Monday, January 15, Rep. Tana Senn, D-Mercer Island, introduced a bipartisan joint resolution calling on the federal government to fund the 2020 Census adequately. In addition, the… READ MORE

Welcome to the 2018 Session | January 8, 2018

Welcome to the 2018 Session Today marks the beginning of the 2018 Legislative Session. I am excited to be back in Olympia, and I look forward to continuing to advocate… READ MORE

Senn Receives 2017 Child Health Advocate Award | November 20, 2017

OLYMPIA – State Representative Tana Senn (D-Mercer Island) was recently honored for her legislative work advocating for children’s mental health in Washington state. On Wednesday, November 15, Senn received the… READ MORE

An Education Update: State and Local Changes | September 11, 2017

The Impact of the New Education Funding Plan Now that the school year has started across the district, I wanted to share my latest video update on the new education… READ MORE

Video Update: The Impact of the New Education Funding Plan | August 31, 2017

No Capital Budget is Bad News | July 31, 2017

Lack of capital budget hurts Washington’s kids, infrastructure, economy While we made great strides in funding public education this session, it’s disappointing that the Senate failed to pass a construction… READ MORE

A victory for paid family leave and passing the state budget | July 7, 2017

Washington state makes history with new paid family leave program Earlier this week, Governor Inslee signed Senate Bill 5975 into law, and Washington became the fifth state in the nation to… READ MORE

Eastside lawmakers vote against Republican $4 billion statewide property tax increase to pay for schools | July 5, 2017

OLYMPIA — Sen. Lisa Wellman, Rep. Tana Senn, and Rep. Judy Clibborn, Democrats from Mercer Island, voted against a Republican proposal to increase property taxes statewide by $4 billion over… READ MORE

Policy Issues Still in the Mix | June 26, 2017

Policy Issues Still in the Mix I hope you had a great weekend enjoying the hot days, Pride celebrations, high school and university graduations, Eid al-Fitr and more! Back in… READ MORE

Video Update: Implications of a state government shutdown | June 23, 2017

Practical New Laws that May Fly Under the Radar | May 22, 2017

Practical Benefits of Laws We Just Passed Although work continues in Olympia to find a solution to fully fund education, we did pass some important legislation during the regular session. Working across the… READ MORE

State Republicans’ tax plan could hit Eastside property owners hard. | May 18, 2017

OLYMPIA – Households along much of the I-405 corridor would see a sharp property tax increase as a result of the state Republicans’ K-12 education funding plan. The Senate Republican… READ MORE

Transportation, Community Safety, and our Legislative Pages! | May 9, 2017

Investing in transportation Having passed both chambers, the bipartisan transportation budget has been delivered to Governor Inslee and is awaiting his signature. The budget allocates approximately $8.7 billion in much… READ MORE

Stalled Negotiations and the End of Regular Session | April 21, 2017

Senate Republicans refuse to negotiate It has become clear that the legislature will need to go into overtime in order to get our work done this year. While making decisions… READ MORE