Dear friends and neighbors,
On this heavy week for Washington state, I’d like to take a moment to honor Speaker Frank Chopp, who dedicated his life not just to the House of Representatives, but to serving others—as an organizer, a lawmaker, a father, and a friend.
Everything I know about this job; I learned from him.
Serving alongside Frank for nearly two decades, I witnessed firsthand his commitment to the idea of One Washington. He believed deeply in bridging communities across the state, ensuring that every voice—from King County to Spokane, Aberdeen, and Walla Walla—was heard and valued. His leadership was instrumental in the creation of programs like Apple Health for Kids, now providing free or low-cost healthcare to over half of Washington’s children.
Washington has lost a giant, and I have lost a mentor and friend. While we grieve this profound loss, we also celebrate the enduring impact of Frank’s work. His voice will continue to inspire us to serve every corner of this state with the same passion and dedication he exemplified.
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Thank You for a Great Town Hall!
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of hosting a town hall alongside my seatmates, and I want to thank the roughly 150 community members who joined us. A special thank you to the Lake Washington Institute of Technology for providing the space and helping make this event possible.
One of the biggest concerns on people’s minds was how Washington is preparing for uncertainty coming from D.C. In times like these, we must remain proactive in protecting our state’s progress and ensuring stability for our communities. From safeguarding essential programs to maintaining strong local investments, I want to assure you that we are paying close attention and preparing for potential challenges ahead.
Another key topic was education funding. Our schools, students, and educators are at the heart of our communities, and I appreciated the thoughtful discussion about how we continue to provide ample resources to ensure every child has access to a high-quality education.
Town halls like this are an invaluable way to hear directly from you. Thank you to everyone who attended and shared their thoughts—I look forward to continuing these conversations.
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📢 Tune in to my latest video!
In this episode, I take a moment to honor the remarkable legacy of Speaker Frank Chopp, break down the Right to Repair bill (HB 1483) and what it means for consumers, and explain how the Surface Mine Reclamation bill (HB 1647) helps protect our environment.
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Legislative Accomplishments in the House
Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished in the House so far – click on the bill numbers to learn more!
- Affordable Housing
- HB 1353 – Streamlines permitting for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to increase housing options.
- HB 1403 – Simplifies condominium construction laws to boost homeownership opportunities.
- HB 1757 – Makes it easier to convert unused commercial buildings into housing.
- HB 1696 – Expands homeownership access for communities historically impacted by housing discrimination.
- Public Safety
- Workforce & Economy
- Education & Schools
- Consumer Protections
- HB 1069 – Expands retirement benefits through collective bargaining.
- HB 1483 – Establishes the Right to Repair Act, allowing consumers to fix their own tech devices.
- HB 1971 – Ensures 12-month refills for prescription hormone therapy.
- HB 1686 – Creates a healthcare entity registry to increase cost transparency.
These legislative wins reflect our commitment to strengthening communities, expanding economic opportunities, and lowering costs for Washingtonians.
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Finding Joy and Connection
As we navigate uncertainty and tackle the challenges ahead, it’s important to find moments of joy and connection to the world around us. One of the ways I like to do that is by watching the Big Bear eagle cam, which offers a live look at a bald eagle’s nest high in the San Bernardino National Forest. You can watch it here.
This simple yet powerful view of nature is also a reminder of why our work on ecology and natural resource conservation matters. Protecting Washington’s forests, rivers, and wildlife habitats isn’t just about preserving landscapes—it’s about ensuring a healthy, sustainable future for generations to come. Whether it’s funding salmon recovery, strengthening clean water protections, or supporting responsible land management, these efforts are vital to both our environment and our communities.
I hope this eagle cam brings you a sense of peace and grounding during this difficult time. Thank you for staying engaged, and as always, I appreciate hearing from you.
Sincerely,
State Representative Larry Springer
45th Legislative District