Dear friends and neighbors,  

We’ve reached the final week of the 2024 legislative session! Thank you so much to all of you who have reached out to share your thoughts, ideas, and advocacy with me—your input is invaluable in the legislative process.  

Here are some of the things we’re working on that I’m particularly proud of (and keep reading for an invite to our post-session town hall!):  

Through bipartisan collaboration, an important highlight in the budget is $25 million in funding for an advanced small modular reactor (SMR) project at the Columbia River Generating Site in the 8th Legislative District. 

This significant investment not only underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship but also demonstrates our ability to work across the aisle with our Republican colleagues for the betterment of our community and state. The SMR project holds great promise in providing clean, safe, and cost-effective energy options as we strive to meet our climate goals. 

The funding, allocated from the Climate Commitment Act, highlights the importance of exploring diverse energy sources to ensure a sustainable future. Nuclear energy, if proven clean and efficient, can play a pivotal role in our transition to a low-carbon economy. 

Moreover, situating the SMR project at the Energy Northwest site in Richland offers several advantages. The existing infrastructure, skilled workforce, and community support make it an ideal location for such a venture. Additionally, rigorous waste management protocols ensure minimal environmental impact, with the new project generating only a fraction of the waste compared to the Columbia Generating Station. 

I’m optimistic about the future of clean energy initiatives in our state and will continue to advocate across the aisle for policies that benefit our constituents and the environment. 

One of my biggest priorities this year, House Bill 2019, has passed in the Senate! This bill is all about fairness and opportunity in Washington. It’s about making sure that members of Native American tribes, who have historically faced challenges, get a fair shot at good jobs and education. 

The bill creates an apprenticeship program to help Native Americans pay for things like tuition, books, tools, and living expenses while they’re learning a trade through an apprenticeship program. 

This is important because Native American communities in Washington often face high unemployment and poverty rates—and similar programs already exist for other demographics. By giving them support to learn a trade, we’re helping them build better futures for themselves and their families. 

The program will be run by the Office of Student Financial Assistance, which will work closely with tribes and apprenticeship programs to make sure it meets the needs of Native American participants. 

It’s not just about helping individuals; it’s also about honoring the contributions and cultures of Native American tribes in Washington. By investing in their future, we’re investing in the strength and diversity of our state. 

Watch my video from the wings!  

As a proud supporter of animal welfare and justice, I am thrilled to announce the passage of House Bill 1961 in both chambers of the Washington State Legislature. This bill strengthens penalties for the most egregious acts of animal cruelty in Washington state. And this bill is another example of our ability to work across the aisle with our Republican colleagues to solve problems together. 

Under current law, there is significant variability in sentencing for acts of animal cruelty, which can result in inadequate consequences for abusers. House Bill 1961 seeks to rectify this by classifying all acts of Animal Cruelty in the First Degree as a seriousness level III offense. This ensures that those who inflict suffering on defenseless animals face appropriate consequences that match the severity of their crimes. 

By establishing a clear and consistent sentencing framework, this bill provides guidance for judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys. It sends a powerful message that Washington state stands for justice and compassion for all living beings. 

Together, we can give a voice to the voiceless and work towards a future where animal cruelty is met with swift and just consequences. 

As we continue our legislative session, I want to emphasize our dedication to addressing the opioid and fentanyl crisis, particularly through collaboration with Tribes. The devastating impact of substance abuse affects all of us, especially those living with substance use disorder and their loved ones. Fentanyl, in particular, has claimed far too many lives in Washington, and it’s crucial that we confront this epidemic head-on to save lives. 

We believe that everyone living with addiction deserves access to help and support. By implementing effective public policy and prioritizing care, we can work towards turning the tide on high-potency drugs that harm our communities. Our approach focuses on education, expanding the workforce, and ensuring critical care for those struggling with untreated addiction. 

From providing education and prevention programs in schools to enhancing crisis response and harm reduction initiatives, our legislative efforts cover a wide range of strategies. We’re also committed to expanding treatment options and recovery support services, ensuring that everyone who wants help can access it. 

I’m particularly proud of the collaboration with our Tribal partners, who have been leaders in providing treatment and crisis care for years. Their efforts demonstrate the importance of working together across tribal, state, and local levels to combat this crisis in our communities. 

Save the date! On April 6, from 10-11:30 AM, Sen. Kauffman, Rep. Entenman, and I will host a community town hall to discuss the 2024 legislative session.  

Hope to see you there!  

Sincerely,