Dear friends and neighbors,
Blink and I’m finishing four weeks here in Olympia, with the first policy committee cutoff completed for Local Government! I’m energized by the important discussions we’re having—especially in Transportation, which I’m grateful to have been newly appointed to.
I’ve spent my career seeking first to understanding, solving problems and building stronger communities. My background in public works and infrastructure, combined with years of local government experience, gives me a deep understanding of how policy shapes people’s daily lives—from safe streets to housing affordability. I’ve worked to make government more accessible, champion equity, and ensure that investments in transportation, climate resilience, and economic opportunity serve everyone. In the Legislature, I bring this same community-focused, solutions-driven approach to creating policies that reflect the needs and values of the people I represent.
My committee assignments align well with the needs of our district, and I’m committed to ensuring our community’s voice is heard.
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Connecting with You
I’ve started 15-minute constituent meetings, and it’s been wonderful to hear directly from so many of you—both in-person and virtually. Thank you for sharing your insights and concerns! If you haven’t scheduled a meeting yet, I encourage you to reach out. Here’s what I’ve been hearing from you:
The Issues Our District Cares About
✅ Education – Investing in students and schools
✅ Affordable housing – Expanding access to homeownership and rental stability
✅ Human rights – Protecting and uplifting all members of our community
Advocating for our communities! ✨ APIC A&NH/PI Legislative Day—uniting for policies that uplift Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander voices.
Empowering students, supporting schools! 🍎✨ The Bellevue PTSA group coming together to make a difference in our community.
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Legislation for Our Community
I’ve introduced several bills this session that focus on real solutions for our communities:
🏡 Expanding homeownership opportunities through a revolving loan program
🏫 Strengthening school funding to support students and educators
⚖️ Protecting students from discrimination by clarifying protected characteristics in K-12 schools
💙 Long-term care funding to help Washingtonians age with dignity
🏥 Supporting public health clinics, like the Eastgate King County Public Health clinic in the 41st LD, by giving local governments better tools to serve residents
🏡 Co-sponsoring REET legislation with my seatmate, Rep. Thai, at the request of Newcastle to support community needs
Here’s a video of my first public testimony!
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Safer Streets for Newcastle: Investing in Walkability & Bike Access
One of my priorities is making sure our communities have safe, accessible transportation options for everyone—not just cars. That’s why I’ve requested $800,000 in the state budget to fund critical pedestrian and bike improvements n SE May Creek Park Drive.
Right now, this key east-west corridor in south Newcastle has no sidewalks or bike lanes, making it unsafe for people walking or biking. This project will fill that gap by adding a 5-foot sidewalk and planter strip on the north side, along with 6-foot bike lanes on both sides, improving mobility and safety for all.
These upgrades will connect existing multimodal improvements and ensure that May Creek Drive serves everyone—not just drivers. I’ll keep advocating for infrastructure that makes our roads safer, more inclusive, and better for our community.
Let me know what you think!
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I Joined the Outdoor Caucus!
I’m excited to share that I’ve joined the bipartisan Outdoor Caucus! Our state is home to incredible parks, trails, and waterways that provide recreation, improve public health, and support local economies. As a lifelong advocate for equitable access to the outdoors, I’m committed to protecting our natural spaces and ensuring everyone—regardless of background or ability—can enjoy them. I look forward to working with my colleagues to promote conservation efforts, expand outdoor recreation opportunities, and invest in the future of Washington’s public lands.
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Welcoming Our Page!
Last week, we had the privilege of hosting a student page in Olympia! The Page Program is a fantastic opportunity for young leaders to engage directly with the legislative process, gaining hands-on experience in how our government works. Pages assist with daily operations on the House floor, attend Page School to learn about state government, and even draft their own bills to present in a mock committee. It’s always inspiring to see students take an active role in democracy, and we’re grateful for their enthusiasm and dedication. If you know a student who might be interested, we encourage them to apply!
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BY THE NUMBERS: My first month!
In my first 4 weeks in the Legislature:
Floor sessions – 13
Committee meetings – 40
Constituent meetings – 97
Meetings with staff/legislators – 29
Training/Onboarding meetings – 7
Evening events – 24
Bills sponsored – 14
Resolutions sponsored – 2
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Thank you for staying connected and being part of this work. I appreciate hearing from you and look forward to continued conversations!
Rep. Janice Zahn