Dear Neighbors,
As we move forward in this legislative session, I want to take a moment to update you on our progress, share upcoming events, and introduce a new member of our team.
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Welcome to our legislative assistant!
I’m excited to introduce our new 41st Legislative Assistant, Chelsea! She’s already hard at work ensuring that our office stays connected with you and helping with your concerns. If you stop by our office in Olympia, she’s the person that will greet you! To schedule a time to meet with me, please email her directly at Chelsea.Thumberg@leg.wa.gov. Thank you for your patience as we get fully staffed.
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City Action Days and Constituency Visits
So great to see city leaders in Olympia. Here’s one with Issaquah City Council.
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Bills now in Hibernation until 2026 session
While we’ve made significant progress, some key bills did not advance this session. I remain committed to bringing them back because they address critical issues affecting our communities.
HB 1808 – Creating an Affordable Homeownership Loan Fund
Affordable homeownership is increasingly out of reach for too many Washington families. This bill establishes a revolving loan fund to help middle- and low-income residents afford homes, making homeownership more accessible and sustainable. Projects like the Habitat for Humanity development of Orchard Gardens with 25 affordable homes in South Bellevue would have benefited from this loan program. I will fight to get this program moving in the next session, because we need both affordable rentals and homes too – to ensure a thriving and livable community.
HB 1855 – Expanding Protections for Students to Promote Inclusivity in Public Schools
This bill would enhance protections for students in Washington public schools by promoting inclusivity and addressing the needs of diverse communities. Existing safeguards would be expanded to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, feel safe and supported in their educational environment. Although HB 1855 did not advance in the House, , allowing us to continue moving this important policy forward. Ensuring inclusivity in our schools is vital for the well-being and success of every student!
HB 1767 – Concerning School Enrollments for Enrichment Funding
This bill seeks to provide more funding for our public schools – to enable all students have equal access to enrichment opportunities, regardless of the size or location of their school. HB 1767 addresses the allocation of enrichment funding based on school enrollments. It aims to ensure that funding for extracurricular and supplemental educational programs is distributed equitably, reflecting the actual enrollment numbers and needs of each school. While it did not move forward this session, the conversation isn’t over. Equitable enrichment funding is essential for fostering a well-rounded education for all students, and I will continue to work with stakeholders to refine and reintroduce this policy.
HB 1992 – Advancing Community Safety in Transportation
Safe and connected roadways are essential for a high quality of life. This bill supports WSDOT in partnering with local cities to improve road safety using the Safe System Approach. The Senate version of this bill passed the fiscal committee and remains in motion. I will continue advocating for its progress and hope to see it advance in the House.
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Making Progress: Bills Moving Forward
Even when some policies face setbacks, every step forward refines ideas, builds support, and lays the groundwork for future success. This session, I introduced bills tackling school funding, housing affordability, transportation improvements, and community safety—issues critical to the well-being of our communities. While I remain committed to revisiting stalled policies, I’m excited that 6 of the 14 bills I’ve sponsored are still advancing through the legislative process!
🔹 HB 1640 – Strengthening Oversight for Healthcare Professionals
This bill ensures stronger oversight of certain healthcare professionals by placing their licenses under the Uniform Disciplinary Act. By standardizing disciplinary procedures, we create a fairer, more transparent system that protects patients and upholds high professional standards in healthcare.
🏡 HB 1899 – Improving Washington’s Homelessness Census
To effectively address homelessness, we need accurate data. This bill aligns Washington’s homeless census process with federal standards, ensuring we gather the best possible information to direct resources where they are needed most. Having participated in the annual Point-in-Time count, I know firsthand the challenges with our current data collection method. By improving data collection, we take a step toward more effective policies to support our unhoused neighbors.
🚧 HB 1970 – Modernizing State Highway Construction
Construction costs continue to grow and the procurement methods continue to evolve to better delivery our transportation infrastructure projects. This bill expands the use of alternative contracting procedures for state highway projects, allowing for greater flexibility, efficiency, and cost savings in infrastructure development. A modernized approach to highway construction means faster, smarter projects that improve our transportation network for all Washingtonians.
⚕️ HB 1870 – Expanding Funding for Public Health Clinics
Everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of income or zip code. This bill allows counties to create a dedicated property tax levy for public health clinics, ensuring stable, long-term funding for vital healthcare services in underserved communities.
🏗️ HB 1967 – Updating Bonding Requirements for Public Works Projects
This bill removes unnecessary bonding requirements in the design phase of design-build public works projects. Since construction risks don’t apply to design services, HB 1967 clarifies contracting language to improve efficiency and reduce costs for public projects.
🚌 HB 1980 – Expanding Employer Shuttle Access to Transit Lanes
This bill allows King County Metro and cities to issue permits for employer shuttles to use bus-only transit lanes—including on the upcoming RapidRide K Line. By optimizing existing transit infrastructure, we improve commuting options and reduce congestion. It was the last bill voted out of the Transportation Committee before cutoff!
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The Reality of a “No Revenue” Budget: Devastating Cuts to Critical Services
Washington is facing a $12 billion budget deficit. It is certainty not a space we want to be in, yet here we are. One option being considered is an all-cuts, no-revenue approach. Focusing on reducing costs alone means catastrophic cuts to healthcare, education, public safety, and the very programs that provide basic needs for many families and seniors. This isn’t just a numbers exercise on a page—it’s real harm to real people.
🔹 Healthcare: Slashing Medicaid and public health funding means fewer Washingtonians get the care they need. We know that our health and wellness is so important.
🔹 Human Services & Early Learning: Cuts to childcare and human services leave working families and seniors without support.
🔹 Higher Education: Over $1 billion in cuts to colleges and universities threaten affordability and opportunity. We know how much education is a pathway for our kids and towards our future.
🔹 Long-Term Care & Disabilities: Seniors and people with disabilities lose critical services that ensure their quality of life. They deserve better than this.
🔹 Behavioral Health: Less funding for substance use treatment and mental health services when we need them most, especially as we know how much our communities’ mental health has been affected by the pandemic.
🔹 Corrections & Reentry: Reducing reentry programs and treatment in prisons makes our communities less safe.
Is this level of cuts and impacts to our community acceptable? I have heard from so many of you, that all-cuts is not the answer. I also hear the real harm of increasing taxes for our families and neighbors. The legislators are considering a budget that protects people, invests in our future, and ensures that the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share. Because we know Washington families, our neighbors, and our community deserve better.
🔹 Learn more about the impact of budget cuts here
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Transportation Budget Faces Significant Funding Shortfall
We also heard at the 2/27 Transportation Committee about the funding shortfalls in our transportation budget. Projects are costing more due to many construction industry factors while our revenue forecasts are lower than anticipated. Tough choices will have to be made as we make 2025-2026 budget decisions.
See Transportation budget slides here:
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Taking Care of Ourselves Amidst Emotional Reflection
The last few weeks were tough, as we honored significant historical moments and stood in solidarity with communities both near and far. February included the Japanese internment Order 9066, the 139th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act and the 3-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We also celebrated Black History Month and the many contributions of our Black community.
We began by commemorating the Day of Remembrance, a time to reflect on the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII. This somber day reminded us of the resilience of those who endured such hardship, and the need for continued vigilance against racial injustice in all its forms.
I issued a Resolution recognizing the Chinese Exclusion in the House and participated in the Chinese Exclusion Act March in Seattle, which marks a dark chapter of racial discrimination in American history. The Act of 1882 denied Chinese immigrants basic rights and opportunities and Chinese communities in both Seattle and Tacoma were forced out of their homes and businesses. The march was a powerful reminder that America is our home and as Chinese Americans we belong.
And as the world marks three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, I stood in the rain with my fellow Washingtonians, Standing with Ukraine. It was a moment to honor the courage of the Ukrainian people and reaffirm our collective commitment to peace and democracy.
These events serve as vital moments for reflection, but it’s also important to care for ourselves during times of emotional heaviness. In the midst of processing difficult moments, take time to do what brings you joy, nurture your well-being, and surround yourself with community. Whether that’s spending time outdoors, engaging in hobbies, or simply resting, we all need moments to recharge and reset.
As we continue our work for justice and equity, let’s remember to extend kindness to ourselves and one another.
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Many Ways to Engage
You’re Invited to my first Town Hall!
I warmly invite you to join the three 41st LD Legislators, Senator Lisa Wellman, Representative My-Linh Thai and myself, for an in-person town hall meeting on March 22nd at 10:00am, at the Bellevue College U Building. This will be an opportunity to discuss legislative updates, hear and address your concerns, and collaborate on solutions that benefit our district. Your participation is invaluable, and I look forward to our continued partnership in shaping a brighter future for all.
Join Us for “Chat with Janice”
Drop in for a casual conversation with Janice while supporting a local small business! This is a great opportunity to share your thoughts, stay connected, and hear updates from Olympia.
Upcoming Chats:
📍 Sunday, March 9 | 9–11 AM – Last Frontier Coffee, Bellevue
📍 Saturday, March 15 | 2–4 PM – Newcastle Beach Park, Bellevue
📍 Sunday, March 16 | 11 AM–1 PM – L’Experience Paris, Mercer Island
📍 Sunday, March 16 | 2:30–4 PM – Tapatio Mexican Grill, Newcastle
📍 Saturday, March 22 | 2–3:30 PM – Location TBD, Sammamish
📍 Sunday, March 23 | 10 AM–Noon – Location TBD, Issaquah
📍 Sunday, March 23 | 2-4PM – Location TBD, Bellevue
Stay tuned for updates on the final two locations!
Need a Different Option?
If these times don’t work for you, reach out to Legislative Assistant Chelsea to arrange a meeting that fits your schedule:
- A separate meeting in Bellevue, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Sammamish, or Issaquah
- A virtual meeting via Zoom or Teams
- An in-person meeting at the Olympia office
Thanks for reading! It’s floor action time until the chamber cutoff on March 12—send positive energy our way. Hope to see you in Olympia, at a “Chat with Janice” event, or at our Town Hall.
Take care!
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Spotlight on the 2025 WAVE Scholarship – Apply Now!
The Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) is now accepting applications through March 17, 2025! This prestigious scholarship supports Washington’s top career and technical education (CTE) students by helping them pay for postsecondary education.
Students pursuing fields like advanced manufacturing, nursing, IT, and agriculture science can use WAVE funds for tuition and other qualified expenses at Washington colleges. Each Legislative District can have up to three winners per year—two high school students and one from a community or technical college—totaling 147 statewide winners.
As a “last mile” scholarship, WAVE helps fill financial gaps after students receive need-based aid like the Washington College Grant. This program is a partnership between the Workforce Board and the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC).
We encourage you to share this opportunity on social media, in newsletters, and with local schools! For a list of past winners from your district, feel free to reach out.
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2025 SESSION BY THE NUMBERS!
Floor sessions – 18
Committee meetings – 50
Constituent meetings – 116
Meetings with staff/legislators – 41
Training/Onboarding meetings – 8
Evening events – 29
Bills sponsored – 14
Bills still in process – 6
Resolutions sponsored – 2
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Rep. Janice Zahn
State Representative, 41st Legislative District
Legislative Email: Janice.Zahn@leg.wa.gov
Legislative Phone: 360-786-7894
Committees: Capital Budget, Housing, Local Government, and Transportation
Website: https://housedemocrats.wa.gov/zahn/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/523769884160481?ref=embed_page