Hey Neighbors,

Well, it’s about that time. Its the last day of session, Sine Die. That means, down here in Olympia, we are spending our last hours debating bills and budgets, and passing legislation until we return next session.

I can tell you with absolutely clarity, that this has been one of the most challenging sessions in Washington State history. In addition to the massive budget shortfall, we had to contend with instability in the federal government, the passing of several influential legislative leaders, and a new governor who frequently obstructed many necessary and progressive policies.

Despite these challenges, we have a budget that prioritizes spending that keeps people housed, fed, and safe. We stood up for our trans youth, our undocumented neighbors, our environment, our community. I have never had a job this difficult, and I want to thank each of you for putting your trust in me to speak up and speak out for the people of the 34th.

With that said, in this update, I wanted to fill you in on where some of my bills landed, give you a little heads up on some upcoming events, and let you know how you can stay engaged with my office once the session ends.  

Believe it or not – we passed some bills!

We’ve had tremendous success this session getting important legislation passed that will directly benefit the Fightin’ 34th. 

Here are just a few that have already been signed into law or have been sent to the Governor for signature: 

HB 1879 – Reasonable rest breaks for hospital workers. This bill allows hospitals to waive break timing requirements when workers and hospitals voluntarily and mutually agree to do so. This provides more flexibility to hospitals and allows the timing of meal breaks to better reflect the realities of a hospital shift.

HB 1733 – Increasing eminent domain reimbursement. This bill increases reimbursement for individuals, families, businesses, or other organizations forced to relocate because government projects from $50,000 to $200,000. Historically, marginalized communities have shouldered the greatest burden of relocating, as happened to communities in the International District when I-5 was built in the 1960’s. This bill is an appropriate and necessary update to help shift the burden of displacement away from marginalized communities.

I’m proud to share both of these bills passed out of both chambers unanimously! 

Heads up! Ship Canal Bridge closures are coming this summer

This year, the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) postponed long-term I-5 lane closures between downtown Seattle and Northgate. Avoiding those traffic impacts may sound like a win, but unfortunately that means they’re putting off some important and necessary bridge repairs.  

Still, there are just some fixes that can’t be put off any longer and there will be some short-term lane reductions and weekend closures soon. I wanted to alert you to a few key events that are coming up this summer to help you plan.  

From July 25 – August 25:  

• Close all lanes of northbound I-5 from I-90 to Northeast 45th Street from Friday night, July 25, to early Monday morning, July 28. During the closure, crews will set up the work zone, restripe lanes and replace bridge drain inlets. 

• When northbound I-5 reopens on July 28, it will be reduced to two lanes for approximately four weeks, with the speed limit reduced to 50 mph. 

• Close all lanes of northbound I-5 for a second weekend from I-90 to Northeast 45th Street from Friday night, Aug. 22, to early Monday morning, Aug. 25, when all lanes reopen. During the closure, crews will remove the work zone, restripe lanes and replace bridge drain inlets. 

You can get even more details about how and why this is happening here: https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/i-5-yesler-way-northgate-vic-pavement-deck-joints-and-drainage  

My plans for the interim and a communications freeze

This will be my last email update for several months. Because my seat is up for election, state ethics law requires certain restrictions on legislative communications to prevent the use of state resources for campaign purposes. That means a freeze on email updates, Facebook posts, and my legislative website. That is why you won’t be getting updates from me beginning May 5, 2025 until December.  

That does not prevent you from reaching out to my office, nor does it keep me from responding to you.  

Connecting with you is always important and helps inform my legislative priorities. I value hearing your ideas, thoughts, concerns, or questions. If you reach out, I can and will get back to you. 

You can contact me by calling my legislative phone number at (360) 786-7978 or by emailing me or my Legislative Assistant, Kraig Cook. You can also catch me back in district where I’ll be meeting with community members throughout the interim.  

I look forward to hearing from you and I wish you a wonderful summer and fall.

Sincerely, 

Rep. Brianna Thomas