Dear neighbors, 

As we near conclusion of my first legislative session in Olympia, I’m filled with so much gratitude—for the opportunity to serve, for the stories, values and ideas you’ve shared with me, and for the meaningful work we’ve done together. This session has been tough, of ensuring we adopt a state budget that thoughtfully balances cuts and revenues. It’s been a whirlwind of learning, collaboration, and advocacy, with a focus on adopting policies and a budget that is centered serving people. Every step of the way, I’ve carried your perspectives, hopes and concerns with me. Whether it’s championing stronger and supported communities, safer infrastructure and transportation, or more inclusive policies, I’ve kept your stories at the heart of every decision. The budget negotiations continue with legislative leadership and the governor’s office – click here for the latest on our priorities and budget information! 

I’m honored to share that the governor has signed my very first bill into law—House Bill 1640! This health care legislation strengthens accountability and oversight for physicians and physician assistants from other states when providing service in Washington state – making government better for our community.  

This is a meaningful step toward ensuring consistency, fairness, and public trust in the licensing and regulation of health professionals. I’m grateful to my colleagues, stakeholders, and community members who helped shape and support this policy—and I look forward to many more moments like this in service of our shared values. 

Join Senator Wellman, Rep. Thai and myself for our next community conversation this session. I look forward to hearing your thoughts, answering your questions, and sharing updates on our work in Olympia. 

📅 Saturday, May 3 

🕘 9:00 – 10:30 AM 

📍 Bellevue College U Building, 3000 Landerholm Cir SE  

🅿️ Parking: Use Parking Lot #4. Parking is free, Overflow parking can be found across Coal Creek Rd in 1A, 3A, and 3B lots 

As federal uncertainty grows around tariffs and international trade, it’s more important than ever for Washington state to stand firmly in support of our closest neighbor and one of our most important economic partners—Canada. That’s why I introduced a resolution this session reaffirming the enduring and vital relationship between the people of Washington and the people of Canada. It was an honor to present the Resolution to the Consul for Political, Economic and Public Affairs at the Consulate General of Canada along with Blaine Mayor Steward and legislative colleagues. 

This isn’t just symbolic. Nearly $2.7 billion worth of goods and services are exchanged between our nations every day. From agriculture and clean energy to technology and tourism, our shared economies are deeply intertwined—and our communities are too. In places like Point Roberts and across our northern border, families, workers, and businesses rely on smooth, stable cross-border cooperation. 

Washington and British Columbia have long led the way on regional collaboration, climate action, and innovation. In the face of economic instability and national policies that threaten to drive wedges between allies, our state is choosing unity, partnership, and practical progress. Together, we’re building a future rooted in shared prosperity, sustainability, and respect for the First Peoples who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial. 

Let’s continue to strengthen the bonds that sustain us—not just for today, but for generations to come. 

I heard loud and clear from our school districts and parents about our collective budget crises and the urgent need for additional state funding. My commitment is ensuring every student has the resources and support they need to thrive. I’m proud to share that two important bills passed this session that will help us better meet the needs of our public schools and our students. 

SB 5192 strengthens the way we fund essential classroom needs—like materials, supplies, and operating costs—by updating the state’s allocation formula. For too long, our schools have had to stretch limited dollars to cover basic items like paper, textbooks, lab equipment, and even cleaning supplies. This legislation moves us closer to fully funding these necessities, so educators can focus on teaching instead of scrambling for resources. 

SB 5263 increases funding for special education and helps close the gap between what school districts spend and what the state provides. Every child deserves a learning environment that supports their unique abilities—and that means providing the right staffing, services, and inclusive opportunities. This bill helps ensure students with disabilities are not left behind. 

Together, these bills are a meaningful step forward in our shared commitment to equity, opportunity, and high-quality public education for all. 

Access to health care is a fundamental human right—and this session, we took a meaningful step toward ensuring every Washingtonian can get the care they need without risking financial hardship. 

I’m proud to share that the Legislature passed Senate Joint Memorial 8004, which calls on Congress to support state-led efforts to create universal health care systems—starting right here in Washington. 

This memorial urges the federal government to either enact a national universal health care program or grant our state the authority and flexibility to build our own. It specifically supports HR 6270, the State-Based Universal Health Care Act of 2023, which would allow states to pool existing federal health care funds (like Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP) to offer comprehensive, affordable, and inclusive coverage through a state-administered program. 

Here’s what that could mean for us: 

• No more navigating complex insurance systems to get essential care 

• Coverage that includes all Washington residents, including undocumented immigrants 

• Health care that is effective, appropriate, and free from crushing out-of-pocket costs 

Washington has already laid the groundwork through our Universal Health Care Work Group. Now we’re asking the federal government to partner with us—to reduce barriers, approve necessary waivers, and help us deliver the health care system our communities deserve. 

As your representative, I believe health care is a human right and not a luxury. It must be a promise—one we keep for every child, parent, elder, and neighbor. I’ll continue working toward a future where our health care system reflects our shared values of equity, compassion, and exceptional care. 

For years, I’ve worked alongside communities across our state to protect what we hold sacred—clean air, healthy waters, and a future where our children can thrive. One truth has always been clear: the cost of pollution is almost never paid by the producers.  

Whether it’s carbon in our skies, toxins in our waters, or the mountains of packaging waste piling up in our homes and landfills, it’s our communities, our environment, and our future that pay the price. Ever since I visited Green Cycle in Japan in 2018, I have advocated for reducing waste, increase recycling and also re-designing our products to reduce waste and enable recycling and reuse of materials. 

That’s why I’m proud to support and vote for the Recycling Reform Act, a landmark step forward in how we manage waste in Washington. This bill begins to correct a deep imbalance. It sends a clear message:  Producers that create waste must be part of the solution—not part of the problem.  

Washingtonians are surrounded by packaging—boxes, wrappers, plastic containers—most of it impossible to avoid and confusing to recycle. Even for those who are trying our best to reduce waste, it can feel like our system is broken. Recyclables what should be reused often get burned or landfilled. Local governments are stretched thin. And people who want to do the right thing feel overwhelmed and defeated.  

Senate Bill 5284 changes that. It creates a producer responsibility system that works—for people, for our environment, and for our future.  

Here’s what the bill does:  

• Shifts the cost of recycling off our cities and onto the producers creating the waste.   

• Sets strong standards so that what goes in the blue bin actually gets recycled.   

• Promotes smarter, more sustainable packaging from the start.   

• Empowers consumers with clearer information and more reliable access to recycling.   

This isn’t just about trash—it’s about environmental responsibility, economic fairness, and climate justice. It’s about moving toward a circular economy—one that respects both people and planet.  

Washington now joins a growing movement of states taking bold action to reduce waste, protect our land and waters, and build a future where our systems reflect our values.  

We’ve talked about this change for years. Now, we’re voted to take action and transform our industry.  

Bills signed into law: 1 

Bills passed House & Senate: 3 

Floor sessions: 51  

Committee meetings: 98 

Constituency meetings: 197  

Legislative meetings: 77 

Events: 59  

Trainings: 7  

Chats with Janice: 9 

Town Halls: 1 

Thank you for trusting me to represent you. It’s a tough session to be in Olympia and making difficult policy and budget choices. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished this challenging session, and I’m committed to continue the hard work ahead. My door is always open—please reach out, share your thoughts, or simply say hello. Together, we’ll continue building a future that reflects the care, courage, and innovation of our community. 

With deep appreciation, 

Janice Zahn