Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2025 legislative session is coming to an end, set to adjourn on Sunday, April 27th. This has been a 105-day marathon – a particularly challenging and exhausting session for everyone. With a new governor, many new lawmakers, and a budget shortfall to address, we’ve been working long days (and late nights) tackling tough issues. Early morning and late-night floor debates are common as we push through bills and negotiate solutions for our state. It’s been difficult, but I’m proud of the hard work we’ve been doing together to deliver results for our community.
Honored to Serve as Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore
As your representative, I have the privilege of serving in a leadership role as Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore of the House. In plain terms, this means I often preside over the House floor during debates, wielding the gavel to keep proceedings on track. This responsibility requires hours at the rostrum, managing votes and discussions on the floor. It is an honor to take on this duty, and I’m grateful my colleagues trusted me to help run the show.
Budget Negotiations in the Final Weeks
These past few weeks, the legislature has been in the thick of budget negotiations. Writing the state’s two-year budgets – operating, capital, and transportation – is always one of the hardest tasks in a long session, and this year was no exception. Both the House and Senate have (and are still) meeting to ensure our budgets are reconciled before sending a final budget to the Governor. In other words, we’ve been working around the clock to find common ground on funding for schools, public safety, transportation, healthcare, and more. The negotiations have been intense, but this hard work was crucial to meet our April 27th deadline. I’m committed to fighting for a budget that reflects our community’s needs – one that supports working families, veterans, seniors, and small businesses in the 10th District. These last-minute talks have been stressful, but they’re all about securing the best possible outcomes for you.
Progress on Key Bills I Introduced
Despite the challenges, I’m happy to report that many of the bills I introduced this session have made significant progress.
- Expanding Veterans’ Access to Services (HB 1102). This dramatically expands our state’s Veterans Service Officer (VSO) program, ensuring every veteran – no matter where they live – can get help accessing the benefits they’ve earned. I’m proud to share that HB 1102 will be heading to the Governor’s desk for signing.
- Pioneering Clean Energy (HB 1018). To secure a sustainable future, I introduced HB 1018 streamlines permitting for fusion energy facilities, positioning our state as a leader in breakthrough clean energy. I’m thrilled that HB 1018 passed out of the legislature and is heading to the Governor’s desk for signing.
- Strengthening Our Ferry Workforce (HB 1167). Our ferry system has struggled with staffing shortages, so I introduced HB 1167 to create a pipeline for maritime careers into educational programs at high schools. I’m thrilled that HB 1018 passed out of the legislature and is heading to the Governor’s desk for signing.
Thank you for sticking with me through this especially demanding session. It’s been a marathon, but every late night and early morning was worth it to deliver for you. I’m grateful for the honor of serving as your state representative – and as we wrap up the 2025 session and look ahead, I’ll always be here working hard for you and our wonderful 10th Legislative District.
Always at Your Service,
Clyde