Howdy Friends and Neighbors,
We are getting down to the wire with less than a day left in the legislative session. I am excited to share we’ve already had some major wins for workers including Senate passage of the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights and the microchipping bill. Both of these bills are now on their way to the governor for his signature. These policies will protect Washingtonians’ right to control their bodies and right to a safe work environment. Washingtonians who work hard every day should be treated with respect and dignity. This is a guiding value of my work and I am honored to bring this perspective to the state House.
A historic debate to bring real relief to Washingtonians
I recently spent over 24 hours debating SSB 6346 – the ‘Millionaire’s Tax.’ The numbers don’t lie. The overwhelming majority of Washingtonians – 99.75%! – will not have to pay this tax. However, every single Washingtonian will benefit from the essential services this tax will help provide.
This tax bill puts more money in your pocket with provisions like:
- Expanding the Working Families Tax Credit – 460,000 more families will be eligible
- A sales tax exemption on diapers, hygiene products, and over the counter medications – combined with existing exemptions on food, almost your entire grocery cart will be tax exempt
- Free school meals for all Washington students
- Investments in Fair Start for Kids, child care, and early learning in Washington
The governor has already signaled his readiness to sign this measure into law. This is the result of years of tireless advocacy by working people all across Washington. And it will have a major, positive impact on Washingtonians for generations.
Change is always hard, but this change is a concrete measure that will make the lives of families across Washington easier in the future and keep Washington affordable for everyone.
Now, on to some less exciting, but still important updates.
The Flock bill was a start.
So far, we’ve been able to move Senate Bill 5855 – the ‘Unmasking ICE’ bill, banning federal law enforcement from wearing masks when interacting with the public. That’s definitely a win for community. We also moved Senate Bill 6002 – the bill regulating FLOCK automated license plate readers.
Unfortunately, I could not support the Flock bill as it ended up on the floor. We worked really hard to create a balanced policy that all interested parties could live with. But for me, and for the 34th, the bill that was voted off the floor did not go far enough to protect community. This is an important first step that provides some guardrails where there is currently little to none. But unfortunately, this bill did not hit the mark. 
A few budget thoughts
One of the most critical and difficult bills we must pass this session is the operating budget. Of the three budgets we pass, the operating budget is the big one that pays for human services, K-12 education, public defense, and more. I’m sure you’ve already heard of the budget challenge we currently face. It’s gotten even harder now because our federal partners have largely abandoned their responsibilities. That means we have to pick up the more of the bill to provide services that keep people fed, housed, and able to access affordable health care. Our budget teams are committed to working together to ensure we’re doing the best we can to minimize harm. I will continue to advocate for our district and work with my colleagues to put people first.
Thank you to everyone who joined our live virtual town hall in February. You can rewatch the conversation here in case you missed it.
The best part of the job is interacting with you. Thank you for your asking your questions, sharing your experiences, and outlining your concerns.
We have a lot to do in a little bit of time but I am committed to getting this done. Keep an eye out for my next update.
Rep. Thomas out,
Rep. Brianna Thomas
PS: The good work we are doing is getting noticed! Here’s a few clips from our recent media coverage:
On SB 6346 – Millionaire’s Tax 
“WA income tax clears House after 24-hour debate” – The Seattle Times
“WA ‘millionaires tax’ sparks longest Olympia debate in recent memory” – The Seattle Times
“House Democrats push to strip corporate break from ‘millionaires tax’” – The Seattle Times
On HB 2355 – Domestic Workers Bill of Rights
“Nannies, housekeepers and other domestic workers to gain state protections in WA” – Washington State Standard
“Governor Ferguson signs domestic workers bill of rights” – MyNorthwest
“WA Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights signed into law, establishing new labor protections” – KIRO 7
On HB 2303 – Microchipping bill
“Businesses can’t require microchip implants for workers under new WA law” – Washington State Standard
“Washington state wants to keep employers from microchipping workers, before anyone even gets the idea” – Fortune Magazine
“If Ferguson agrees, your boss in Washington state won’t be able to microchip you” – The Spokesman-Review
“Washington state moves to ban forced employee microchips” – Popular Science Magazine
“Washington state bill to ban microchipping of employees heads to governor for approval” – GeekWire
“WA legislators vote to prohibit microchipping of workers” – The Seattle Times
“Your boss can’t force you to get microchipped: WA legislature passes worker protection bill” – MyNorthwest
“Mandatory Subcutaneous Microchips for Employees May Soon Be Banned in Washington State” – Gizmodo
“Washington state bill would ban employers from forcibly microchipping workers” – TechSpot