Dear Friends and Family,
The 2025 Legislative Session has begun, and my team and I are working harder than ever to deliver real results for you and your family. Every day, I am in committee meetings, debating on the floor, and collaborating with colleagues to tackle the issues that matter most – making housing affordable, lowering the cost of living, improving access to healthcare, and creating opportunities for every Washingtonian. This is not easy work, but it’s work that I embrace with everything I have because your future depends on it.
Behind every bill I sponsor and cosponsor, every vote I cast, and every long night I spend poring over policy, there’s one goal: to make life better for you. I know the stakes are high, and that’s why I’m approaching this session with relentless determination and focus. I am here to fight for solutions that ease the burdens on your shoulders and pave the way for a future filled with opportunity and hope. This session, I’m not just working to meet the challenges of today – I’m focused on building a stronger Washington for tomorrow. Every ounce of effort is for you.
Lowering Your Cost of Living
As a legislator, I am committed to reducing the cost of living for families across Washington State. This session, I have proudly sponsored and cosponsored numerous key bills aimed at tackling financial burdens and promoting affordability.
Tax Relief
- House Bill 1004: Increases the personal property tax exemption from $15,000 to $50,000, providing significant relief to individuals and small businesses.
- House Joint Resolution 4200: Proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt personal property up to $50,000, aligning with HB 1004.
- House Bill 1318: Exempts children’s diapers from sales and use taxes, easing financial burdens on families.
- House Bill 1106: Expands property tax relief for disabled veterans by gradually lowering the disability rating requirements.
Housing and Affordability
- House Bill 1040: Encourages affordable rental options by allowing participants in property tax exemption programs to exclude up to $6,000 in annual rental income.
- House Bill 1075: Supports public housing authorities in financing affordable housing developments, increasing the availability of affordable housing options.
- House Bill 1108: Establishes a task force to analyze the cost drivers of homeownership and rental housing, paving the way for effective solutions to reduce housing costs.
Healthcare
- House Bill 1589: Ensures adequate healthcare provider networks and protects patients from unexpected medical bills.
Economic Growth and Job Creation
- House Bill 1016: Provides tax incentives to employers hiring veterans and military spouses, ensuring economic stability for military families.
- House Bill 1019: Offers tax incentives for farmers participating in conservation programs, promoting sustainability and supporting agricultural operations.
- House Bill 1060: Introduces a business and occupation tax exemption for publishing newspapers and eligible digital content, supporting local journalism and access to information.
- House Bill 1214: Expands eligibility for the Working Families Tax Credit to individuals aged 18 and older, broadening financial relief for low-income residents.
Tackling Tomorrow’s Problems Today
Legislating is about making decisions today that will shape the lives of Washingtonians for generations. That’s why I am honored to sponsor legislation that isn’t just addressing immediate challenges but laying the groundwork for a stronger, more innovative future.
House Bill 1018 is about something revolutionary: unlocking the potential of fusion energy. Imagine a future where clean, limitless energy powers our state, creating jobs and protecting our environment for generations. This bill sets the stage for Washington to be at the forefront of a global energy breakthrough – ushering in a new era of sustainability and opportunity.
House Bill 1103 is about protecting something fundamental: your peace of mind. We’ve all been frustrated by constant, invasive calls and texts that disrupt our daily lives. This bill takes a stand, giving people back control and sending a message that your privacy matters. It’s a big step toward creating a world where technology serves us – not the other way around.
And as artificial intelligence continues to reshape the way we live and work, House Bill 1168 and House Bill 1170 ensure that Washington leads with transparency and accountability. HB 1168 demands clarity about how AI tools are built, while HB 1170 makes sure people know when they’re interacting with AI-generated content. These aren’t just technical measures – they’re about trust and fairness in a rapidly changing world, setting a precedent that others will follow.
Helping Veterans Navigate Civilian Life
I recently testified on House Bill 1102 to help veterans get access to Veteran Service Officers (VSOs). VSOs are critical towards helping veterans receive benefits (housing, food assistance, and medical), and I am working to ensure that veterans receive the benefits they deserve.
Serving as Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore
Being elected to serve as Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore is a tremendous honor and privilege. In this role, I help lead the House of Representatives by presiding over debates and ensuring that legislative sessions run smoothly and fairly. It’s a critical part of making sure every voice is heard and that the important work of passing laws for the people of Washington happens efficiently and respectfully.
This position is about more than just managing the process – it’s about serving as a leader and a representative of the values we all share. I’m grateful to my colleagues for their trust and to my constituents for the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the decisions that impact all of our lives. It’s an incredible responsibility, and I’m proud to carry it forward as we work to create a stronger future for our state.
Credit: LSS Photography
Working Tirelessly for You
Being your legislator means more than just showing up – it means working tirelessly, fighting for what’s right, and putting in the hours to ensure no voice is left unheard. I am here to serve as the hardest-working legislator I can be because you deserve nothing less. Every moment of effort is for you, and I’m honored to serve as your state representative.
Always at Your Service,
Clyde