During the 2023 legislative session, we returned to Olympia after two years due to the pandemic. During the 105-day legislative session, we made significant progress on the issues that matter most to you. We’ve taken tangible action on supporting low-income and working-class families in achieving economic stability, addressing the housing affordability crisis, reducing gun violence, protecting reproductive rights, increasing access to health care for all, protecting our natural resources, and much more.
I am particularly proud to have worked with stakeholders in our community to pass seven pieces of legislation. In April, we passed our 2023-25 operating, capital, and transportation budgets building on the work done in previous years by making major investments to fund critical state services, help students have the tools they need to succeed, provide families with stable housing, and to turn the tide on climate change. Best of all, it does not rely on any new general taxes or fees.
The work we accomplished this session can’t fit in one email; however, I’ll highlight the most meaningful updates in future updates. Those successes will include progress in behavioral healthcare, childcare, climate change response, health care, education housing affordability, worker protections, safeguarding reproductive rights and gender affirming care, tackling our workforce shortage, and significant budget investments into local projects and important statewide programs.
However, here is a quick update on my legislation that made it to the governor’s desk this session:
- House Bill 1074 protects renters from landlords unjustly withholding their deposits, which were never intended to be a fee.
- House Bill 1077 allows courthouse dogs to assist survivors of traumatic crimes.
- House Bill 1275 allows athletic trainers to provide over the counter medications as prescribed by an authorized health care practitioner for the purpose of athletic training.
- House Bill 1287 reduces the shortage of dental hygienists by streamlining active practice requirements for full licensure in Washington.
- House Bill 1477 modifies and expands the Working Families Tax Credit, so that more individuals in need can qualify for assistance.
- House Bill 1562 reduces the risk of lethality and harm associated with those likely to commit domestic violence by governing the process of firearm possession and restoration of firearms rights.
- House Bill 1745 requires clinical trials to adopt a policy of recruiting participants from underrepresented demographics to widen the lived experiences of participants.
- House Resolution 4604 recognizes the Lunar New Year and the cultural contributions of Asian Americans in our state.
If you’d like to learn more about our work this year, please visit my website to get in contact with me directly.
Interim Coffee Chats
I am also hosting a series of coffee chats this summer and fall. I would love to see you there to discuss issues you would like to see addressed in future legislative sessions.
July 22nd 9:00-10:00 AM – Health and Long-Term Care Coffee Chat
Starbucks in the Newcastle Commons: 13120 Newcastle Commons Dr, Newcastle, WA 98059
September 9th 9:00-10:00 AM – Community Safety Coffee Chat
55 Sunset Coffee & Spirits: 55 W Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA 98027
October 7th 9:00-10:00 AM – Wealth Tax Coffee Chat
Starbucks in Kelsey Creek in Bellevue: 180 148th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98007
Bellevue School District Summer Meals Program for Kids
The Bellevue School District is hosting free summer meals for kids during July. Here is information on those times and locations.
Lake Hills Elementary – 14310 SE 12th St., Bellevue, WA 98007
July 6 – July 28: Monday – Friday
Breakfast 8:40 – 9:00 a.m.
Lunch 11:30 – 12:30 p.m.
Sammamish High School – 100 140th Ave. SE, Bellevue, WA 98005
July 6 – July 28, 2023: Monday – Friday
Lunch 10:30 – 12:00 p.m.
Once again, thank you for taking time to read this update. It is an honor to serve as your state representative. I look forward to connecting with you in our community this interim!
Sincerely,
Rep. My-Linh Thai