Dear friends and neighbors,

We wrapped up the second week of this 60-day session and, while things are moving very fast, our focus this year is to address the impact of federal cuts that are hitting our most vulnerable communities the hardest. As Speaker Laurie Jinkins outlined in her opening-day remarks, we are navigating real fiscal hurdles — but our commitment remains firm: we are ready to protect and make progress by standing up for Washingtonians.

In this newsletter, I’m sharing a brief overview of the state’s fiscal outlook; a word on our tax code; my first video update of the session; a section on my bills; an invite to take my priorities survey; a reminder about our coffee chats; and a few pointers on how you can participate in the legislative process.

2026 Challenges & HR1 Impacts

The other Washington has been a solid partner through most of our history, but the current administration is hindering this relationship by imposing tariffs and making deep cuts that hurt individuals, families, and businesses across our state.

With the passage and enactment of House Resolution 1 last year, we are looking at major federal policy changes that have serious consequences and are severely impacting essential services. Hundreds of thousands could lose Medicaid coverage, families in need are at risk of losing SNAP food benefits, and access to higher education may become unattainable without student loan assistance programs.

Since we can no longer rely on federal support, the challenge now is to mitigate the damage of HR1 on our state budget. These cuts run deep. They affect real people and real lives in every corner of our state. This session, our main focus is to approach the budget with a clear set of values: preserve our safety net, protect food, shelter, health care, and education.

Click here or on the image below to visit the Office of Financial Management website, where you’ll find specific information on the federal cuts and when they take effect.

A Word on Washington’s Tax Code

Washington’s revenue system is outdated, insufficient and unfair. It is the second most regressive tax system in the nation, placing a disproportionate burden on individuals and families who can least afford it. The reality is that our current tax structure cannot keep pace with our state’s growing needs.

It’s time to seriously consider our options and take action because Washingtonians deserve good schools, clean air, safe communities, and strong public services.

The House Finance Committee will consider progressive revenue ideas. I will keep you updated as proposals come forward.

Video Update

We filmed my first video update of the year last week; click here or on the image below to watch it:

A Quick Look at My Bills

These are some of the measures I am sponsoring this year with brief descriptions. Click on the bill numbers below to learn more about them and check out my bill sponsorship page to see where these bills are at any given moment throughout the session.

HB 1690: Planning Ahead for Water and Sewer Systems

• By requiring a statewide assessment of Washington’s existing water and sewer systems, we will finally get an accurate picture of where things are failing or need upgrades. With this bill, we will identify the real needs and costs for our water and sewer infrastructure so we can protect families, clean water, and local economies.

HB 1841: Own Your OWN Art Purchase Program

• This program allows donors to fund art purchases that keep the creative workers in the arts contributing to our quality of life. It is not funded by the State but by arts supporters. The arts are often the original gig economy workers and are essential to our innovative state. As a member of our State’s Arts Commission, I know how important the arts are to our personal lives and to our economy.

HB 2502: Helping Cities and Counties Fund Essential Services

• This bill makes sure our cities and counties have the resources they need to serve their communities. By updating outdated tax exemptions, the bill helps strengthen local funding for everyday services people rely on—like public safety, road maintenance, and public health—so local governments can better meet the needs of the people they serve.

HB 2621: Property Tax Reform

• I believe older homeowners should stay in their homes as long as they want to. This measure helps us get there by making property tax relief for seniors easier to understand and easier to access, especially for those living on fixed incomes, while also bringing more clarity to how state property tax dollars are used.

Have YOUR say!

Good representation starts with listening. I invite you to take a short survey and share your priorities and concerns. Your input helps guide my work and ensures I’m representing you effectively.

Let’s Keep the Coffee Chats Going!

Our Coffee & Conversation gatherings have been great to connect with each other and discuss issues that matter in our district and across the state. I hope we can continue building and growing this community! During the legislative session I may or may not be able to attend our scheduled C&C events on January 31 and February 28, but I hope you will still get together and continue the conversation. And, of course, if I can make it, I will be there!

Ways to Participate in Your Democracy

It’s easy to get involved in the process! You can testify in-person or remotely on a bill in the House or Senate or simply register as pro or con to share your opinion on a bill.  Click here or on the graphic below to learn the many ways in which you can make your voice heard.

As always, I truly appreciate your taking the time to read my newsletter. If you need additional information, or if you have questions or concerns, please contact my office anytime.

I hope you will consider taking my priorities survey. Your input is very important to me.

Sincerely,