Dear Neighbors of the 26th,
Can you believe we’re halfway through the session? We hit some major cutoffs and are running full steam ahead. Keep reading for my legislative updates, weekly highlights, and news from my office – including details for my Town Halls!
UPDATE ON MY BILLS
SB 6160 and SB 5968 – Improving government efficiency
Two of my government efficiency bills have passed the Senate and are now on their way to the House. By improving processes, we can make state government more effective and provide better service to the people of Washington. Streamlining operations isn’t just about saving time—it’s about ensuring government works smarter for everyone.
SB 6160 is a straightforward housekeeping measure that eliminates outdated, redundant, or untimely reports. By doing so, it enhances efficiency, improves clarity, and ensures better use of taxpayer resources—all while maintaining proper oversight.
SB 5968 streamlines state agency licensing and permitting processes, enabling individuals and businesses to obtain working credentials or project permits in a predictable and timely manner.
SB 5992 – Supporting the well-being of our youth
Senate Bill 5992 passed the Senate on Wednesday! This legislation creates a Youth Development Fund Account to expand access to positive youth development programs beyond the school day — a transformative investment in young people across our state.
Research shows that supportive adults, outdoor recreation, and meaningful connections during critical developmental years greatly improve long-term health and well-being. Yet too many children still lack these opportunities.
Through donor-funded grants, the program will support arts, sports, STEM, mentorship, cultural programming, outdoor experiences, and community engagement — creating a powerful new pathway for communities to invest directly in our youth.
SB 6277 – Supporting our military families
I sponsored Senate Bill 6277, which would give children of military families extra support as they transition to new schools when their parent is assigned to a new base in Washington. SB 6277 makes this transition smoother for children of military families, allowing them to enroll their kids in schools more easily, and gives students needing extra support, prompt and appropriate services.
The House companion bill, HB 2534, continues to move through the House of Representatives. I’m excited to see it back in the Senate!
What’s next in the process
By Tuesday, all Senate bills must pass the Senate and move to the House to remain under consideration—and the same goes for House bills. Starting Wednesday, the House and Senate trade bills: Senate bills go to House committees, and we review House bills in the Senate.
We will then have just a week to hear House bills without fiscal impacts in committee. If you have thoughts on any House bills coming to the Senate, please reach out to my office so I can represent you effectively.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
One on One with the Governor – I met with Gov. Bob Ferguson this week. We discussed the specific challenges facing our district, including the Purdy and Fox Island Bridges, the Gorst intersection, infrastructure needed to support our growing communities, tax reform and prioritizing relief for our working families and small businesses, and how to take on the affordability crisis. We also discussed addressing the needs of our education system.
Engagement with Educators – I met with educators at PoliSPARKS to discuss how educators can get involved in the legislative process. We also discussed how school funding affects classrooms and concerns about unfunded mandates. Always great to stay connected to education.
More Education Engagement – I met with Educational Service Districts (ESDs) from across the state. ESDs help school districts and state agencies alike by ensuring equity in education and helping the Legislature and state agencies understand the challenges and opportunities facing schools, staff, and students.
Bi-Partisan Relationship Building – On Tuesday night, the Senate Transportation Budget Cabinet—Senators Marko Liias, Keith Goehner, Curtis King, and myself, met for dinner to continue building bipartisan relationships. Over the coming weeks, we’ll work together on the transportation supplemental budget.
I’m especially grateful to ensure our communities have a strong voice, given their unique transportation needs. I remain committed to working across the aisle to deliver a transportation budget that serves all of Washington.
GO SEATTLE! – The Senate honored the incredible seasons of the Seattle Mariners and our Super Bowl Champions, the Seattle Seahawks! It’s been an amazing year for Washington sports! Now let’s bring home the Sonics!
NOTES FROM MY OFFICE
TOWN HALLS – You are invited!
I’m hosting four town hall meetings next weekend, February 21 and 22 in Bremerton, Port Orchard, Gig Harbor, and Key Peninsula. These are opportunities to hear about my legislative work, ask questions about my bills and the process, and give your own feedback on legislation. Light refreshments will be provided.
I’m hearing a lot about the Millionaires Tax (SB 6346) and questions about where I stand.
I support tax reform that moves us toward a fairer, more progressive system. Families in our district are struggling to put food on the table and keep up with the rising cost of living. To truly address our regressive tax system, we need to reduce the burden on working families. That’s why I introduced legislation to cut the state sales tax and expand property tax relief for seniors and people with disabilities.
Working families need meaningful, real tax relief that makes a difference in their everyday lives. I’m listening to your feedback and will continue to do so as this bill moves forward. I look forward to working with my colleagues to strike the right balance and deliver relief where it’s needed most.
Contact
If you have any thoughts on pending legislation or any other issue, please let me know. I always appreciate your input! My office is here to serve you and all our neighbors in the district.
Phone: 360.786.7650
Email: Deborah.Krishnadasan@leg.wa.gov
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Thank you for reading!
All the best,
Deb