Dear friends and neighbors,  

Thank you to everyone who joined our town hall! We had a great turnout, with 150 community members coming together to share their thoughts and ask important questions. It was a valuable conversation, and I appreciate the opportunity to connect with so many of you. Rep. My-Linh Thai and I covered a range of topics, from education and housing to transportation and our budget, diving into the issues that matter most to our district. Your engagement helps shape the work we do in Olympia, and I’m grateful for your insights and participation.  

As always, my door is open – please do reach out with any questions or thoughts!  

Thanks for joining the first informal chats and sharing what’s on your mind. We have more Chats the next few weekends before I am in Olympia for full time floor action until Sine Die. Here are the details: 

Sunday, April 6th at 1-2:30pm, Tapatio Mexican Grill in Newcastle

Saturday, April 12th at 9-10:30am, L’Experience in Mercer Island

Sunday, April 13th at 3-4:30pm, Dim Sum Factory in Bellevue

The House’s Operating budget was passed on March 31st and the Transportation budget on April 2nd, and now in the Senate for thoughtful conferencing and challenging negotiations.

The capital budget adoption will be closer to the end of session. 

As we approach the final stretch of the legislative session, one of our biggest responsibilities is passing a balanced budget—a constitutional requirement that ensures Washington can continue providing essential services. From schools and public safety to infrastructure and healthcare, these investments support the well-being of our communities. But to fund them, we must decide where revenue comes from—and how to do so in a way that’s fair and sustainable. 

Right now, Washington has the second-most regressive tax system in the country, meaning working families contribute a higher share of their income in taxes than the wealthiest households. Some have proposed changes to modernize our tax code and ensure that large corporations and ultra-wealthy individuals contribute equitably. Proposals include: 

📌 A Financial Intangible Assets Tax (FIT): A tax on stocks and bonds owned by individuals with over $50 million in financial assets, generating revenue for K-12 education.

📌 Adjustments to School & Public Safety Funding: Allowing property tax growth to better reflect inflation and population increases, with caps to prevent excessive hikes.

📌 A Surcharge on Large Corporations: Requiring the biggest businesses—those making over $250 million annually—to contribute more to essential public services. 

If we choose not to pursue these revenue options, we must ask: Which services should be cut? Education, housing, healthcare, and public safety all depend on reliable funding. If we want these programs to remain strong, we need a plan to pay for them. 

We understand that not everyone supports new taxes—yet I hear that people also want quality schools, safe roads, and public services that make Washington a great place to live, work and play. So, let me know: What do you think is the fairest way to fund the services our state provides? Let’s work together on a budget that reflects our shared priorities, values and goals. 

Are you a young leader passionate about making a difference? The Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) is seeking dedicated students in grades 7-10 to represent their peers and advocate for youth-centered policies.  

As a LYAC member, you’ll:  

• Meet with legislators and community leaders  

• Testify on issues that matter to Washington’s youth  

• Help shape state policy and organize events  

• Participate in in-person and virtual meetings throughout the year  

Applications are open now and due by April 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM. If you or a student you know is interested in public service, I encourage you to apply and be part of the next generation of civic leaders!  

Apply here ⟶ 

Floor sessions: 37 

Committee meetings: 86 

Constituency meetings: 177 

Legislative meetings: 71 

Events: 47 

Trainings: 7 

Chats with Janice: 6 

Town Halls: 1