Hey Neighbors!
Before I get you caught up on all the good stuff happening down in Olympia, I want to invite you to a Telephone Town Hall happening on March 17th from 6:00pm – 7:00pm. The entire 34th Legislative District Delegation will be there including myself, Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, and Sen. Emily Alvarado. In the six weeks since I took office, I’ve had over 57 constituent meetings and it’s been awesome! I’d love to connect with more of you during this telephone town hall and answer any questions you may have. I hope to see – er, hear – you there!
This week, we’ve been on the House Floor non-stop debating bills and passing legislation out of the House. Having inherited the seat previously held by healthcare worker champion Eileen Cody, I am pleased to share that I just passed my first bill ensuring reasonable rest breaks for hospital workers! HB1879 takes care of the folks that take care of us!
Across the marble, our Senate colleagues are going through a similar process. Any bill that passes out of the House goes over to the Senate for consideration and the Senate will send us their bills. Then we’ll start the process of committee review and debate all over again. We have about 50 days left in the session to not only pass bills, but we also still have to grapple with the state’s budgets. Things will move quickly – you can stay informed by tracking bills and by tuning in to TVW to watch the action live.
This new website reveals the impact of possible state budget cuts
Speaking of the budget – I’m sure you’ve been hearing a lot about our state’s budget challenges. You should know that I am working hard to ensure that working families are at the center of any budget decisions we make. Here’s what’s happening.
Washington state is facing a major budget deficit due to rising needs, inflation, and slowing revenue growth. To help our community understand the potential impact of an all-cuts budget, we’ve launched WA Budget Cuts, a new website that breaks down the devastating reductions proposed in the “Book 1” budget—an example budget that former Governor Jay Inslee was required to prepare without any new revenue.
This “No Revenue” budget would slash $3.5 BILLION from healthcare and public health over the next four years, threatening Medicaid pharmacy coverage, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and state-funded family planning services. Long-term care and developmental disabilities programs could lose $1.5 BILLION, severely impacting seniors and people with disabilities. Higher education, human services, early learning, and behavioral health programs would also see massive cuts.
As lawmakers, we are carefully considering these proposed cuts while also exploring revenue options to protect Washington’s social safety net. Since 75-80% of the state budget is protected by constitutional or federal obligations, these cuts would fall entirely on just 20-25% of our budget—making their impact even more severe.
Learn more about what’s at stake and how these cuts could affect you, your family, and your community.
The Working Families Tax Credit could add more than $1,000 to your refund
In 2023, less than half of Washington residents who were eligible for a tax credit claimed it. There’s no downside to checking to see if you’re eligible and the upside could be great! You could receive a refund up to $1,290 depending on income level and the number of qualifying children your household. Here’s how:
- Do you have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number?
- Did you live in Washington for at least 183 days in 2024?
- Are you between 25 and 65 years old or do you have a qualifying child?
- Did you file a federal tax return for 2024?
If your answers are YES, you may qualify to receive the Washington Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC)!
Since it was first launched, in 2023, the WFTC has provided over 359,000 refunds totaling more than $263.4 million. This is real money that can make a real difference for many working families across our state. Check your eligibility now!
Apply now for the 2025 WAVE Scholarship
The Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) scholarship helps students pursuing career and technical education (CTE) cover tuition and educational expenses at Washington colleges, universities, and career schools. Awards start at $3,900 per year for two years.
This is an amazing opportunity – I know because I received this very scholarship in 1999! Each legislative district can have up to three winners, and I want to make sure the winners from the 34th are aware of the opportunity.
The deadline to apply is March 17, 2025
The legislature is invested in expanding pathways to CTE and access to dual credit programs, making it easier for students to earn college credits in CTE fields. By streamlining regional efforts, creating a statewide course catalog, and aligning CTE programs with postsecondary pathways, Washington is ensuring more students can jumpstart their careers while reducing college costs. Be a part of it!
Learn more and apply for the WAVE scholarship. Help spread the word by sharing this opportunity with others!
Fairly compensating businesses forced to make way for government work
Finally, in my latest video I highlight House Bill 1733, my bill to make sure businesses are compensated fairly if they are required to move because the government acquired their property due to agency displacement. If implemented, this bill increases the moving reimbursement from $50,000 to $200,000. Check out the video here and learn more about how this bill will benefit our businesses in the 34th LD.
That’s all for now. Please keep an eye out for my next legislative update. And, don’t forget, to join us at our upcoming town hall!
Sincerely,
Rep. Brianna Thomas