Friends and Neighbors,
On Monday, January 13th, we kicked off the 2025-26 legislative session. At nearly two weeks into this process, we are busy hearing and debating bills. I am excited to share my priorities with you, as well as how to participate in the legislative process.
This year is a long session, lasting 105 days. During this session we will pass our biennial operating, capital, and transportation budgets. This will require some difficult decision-making, but we are working together to find solutions that work for all Washingtonians.
This year, I am proud to serve as the Vice Chair of the House Finance Committee, and I am also serving on the Appropriations, and Environment & Energy committees. These are three committees where I’ll be able to work towards some of our district’s core values.
We set the state’s tax policy in the Finance Committee. Washington state has one of the most regressive tax codes in the country and we need to make it more progressive so that everyone is contributing an equal portion of their income to provide the infrastructure and services on which we all depend.
The Appropriations Committee decides how we spend the money brought in by taxes. Budgets are moral documents and the services we choose to fund have direct impact on people’s ability to afford food, healthcare, childcare, and many other essentials.
Finally, the work we do in the Environment & Energy Committee is critical to combating the approaching a climate crisis. It seems like there is a new example to point to every time I speak about this issue. Our hearts go out to those impacted by the wildfires in LA, and we all hold our breaths in anticipation of fire season in Washington state. These are just a couple examples of the urgent need to change the direction of our climate for the citizens of our state, country, and world.
In addition to the committees on which I serve, I’m proud to have been re-elected by the other democratic legislators as Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus. Working on our leadership team is meaningful every session but especially so in the coming years as we plan how to protect Washingtonians from the federal government.
Protecting renters and fighting for rent stabilization
Our housing market is out of balance and renters are paying huge portions of their income to keep a roof over their head. I am committed to supporting policies that ensure Washington remains a safe and affordable place to live. That includes bills such as HB 1217 which will cap rent increases at 7% a year for existing tenants in Washington. In recent years, the Legislature has taken steps to increase the state’s housing supply, but that will take years or decades to bring any real relief to today’s renters. We need to stabilize rent to help tenants now.
As a landlord myself, I can attest that housing providers will be fine with this modest tenant protection. In fact, a landlord would double their revenue over 10 years if they raised the rent by 7% each year. That far exceeds increased expenses because the largest expense, a mortgage, is fixed. HB 1217 is common sense legislation that will help keep working families housed and take another step toward addressing the housing and homelessness crisis we are facing. I look forward to supporting this bill to help create the stability so many in our community desperately need.
Recognizing MLK Jr. Day
This week, we recognized and celebrated the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As a member of the Legislative Black Caucus, I am proud to share our caucus made history this year as the largest Black Legislative Caucus in the Western United States with the election of my colleagues Natasha Hill (D-Spokane), Shaun Scott (D-Spokane), and appointment of Brianna Thomas (D-Seattle). We are honored to use our collective voices to pursue and support policies that benefit all communities and especially the most marginalized in our state.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” This profound question encourages us to actively contribute to our communities, fostering inclusivity and support for all.
I wanted to highlight several organizations in the 37th Legislative District that embody Dr. King’s vision through their dedicated service:
Rainier Valley Food Bank: Provides essential food assistance to individuals and families, ensuring no one in our community goes hungry.
El Centro de la Raza: Offers comprehensive services including housing assistance, education, and cultural programs, empowering the Latino community and beyond.
Atlantic Street Center: Supports youth and families with counseling, educational support, and family services, promoting healthy development and resilience.
Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle: Advocates for economic and educational equity, providing job training, housing assistance, and youth programs to uplift African American and other underserved communities.
East African Community Services: Delivers culturally specific programs in education, youth development, and family support to East African immigrants and refugees.
Thank you to these organizations and to members of the community who volunteer and support their neighbors each day. You honor Dr. King’s legacy and strengthen the fabric of our community.
Share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences
I believe having robust dialogue that includes people with lived experiences is vital and informs our lawmaking process. We need you to join the journey with us. Here are some ways to do so:
- Watch — TVW.org broadcasts all debates and votes that happen in the House or Senate, as well as all committee meetings in both chambers.
- Testify — Go here for an overview of the process, instructions on how to testify remotely, and to sign in for hearings in the House or Senate.
- Research —Look up any bill by number, lawmaker, or topic here. To learn about the entire legislative process, click here.
- Stay Informed — Visit my website and official social media pages.
- Get in Touch — You can always reach my office by email or phone; all our contact information is listed at the bottom of this newsletter.
Having your input is central to crafting successful legislation. I look forward to hearing from you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you,
Rep. Chipalo Street