The first week of this 2025 session is in the books! I want to start with what’s important to our constituents in the 49^th district. Our democracy is strongest when everyone can participate, which is why I’d appreciate your input on some of the key challenges and policies that we’ll be working on this year. Please click the button below to fill out a very short survey on YOUR priorities. Your input will help guide my decisions as I consider legislation and vote on bills.

OPENING DAY

While the opening day ceremonies in the House have plenty of pomp, circumstance, and protocol, it’s about much more that that. This is the moment when we, all the members of this legislative body, take our oath of office. It’s a vow, really, where we make a serious commitment to uphold the constitution and serve our constituents to the best of our abilities.

This opening day is particularly special because, with the election of our colleague, Rep. Chris Stearns, from the 47th district, as our Speaker Pro Tempore, we are honoring and celebrating the cultural diversity of our state. In the history of Washington, Rep. Stearns is one of a few Native Americans to ever serve in the Legislature. Click here for his remarks upon being sworn in

The first day of session is also when the Speaker of the House delivers her opening remarks.

In her speech, Rep. Laurie Jinkins mentioned some of our legislative successes, such as historic investments to build more housing units across the state, increased access to affordable childcare for working parents, and new regional law enforcement training academies to train more officers.

She highlighted recent national rankings naming Washington state as having the best economy in the country, the best public education on the West Coast, and as the most energy-efficient state.

Our Speaker also described the challenges we will be facing, starting with a shortfall in the state budget due to decreased revenue, inflation, and increased needs. In closing, she reminded us that we have a responsibility to invest in what matters most – our people.

MY BILLS

So far I have introduced these seven bills below. To read them, as well as the bill analysis and reports as they generate, and to find out when they’ll be heard in committee, you can access this information anytime HERE. This page is constantly updated as the bills move through the process.

GET INVOLVED!

Your participation is vital to the democratic process. Whether you want to come to Olympia or stay home, we have options to watch and participate in committee hearings, contact your legislators, comment on a bill, or just learn more about what’s going on. Click here to review the many ways you can get involved this session.

IMPORTANT DATES

The legislature meets every year, but alternates between a short, 60-day session and a long 105-day session. The long sessions happen on odd-numbered years like this one. Here’s a quick look at some of the important dates during the next few months:

OUR PAGE PROGRAM

The Washington State Legislature has one of the best page programs in the country and applications are open! Legislative pages are youth aged 14 – 16, who are sponsored by legislators and serve in Olympia for one week during the session. They receive daily civics education, participate in mock committee hearings, and help conduct legislative business. If you know any young people who may be interested, please click here for more information.

I am here to represent you, and hearing from you on the issues you care about helps better inform my work in the Legislature, so please don’t forget to take my survey.

I am honored to serve you and committed to working on your behalf.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime and check out my legislative Facebook page.

Sincerely,

State Representative Sharon Wylie
49th Legislative District