Quick session highlights, Recognition for youth mental health work, What I am doing this interim

Quick Session Highlights

Even in a tough budget year, we delivered some meaningful accomplishments for Whatcom County and Washingtonians:

Some of the bills I sponsored that passed and were signed by the governor:

• House Bill 1418 – Ensures meaningful representation on the governing boards of transit agencies by allowing Public Transportation Benefit Areas (PTBA’s) the option to add two voting members that utilize transit services. Read more.
• House Bill 1540 – Expands eligibility for Washington’s successful Students Experiencing Homelessness program to Northwest Indian College (NWIC), the state’s only accredited tribal college. Read more.
• Senate Bill 5480 – Protects Washingtonians by removing medical debt from credit score reporting. I was proud to sponsor the companion bill in the House (HB 1632) and to work with Senator Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane) to get this bill across the finish line. Read more.

Some of the wins for Whatcom County in this year’s state capital budget:

• Continued funding for construction of the Lummi Nation Substance Abuse Treatment project. Read more.
• Construction of a new Technology and Engineering Center at Whatcom Community College to support students in their pursuit of degrees and credentials
• Funding for renovation of Bellingham’s Central Library. Read more.
• Construction of solar energy and electric vehicle charging infrastructure at Ferndale Public Library.
• Design funding for affordable housing project at Lynden Transit Center to increase the supply and affordability of transit-oriented housing.
• Funding for Mount Baker School District’s school-based health and behavioral health clinic project.

These wins strengthen education, affordability, and opportunity right here at home.

What I’m Doing this Interim

Interim provides an opportunity to listen, problem-solve, and prepare the next round of solutions during the next legislative session. Over the past few months, I’ve been active in the community connecting with students, local leaders, and neighbors across Whatcom County, including:

• Learning directly from students and educators: From speaking with a state government class at WWU to meeting with the presidents of Western, Whatcom Community College, Bellingham Technical College, and Northwest Indian College, I’ve been inspired by the vision and challenges our students and schools are facing.
• Honoring tradition and community: I attended Lummi Nation’s First Salmon Ceremony, toured the Lummi Nation shellfish hatchery, celebrated the grand opening of Kwensot Qelat (a new pallet home community for people experiencing homelessness), and joined Community2Community for an agriculture tour. These experiences deepen my commitment to honoring tribal sovereignty and strengthening food security and housing access. (Photo above)
• Highlighting local priorities: From a ride-along with Cascade Ambulance to visiting the Lummi Island Grange (which received capital funding this year) to meeting with the Whatcom Transportation Authority about a transit-oriented development project in Lynden, I’ve been learning firsthand how state investments are making a difference in people’s lives.
• Working together for solutions: It was a pleasure to join Lt. Governor Denny Heck and Senator Sharon Shewmake in Point Roberts to hear directly from local residents. I’ve also participated in community discussions with groups like the League of Women Voters, the Retired Public Employees Council, and the Lummi Island Community Association regarding a variety of topics ranging from housing to healthcare and local services. (Photo below)

These conversations help ensure that when I return to Olympia, I’m bringing your voices and priorities with me.