Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Even in challenging times, our community continues to show extraordinary resilience, compassion, and determination. Over the past three years, I have been proud to fight side by side with you for practical solutions that directly address our toughest challenges – from lowering the cost of living, to supporting veterans and their families, improving access to housing and education, and safeguarding our well-being and environment. Together, we continue to make significant and meaningful progress, passing nearly a dozen of our own bills, nearly 50 of our cosponsored bills, and millions of dollars in community funding. Here are some of those bills:
Lowering Your Cost of Living
Making Washington more affordable for working families and seniors has always been my top priority. From grocery bills to housing costs, I’m fighting to ease these burdens, so no one is priced out of their home. Some key moments on this front include:
- Property Tax Relief for Homeowners (HB 1355): I worked with the prime sponsor to expand Washington’s property tax exemption program for senior citizens, veterans, and people with disabilities. By raising the income eligibility thresholds and adjusting for inflation, we’re ensuring more homeowners on fixed incomes can keep their homes. I also cosponsored efforts to extend this relief to more living situations – for example, allowing a senior living in an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) to qualify for the tax break as well. Keeping housing affordable for you is my absolute priority.
- Essential Goods at Food Banks (HB 1499): No one should have to choose between food on the table and diapers for a baby. That’s why I sponsored a new law that allows food banks to provide non-food essentials like diapers, toiletries, and hygiene products to families in need. We lifted restrictions so that food banks can use up to 25% of state food assistance funds on these necessities. It’s a common-sense change that helps struggling families and children, ensuring our food banks can respond to community needs beyond groceries.
Investing in Education and Job Opportunities
- Career-Connected Learning in High Schools (HB 1658 & HB 2236): We need to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace. That’s why I sponsored House Bill 1658, which allows public high school students to earn course credits through paid work experience, along with financial literacy instruction. This means students who hold jobs can get academic credit for real-world learning, while also gaining money management skills. Building on that, I sponsored House Bill 2236, which develops a new Allied Health Professions program to expand career & technical education in our high schools. This program will give students hands-on training for in-demand health care jobs as we encourage a new generation of professionals who will be excited to serve our communities in critical fields.
- Maritime Career Training (HB 1167): Washington’s state ferry system and maritime industries are facing workforce shortages, and we need to inspire more young people to enter these trades. I sponsored House Bill 1167 to establish educational pathways in high schools for maritime careers. Our ferries aren’t just boats; they’re lifelines for our communities and economy. As I said when this bill passed, it’s about “inspiring hope and opening doors to fulfilling careers” for our young Washingtonians.
Supporting Veterans and Military Families
Our veterans, servicemembers, and their families have sacrificed so much for our country, and they deserve our strongest support. As one of the few veterans serving in the legislature, I’ve made veterans’ services and military family support a personal priority. In the past three sessions, we’ve achieved major wins to honor our promises to those who served:
- Purple Star Schools (HB 1346): Frequent moves and parental deployments can make school extra challenging for military kids. That’s why I introduced the Purple Star Award program to recognize and support schools that go above and beyond for military-connected students. Schools that earn the Purple Star designation – like Oak Harbor (!) – help ensure that children from military families receive the social, emotional, and academic support they need. Military families in Washington can feel more confident that their kids will be understood and supported at school.
- Expanding Veterans’ Access to Benefits (HB 1102): Many veterans struggle to navigate the VA’s bureaucracy on their own – especially in rural areas- and too many miss out on benefits they’ve earned. To fix this, I sponsored House Bill 1102, the largest expansion of our state’s Veterans Service Officer (VSO) program. VSOs are trained advocates who help veterans file VA claims, access healthcare, and connect with available resources. With this law, Washington will place more VSOs in communities with the greatest need so that no matter where a veteran lives, they can get one-on-one help claiming their benefits. This law also directs the state VA to proactively reach out to every newly discharged service member within 90 days to inform them of available services.
- Relief for Disabled Veterans (Tax Exemption Expansion): I’ve also cosponsored legislation to ease the financial burden on disabled veterans. Previously, only veterans rated 80% or more disabled by the VA qualified for a property tax reduction. That threshold was too high, leaving out many who still struggle with significant disabilities. With this bill, the disability rating requirement is lowered – dropping to 60% in 2026 and 40% by 2027. No one who served our country should be taxed out of their home, and we’re doing the right thing to help veterans stay in their homes by providing peace of mind and economic security.
Driving Innovation and Protecting Our Future
A thriving future for Washington depends on innovation – and our office is on the cutting edge of leading in emerging technologies and clean energy. I am proud to take bold steps in this arena:
- Clean Energy Leadership (Fusion Power – HB 1924 & HB 1018): Washington is now on the map as a leader in the future of fusion energy. In 2024, I was proud to be the prime sponsor of our state’s first major fusion energy legislation. House Bill 1924 directs Washington to incorporate fusion technology into our clean energy planning. Why fusion? It’s often called the “holy grail” of energy – a carbon-free, safe power source that could provide virtually unlimited electricity. By investing in fusion research and removing regulatory barriers, we’re planting seeds for good-paying jobs, lower energy bills, and true energy independence. This year, we followed up with House Bill 1018 to streamline the permitting process for future fusion facilities. I’m thrilled that our state is thinking big on clean energy, and I’ll continue to champion technologies that protect our environment and reduce costs for consumers.
- Ethical Technology & Privacy (Still in Progress, HB 1168 & HB 1170): While we lead in innovation, we must also protect people’s rights and privacy. I’ve heard your concerns about the unchecked growth of artificial intelligence and data abuse. I continue to work on passing legislation to guard against abuses – House Bill 1168, which would require greater transparency about how automated decision systems use our personal data, and House Bill 1170, which would mandate clear labels on AI-generated content to combat deepfakes and deception. I’m also serving on the state’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force, helping shape policies so Washington can harness AI responsibly. Washington should be a place where technology serves the people, not the other way around.
Always at Your Service
Over the past three years, we’ve made real, tangible progress that has improved lives across our communities. Our legislative work is only possible because of the teamwork and active engagement of community members like you – each of these belongs to all of us. We also recognize that our work is not done, and I’m hopeful for the road ahead, knowing that we’ll continue tackling our challenges together. Thank you for being part of this journey – and thank you for the honor of serving as your state representative.
Always at Your Service,
Clyde