Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you’ve had some time to enjoy our amazing Seattle summer so far. Even though we completed our legislative session back in April, that doesn’t mean my work has stopped. I’ve been meeting with constituents, attending community events, and working with community members to continue making progress on the most pressing issues facing our community.
I wanted to take a moment here to update you on some important legislation that has gone into effect recently and address some concerns I’ve heard.
Protecting Privacy, Health Access, and the Dignity of Every Washingtonian
Some of you may have read or seen a troubling news report recently that the federal agency overseeing Medicaid, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), may have shared the personal information of Apple Health clients with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Let me be clear: the State of Washington did not approve this, and we were not notified in advance. My colleagues and I are outraged and greatly concerned.
I know many of you rely on Apple Health for essential medical care.
For our immigrant neighbors—especially those enrolled in Apple Health Expansion, a state-managed Medicaid program partially funded with federal dollars—this is an unacceptable breach of trust. While the Health Care Authority (HCA) never disclosed specific immigration statuses, any sharing of personal data with immigration enforcement agencies is harmful and dangerous.
Our values as a state do not change with federal administrations. We believe that health care is a human right—not a tool for surveillance or punishment.
In response:
- Governor Ferguson acted swiftly to stop unnecessary data sharing and protect the privacy of Apple Health Expansion clients.
- HCA has now halted the submission of non-emergency care data for enrollees in that program, unless federally required.
- Our team in Olympia is working closely with agency leaders to assess the full scope and develop long-term safeguards.
We are committed to building systems of care and trust—not fear. That includes strengthening our programs, improving oversight, and ensuring no one in Washington is afraid to seek medical care.
If you, your family, or your organization is affected by these developments, please reach out. Your health, your story, and your dignity matter. I will fight to ensure this state remains a place where everyone belongs, and no one is left behind.
Learn more about how the Health Care Authority is responding to this issue here.
Standing in Solidarity with Immigrant Communities
My colleagues and I continue to stand in solidary with our immigrant communities and affirm that all communities belong here in Washington.
Earlier this summer, the Legislative Black Caucus (WLBC) issued a powerful statement condemning the federal government’s increased use of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and the alarming deployment of the National Guard for immigration enforcement. “Washington will not become a staging ground for fear,” said LBC Chair Rep. Kristine Reeves.
Read the full statement and learn more about immigrant rights and resources here.
New Housing Laws Going Into Effect
Finally, I wanted to share Washington’s newest housing reforms went into effect this July to increase affordability, protect renters, and support smarter development.
These were hard fought reforms that I know will help many in people in 37th district stay housed and stable.
Here are some highlights:
|
Topic |
Bill
|
Effective Date |
Key Changes |
| Rent Stabilization |
HB 1217 |
May 7, 2025 |
Caps rent hikes, requires 90-day notice for rent increases, strengthens tenant protections |
| Parking Reform |
SB 5184 |
July 27, 2025 |
Eliminates minimum parking mandates in larger cities to help build more housing |
| ADU Permits |
HB 1353 |
July 27, 2025 |
Allows architects to self-certify ADUs to speed construction |
| Lot Splitting |
HB 1096 |
July 27, 2025 |
Simplifies splitting lots to build more homes |
| Middle Housing |
SB 5471 |
July 27, 2025 |
Allows more housing types in unincorporated growth areas |
There is still much more that we can do to make Washington more affordable and ensure families here can thrive. This housing legislation is an important step toward that goal.
Bonus: 37th LD Project Highlights
This session we passed our state budgets which, as you may know, was a significant challenge. Yes, we did have to make some significant cuts to important programs all over the state.
However, we were still able to make investments in our communities, including over $60 million in the Captial Budget for the 37th LD.
Some of those investments include:
$3.5 million for the Mother Nation Spirit Journey Healing Village
$2 million for the Rainier Beach Family Empowerment Center
$1.03 million for the Rainier Valley Food Bank
$1 million for the LG Hutchinson Playfield and Court Renovation
You can see all of the capital investments being made in the 37th here.
I look forward to sending you another update soon. My office remains open and available during the interim, please do no hesitate to reach out.
In Solidarity,
Rep. Chipalo Street