The Caucus Newsroom

Click here to sign up to receive latest news from the House Democratic Caucus.


Cortes Sworn in as Representative for the 38th District 

Olympia – Rep. Julio Cortes, D-Everett, was sworn in Monday as one of two new representatives for the 38th legislative district. Cortes brings experience in homelessness prevention, city government and... READ MORE

Bill aims to eliminate cost-sharing for patients seeking abortions

OLYMPIA – In Washington, abortions must be covered by all state-regulated health plans that cover maternity services, but out-of-pocket costs can currently be a burden for patients. Sen. Annette Cleveland (D-Vancouver) and Rep. Jessica Bateman (D-Olympia) are looking to ease that... READ MORE

Bateman and Barkis unite behind middle housing legislation 

OLYMPIA—Everyone deserves a home, yet the dream of home ownership is out of reach for too many families, says Rep. Jessica Bateman (D-Olympia), who’s introducing bipartisan legislation to boost the... READ MORE

Kloba, Wylie Named Co-Chairs of House Regulated Substances & Gaming Committee 

OLYMPIA — State Reps. Shelley Kloba (D-Kirkland) and Sharon Wylie (D-Vancouver) were elected last week to serve as Co-Chairs of the Washington House of Representatives Regulated Substances & Gaming Committee... READ MORE

LEGISLATIVE NEWS: Walen Named Chair of House Consumer Protection & Business Committee

OLYMPIA – Washington House Democrats announced today that Rep. Amy Walen (D – Kirkland) will chair the State Consumer Protection & Business Committee in the 2023 legislative session. “I am sincerely... READ MORE

Duerr elected Chair of Local Government Committee 

OLYMPIA—The new chair of the House Local Government Committee is architect and former city council member Rep. Davina Duerr (D-Bothell).  “Safe sidewalks and streets, clean water when you turn the... READ MORE

Berg Named Chair of Finance Committee

OLYMPIA – Washington House Democrats announced this week that Rep. April Berg (D – Mill Creek) will chair the House Finance Committee.  Berg is the first Black woman to chair... READ MORE

House budget chair Rep. Timm Ormsby’s statement on Governor Inslee’s operating budget proposal

OLYMPIA – Rep. Timm Ormsby (D-Spokane), chair of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement regarding Governor Inslee’s operating budget proposal released today: “I want to start by thanking... READ MORE

Speaker Jinkins and Sen. Jamie Pedersen outside the White House in Washington, DC for the Respect For Marriage bill signing
Speaker Jinkins on a decade of marriage equality in Washington state: “We will continue standing strong for LGBTQ+ rights and rejecting hate in our communities”

OLYMPIA – When President Biden signed the federal Respect for Marriage Act on Tuesday, House Speaker Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma) was at the White House to celebrate the historic moment. The... READ MORE

LEGISLATIVE NEWS: Ramos to Chair House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee

OLYMPIA – Washington House Democrats announced today that Rep. Bill Ramos, D – Issaquah, will chair the State Government and Tribal Relations Committee in the 2023 legislative session. “I am... READ MORE