You’re Invited to our Town Hall!

Join us for our 41st Legislative District Town Hall! This is a great opportunity to hear updates on key issues, ask questions, and share your thoughts with your legislators. We look forward to connecting with you and discussing the work being done to support our community. I hope to see you there!

DATE: Saturday, March 22

TIME: 10:00 – 11:30 AM

Where: 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

House Democratic Caucus Successes

Investing in Education

Education is the foundation of opportunity, and we passed critical legislation to enhance learning, expand access, and support students and teachers alike:

• Expanding Tuition Waivers for High School Completers (HB 1556): This bill provides tuition assistance for students who have completed high school and want to pursue further education at a community or technical college, opening doors to higher education for more Washingtonians.
• Teacher Residency and Apprenticeship Programs (HB 1651): To address the teacher shortage, this legislation creates more accessible pathways to become a teacher, particularly for individuals with limited resources.
• Dual Credit Programs for Career and Technical Education (HB 1273): This bill increases access to dual credit programs, enabling students to earn college credits while still in high school, particularly in career and technical education fields.
• School Construction Funding (HB 1796): By allowing school districts to front-fund construction projects, this legislation expedites school facility improvements while reducing inflation costs.
• Supporting Remote Testing for Online Students (HB 1079): Makes testing more accessible and equitable for students facing challenges with in-person assessments.

Advancing Human Rights

We are committed to building a Washington where everyone feels safe, respected, and protected. These bills strengthen protections for vulnerable communities and ensure justice and dignity for all:

• Addressing Hate Crimes (HB 1052): This bill enhances accountability for hate crime offenses, ensuring fairness and safety for all Washingtonians.
• Allowing Paid Sick Leave for Immigration Proceedings (HB 1875): Workers should not have to choose between their livelihood and their legal rights. This bill allows the use of paid sick leave to prepare for or participate in crucial immigration proceedings.
• Isolated Workers Protections (HB 1524): Establishes safeguards for housekeepers, security guards, and janitors against sexual harassment and assault in the workplace.

Expanding Access to Affordable Housing

Addressing Washington’s housing crisis remains a top priority. These bills make housing more affordable, increase supply, and protect tenants:

• Fast-Tracking ADU Construction (HB 1353): Cuts red tape in the permitting process to accelerate the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), increasing housing options.
• Simplifying Condominium Construction Statutes (HB 1403): Makes it easier and more cost-effective to build affordable condominiums by streamlining regulations.
• Making Affordable Condos Easier to Build (HB 1516): High insurance costs make it harder to build affordable condominiums. This bill takes the first step in fixing that by requiring a study on how to lower these costs for developers. By gathering key data and exploring solutions, we can make homeownership more accessible for Washington families.
• Rent Stabilization (HB 1217): This bill caps rent increases for returning tenants at 7%, providing much-needed stability and predictability in rental costs.
• Transit-Oriented Development (HB 1491): Encourages the creation of mixed-use and affordable housing near transit hubs, fostering walkable communities with accessible transportation options.
• Covenant Homeownership Program (HB 1696): Expands eligibility for down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers who have been historically harmed by housing discrimination.
• Strengthening the Child Welfare Housing Assistance Program (HB 1177): Ensures that housing instability does not prevent family reunification or contribute to unnecessary foster care placements.

Community Safety Funding

As cities are challenged by their own budget shortfalls, state funding to support community safety resources will be even more critical.

• Supporting Local Law Enforcement (HB 2015): Cities are facing budget shortfalls, making state funding for community safety more important than ever. This bill provides grants to local and tribal law enforcement agencies to improve public safety and accountability in key transportation areas.

Improving Transportation

A well-connected, accessible transportation system is key to economic growth and quality of life. These bills make transportation more efficient, reliable, and equitable:

• The Mosquito Fleet Act (HB 1923): Expands passenger-only ferry options, improving mobility and access to transportation for communities across Washington.

These legislative successes reflect our commitment to building a Washington that is more equitable, affordable, and forward-thinking. With these policies, we continue to ensure that every resident has the opportunity to thrive.

Engaging with Future Leaders

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of working with three (two are pictured below) exceptional student pages who have assisted in our office and gained firsthand experience in the legislative process. Their enthusiasm and dedication are inspiring, and I am confident that our future is in capable hands.

Sponsoring Profound Autism Resolution

I am honored to sponsor a resolution recognizing the unique challenges faced by individuals with profound autism and their families. This resolution aims to promote awareness, support, and resources to improve the quality of life for those affected.

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 informal Chats with Janice:

• Sunday, March 23 | 10am-11:30 – Mezzanine at Met Market, Sammamish
• Sunday, March 23 | 2:30-4pm – Last Frontier Coffee, Bellevue
• Sunday, March 30 | 1-2:30pm – Bellden Café, Bellevue

Your engagement and feedback are crucial to our collective success. Please reach out to my office with any suggestions, questions or concerns. I look forward to seeing you at the Town Hall on March 22^nd or at one of the informal Chats with Janice.

Warm regards,

Rep. Janice Zahn

Washington State House of Representatives