Dear Neighbors of the 26th,
Session is officially over. The past 15 weeks were full of learning, relationship building, countless committee hearings, long hours on the floor, and discussions with advocates from across the district. I’m proud of my work this session and so thankful for this experience.
My bills
Many of my bills are now law!
SB 5655 is an official state law. This legislation allows child care centers to open in sections of buildings (like churches) and abide by the occupancy standards of just the portion of the building they occupy, clearing a path for new facilities and an opportunity to meet our district’s demand.
SB 5245 allows county councilmembers to administer the oath of office to state legislatures. Gov. Ferguson signed it on Wednesday!
Both chambers passed SB 5557 and the governor signed it on Tuesday. The law will ensure pregnant women continue to receive the best possible care when emergency treatment is needed. We’re in a moment where reproductive rights are under attack nationwide, and this is an important step in strengthening protections in Washington state.
Gov. Ferguson signed SB 5656, a great bill for our community that stabilizes aquatic land leases by using consumer price index instead of producer price index. It’s a small change that makes rates more predictable.
SB 5716 is ready to sign! Washington State Ferries will be able to hold passengers accountable for unlawful conduct. This makes our ferries safer for employees and passengers alike.
SJM 8008 rescinds all of Washington’s prior applications for a federal constitutional convention. We have five current applications ranging from 1901-1963. It’s important we rescind these applications, so we don’t accidentally contribute to a future convention. The bill passed both chambers and was filed with the Secretary of State.
Gov. Ferguson also signed the companion to one of my bills, HB 1177. This is an important bill that helps families stay together by expanding access to housing vouchers. One reason the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) removes children from a home is inadequate shelter. However, when a child enters DCYF’s care, the agency compensates foster families. We’re keeping families together by intervening earlier, curtailing downstream impacts of family separation.
Budget
This year brought extraordinary challenges, including a significant budget shortfall. Unfortunately, I could not get behind the final operating and transportation budgets because I believe we need a more balanced approach—one that thoroughly considers additional efficiencies before placing a greater tax burden on our working families and small businesses. While I recognize the critical need to fund our state’s priorities, we have to do so responsibly and sustainably.
One of my greatest concerns lies in the funding decisions made regarding our health care system. With the potential of significant federal cuts to Medicaid and Medicare on the horizon, we must ensure that Washington is prepared to protect access to care for our most vulnerable residents. Our long-term strategy must reflect the reality of these looming threats, not ignore them.
I want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank all those who worked hard on these budgets. I especially appreciate the investments made in special education, as well as the removal of state worker furloughs from the operating budget and the removal of the Narrows Bridge maintenance toll from the transportation budget—both of which are meaningful improvements.
At the end of the day, however, I could not support the final budgets, or the revenue tools proposed to fund them. I believe we can and must do better for Washington families and job creators. I intend to return to the conversation with a strong voice and a focus on how we can shift the tax burden in a way that’s more equitable and sustainable for everyone.
I voted in favor of the capital budget and am so excited for the wonderful projects it will fund in our district—keep reading for the list!
Wins for the 26th!
Even though this year’s budget was challenging, I advocated and worked for funding to support projects and programs in the 26th. While we could not fund all requests, we did come home with many wins.
Initial budgets did not include funding for the completion of West Sound Tech (WST) in Bremerton. I worked with advocates and Sen. Yasmin Trudeau, Senate lead capital budget writer, to secure the $42 million needed. WST is one of the state’s largest skills trade centers, serving up to 1,000 students from 10 school districts in the western Puget Sound and provides trades and skills training in construction, welding, automotive and collision repair, medical and dental, cosmetology, maritime, criminal justice, culinary, and early childhood learning programs.
Sen. Trudeau said the following:
“This session is full of hard decisions, especially in a year where resources are finite and needs are high. But we heard from students, educators and families that completing this facility is vital for the region and its workforce development goals. I’m grateful we found a path forward for this funding, and I thank all the advocates who fought for this project, including the passionate force of my dear colleague, Sen. Krishnadasan.”
Other exciting projects across the district I secured funding for:
- Completion of West Sound Technical Center, Bremerton, $42M
- SR3 / Gorst Area Widening Project, $13.5M
- Gig Harbor Sports Fields $1M
- Port Orchard Downtown Reconstruction, $1M
- DeMolay Sandspit Park improvements $515K
- Key Peninsula Civic Center, West Wall Project, $103K
- Key Peninsula Rural Transportation Program, $350K
- Peninsula Health – Community Kitchen, $625K
- Peninsula Community Health Oak House, $211K
- Bremerton Masonic Temple Kitchen renovation, $247K
- Kitsap Lake Park Accessibility Improvements, $321K
- Lakebay Marina Creosote Piling Removal, $1M
- And more! You can also see the full lists of projects across the state here and here.
This session, we also made significant investments in special education and the Housing Trust Fund, stabilized rent for millions of renters statewide, made landmark moves to increase housing supply, covered a full year of birth control when initially prescribed, banned medical debt from credit score reporting, and more.
What’s next
I look forward to working on some important issues now that session is over. I’m collaborating with education leaders to reexamine the prototypical school funding model and how it impacts schools and students. I committed to fully funding our schools when I came to Olympia and am excited to work on a formula that works for modern education. I’ll also join US Representative Emily Randall and other colleagues to continue tackling transportation issues, especially ferries and the Gorst intersection.
Starting May 5, I’m subject to election year restrictions, so this is the last newsletter you’ll receive from me until election results are certified in December. However, please continue to reach out to my office if there is any way I can assist you.
A note on staff
A quick note of thanks to my amazing staff! I appreciate these individuals and the incredible team we built together to best serve the 26th district! We hope we served you well.
Contact
Please continue to reach out over the interim. Ruby Nelson, my new legislative assistant will be available to assist with concerns or issues that arise. Ruby has worked as the SDC Casework Coordinator this session and is well-versed in the issues facing Washingtonians and our community. I’m so excited for her to join the office! We continue to serve you and all our neighbors in the 26th Legislative District. I’m always looking to hear your legislative priorities, how I can help, and what’s going on in the community.
Phone: 360.786.7650
Email: Deborah.Krishnadasan@leg.wa.gov
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram (No new posting until after election restrictions).
Thank you for reading! I’ll be in touch again later this year with additional updates from the interim.
All the best,
Deb Krishnadasan
