Dear Neighbors of the 26th,

Thank you for reading along this session. As usual, I’m working hard to represent you in Olympia and across the district. Keep reading for more information on the following:

  • Town halls — these are tomorrow!
  • Sales tax cut proposal.
  • Where my bills are after house of origin cutoff.
  • What legislative internships look like.
  • Visitors in the office!
  • How I’m working for schools.
  • The best ways to keep up with me!

Town halls

I have four town halls tomorrow! I’m so excited to connect with you and discuss how I’m championing our communities’ priorities. I look forward to seeing you there.

Gig Harbor:

  • Saturday, March 22
  • 10-11 a.m.
  • Swift Water Elementary School
  • 10811 Harbor Hill Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98332

Key Center:

  • Saturday, March 22
  • 12:30-1:30 p.m.
  • Key Peninsula Middle School
  • 5510 Key Peninsula Hwy. NW, Home, WA 98349

South Kitsap:

  • Saturday, March 22
  • 3-4 p.m.
  • South Kitsap High School
  • 425 Mitchell Ave., Port Orchard, WA 98366

Bremerton:

  • Saturday, March 22
  • 5-6 p.m.
  • Norm Dicks Building, Bremerton City Hall
  • 345 6th St., Bremerton, WA 98337

Sales tax cut

I introduced Senate Bill 5795, which would decrease the state sales tax from 6.5% to 6% and would be the state’s first sales tax reduction in over 40 years. Washington has the nation’s ninth highest state sales tax and the fourth highest when average local and state sales tax rates are combined.

The Economic Revenue Forecast Council projects Washington state will bring in an estimated $32.8 billion in sales tax revenue over the 2025-2027 biennium (as published by the Office of Financial Management). The bill would reduce that number to $30.2 billion, putting more than $2.5 billion back in Washingtonians’ pockets — an estimated average of over $300 per individual.

Bill progress

I have six bills moving through the House of Representatives!

  • SB 5655 clears a path for more childcare centers, especially in rural parts of our district. It is scheduled for executive session in the House Early Learning & Human Services Committee next Wednesday.
  • SB 5245 allows county commissioners to administer the oath of office for state legislators and the House Local Government Committee will hold a public hearing on the bill next Wednesday.
  • SB 5557 codifies emergency rules into law, ensuring those who are pregnant can still access high-quality medical care in emergency rooms. The House Health Care & Wellness Committee held a public hearing on it this week and will hold executive session next week.
  • SB 5716 creates safer ferries by allowing WSF to address inappropriate behavior. The House Transportation Committee held a public hearing on the bill this week.
  • SJM 8008 rescinds prior applications for a constitutional convention. The House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee had a public hearing on the memorial this week and will hold executive session next week.
  • SB 5656 stabilizes aquatic lease rates and will have a public hearing in the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee next Wednesday.

Intern mock floor

My intern, Chloe, represented the 26th in a mock floor exercise. She represented us well and submitted an amendment directing the Building Codes Council to develop building criteria for neighborhood businesses that align with current codes and focus on noise mitigation. It applies these requirements to new buildings while grandfathering in existing structures. We’re so proud of the next generation of leaders learning at the Capitol this session!

Visitors

I had a fantastic visit with President Guy Capoeman of the Quinault Nation (QIN) and QIN community members! In addition to his leadership role, President Capoeman is also the talented artist behind Our Fisherman, Our Guardian in Gig Harbor. It was an honor to connect and hear about the important work they’re doing.

I also met with some incredible student representatives, superintendents, and school board directors from Bremerton, South Kitsap, Peninsula, North Kitsap, Central Kitsap, and North Mason school districts! I got my start in public service working on behalf of schools, and I love getting to connect with students, staff, and leadership.

Working for our schools

  • SB 5263 increases special education funding.
  • SB 5192 addresses critical funding gaps for materials, operating and supply costs.
  • SB 5123 protects students from discrimination, creating more inclusive learning environments where students can focus on their education.
  • SB 5253 extends special education services for students with disabilities until the end of the school year in which they turn 22.
  • SB 5570 ensures students learn about the history, culture, and traditions of Tribal Nations in Washington.
  • SB 5189 supports the implementation of competency-based learning.
  • SB 5193 allows remote testing options for online students.

Contact

I always appreciate your input! As we move through some tricky parts of session, your feedback is more important than ever. We’re here to serve you and all our neighbors in the 26th Legislative District.

Phone: 360.786.7650

Email: Deborah.Krishnadasan@leg.wa.gov

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I look forward to seeing you at my town halls tomorrow!

All the best,

Deb