Dear friends and neighbors,

This e-newsletter is a quick look at what’s happening in Olympia and how it might affect all our communities. In this issue, I’ll discuss protecting reproductive healthcare, addressing basic student needs at postsecondary institutions, the healthcare workforce shortage, the Working Families Tax Credit, and the legislative page program. I hope you will find it useful!

Protecting Privacy of Reproductive Healthcare Data

I am excited to share that my bill House Bill 1155, the My Health, My Data Act, has passed the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee. This bill is a first in the nation effort to protect sensitive health care data. It’s long overdue that we hold websites, apps, and non-HIPAA-covered entities accountable for our privacy when they collect, share, and sell our personal health information and reproductive health data. Most consumers assume their sensitive health care data on apps, websites, and searches is covered by the same protections provided under HIPAA as when you see a healthcare provider–but that is not the case.

The My Health, My Data Act will close the gap on health data privacy protections that are not afforded by HIPAA to protect individuals’ rights by prohibiting the sale of Washingtonian’s health information and requiring companies to implement stricter privacy standards for consumer health data. This is especially important following the recent Supreme Court decision overturning Roe vs Wade as there is an increased risk of harm to people who do not have data privacy protection of their reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare data.

You can read more about this meaningful legislation in articles The Washington Post, GeekWire and The Register.

Meeting Postsecondary Students’ Basic Needs 

You may have seen in the Seattle Times that half of all college students are failing to meet their basic needs when it comes to housing, food, and economic security. According to a recent statewide postsecondary basic needs survey, nearly 4 in 10 students reported facing food insecurity in the last 30 days. Over a third reported experiencing housing insecurity in the last 12 months, with more than 1 in 10 having experienced homelessness. There are some who overcome these challenges, but no one should have to go without housing or food to get a college degree. We must do better.

House Bill 1559 directly addresses the basic needs insecurity faced by college students in several ways. First, it will create a Benefit Navigator Grant Program to connect students to assistance programs, so that they can worry about what matters – staying in school! In addition, funds given to community and technical colleges (CTC’s) by the state will receive a 50% match from federal funding sources. This will allow CTC’s to deliver aid and resources to students who are most in need. I look forward to seeing this bill pass the House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee this week!

Healthcare Workforce Shortage 

Few industries have shown the catastrophic consequences of workforce shortages like healthcare. Workforce development is crucial in building out economic resiliency both when times are good, and when we are in crisis. To help the healthcare workforce recover, several pieces of legislation and budget items have been introduced to expand the workforce pipeline, to streamline licensing for those entering healthcare, and to make careers in healthcare more financially feasible for candidates. I will continue to provide updates, and here are a few of the bills to date:

House Bill 1001 – Streamlines interstate certification of speech therapists & audiologists. This will help provide continuity of care from providers and increase access to services in Washinton.

House Bill 1021 – By aligning social worker licensing requirements with other states, Washington can attract more out of state providers to provide behavioral health services.

House Bill 1069 – In conjunction with the previous bill, this will streamline licensing requirements with other states so behavioral health counselors can practice across state lines. This will increase workforce supply and meet needs of traveling personnel such as military families.

A New Tax Credit for WA Workers Starts in 2023! 

The Working Families Tax Credit is a new program that will provide payments of up to $1,200 to low-to-moderate income individuals and families. The amounts are based on income level and the number of qualifying children (if any). Help us spread the word and make sure everyone who qualifies can receive this tax credit.

This program will help us stimulate local economies, promote racial equity, and provide the financial stability Washington families need right now. To find more information in several available languages, visit WorkingFamiliesCredit.wa.gov.

Legislative Page Program 

We are excited that with the Legislature returning to in-person meetings in Olympia, the Legislative Page Program is back and we are pleased to be accepting applications! This unique opportunity is open to Washington residents who are at least 14 years old but have not reached their 17th birthday. This year only, the House is allowing 17- and 18-year-olds to participate during two specific weeks since the program was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. The page program gives young Washington residents the chance to learn and participate in the legislative process by attending page school, assisting legislative offices, delivering messages, and working on the House and Senate floors.

For more information, please visit the page program’s website by clicking here.

Let Me know What Is Important to You 

If you come down to Olympia, please schedule a time for us to meet so you can share your concerns with me. My priority is hearing from you however you are most comfortable, whether remotely or in person.

If you have comments, questions, or ideas, please contact my office. I hope to hear from you soon!

Thanks for all you do,

State Representative Vandana Slatter

48th Legislative District