Dear Neighbors of the 26th,

The Senate will adjourn Sine Die today, meaning the session is officially over.

This session was full of challenging moments and decisions. It was also my first short session, and as anticipated, the deadlines came fast. My priorities this session centered on affordability, government efficiency, and continued support for education. There were some difficult votes this year, but I stand by my decisions and believe they reflect the values and needs of our district.

One of the most significant pieces of legislation to come out of this session was the Millionaires Tax. While it represents a major policy change, I believe we could have done more to offset taxes in ways that would directly benefit people struggling with the rising cost of living. Important programs and services will be funded, but reducing the sales tax or gas tax would have provided meaningful relief for many families.

There is still more work to be done, and I look forward to continuing that work next session.

Please keep reading for legislative updates, highlights, and news from my office on what’s next!

UPDATE ON MY BILLS

Property tax relief

Senate Bill 6162, my bill expanding the Senior Citizen Property Tax Relief program, has passed both the House and Senate and is now on its way to Gov. Bob Ferguson’s desk for his signature.

One of the most common concerns I hear from residents on fixed incomes is that they struggle to afford their property taxes. This bill expands program eligibility, allowing an additional 30,000 households across the state to qualify for exemptions. Households that previously qualified will also see an increase in their property tax relief. The bill simplifies the application process and clarifies the property tax code, all while remaining revenue neutral.

The program has already helped countless seniors, people with disabilities, and disabled veterans stay in their homes. This is real, meaningful tax relief for our most vulnerable neighbors, and I couldn’t be prouder to see it move forward.

Other legislation

Many of the bills I sponsored this session passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support. Unfortunately, the House was not able to take up all of the Senate’s legislation before key deadlines.

Two of my bills that did not make it across the finish line focused on improving government efficiencies. These proposals would have helped state agencies use resources more effectively while delivering better service to the people of Washington. I have also begun working with my Republican colleagues to build support for my Youth Development Fund bill as I prepare for the next legislative session.

I will reintroduce these bills — they deserve another chance, and I believe they provide a real benefit!

I also co-sponsored and sponsored companion bills that passed this year. Here is one of my favorites:

  • HB 2534/SB 6277: I was pleased to join Rep. Clyde Shavers at the signing of his bill and proud to sponsor the companion legislation supporting this important effort for our military families. This legislation builds on Washington’s commitment to support military families by helping students transition more smoothly when their families move to a new duty station. It provides additional support as military families enroll their children in local schools, easing the transition and helping students stay focused on learning. The House and Senate passed the bill, and Gov. Ferguson signed the bill Wednesday.

OTHER WORK

Transportation Vice Chair

I am proud to serve as Vice Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and I’m pleased to share that the Supplemental Transportation Budget passed both chambers unanimously — an exciting step forward for our transportation priorities.

While we have more work ahead, this budget includes critical investments in roads, highways, and bridges across Washington that are in urgent need of preservation and maintenance. The budget also provides important funding for Washington State Ferries (WSF), including the purchase of a third electric ferry. In total, the plan authorizes three new vessels — an investment that will help improve reliability for residents in our district and for everyone who relies on WSF for regular transit, while also moving our state toward greater electrification to support a cleaner environment.

Investing in the preservation and maintenance of our highway system will create up to 30,000 jobs, expanding opportunities in construction, engineering, and related industries while reinforcing the infrastructure that keeps our communities connected and our economy moving.

Budget wins!

Organizations across our district submit budget requests to help support local programs providing food, housing, health care, improvements to parks and public lands, etc. I was pleased to secure funding for many of them in the final budget.

  • $215,000 for Food 4 All – Food Backpack 4 Kids
  • $52,000 for Key Peninsula Community Services food pantry
  • $201,000 for Bremerton Foodline
  • $309,000 for Eagle’s Wings Coordinated Care
  • $160,000 for The Freedom Project – Permenant Supportive Housing
  • $1 million for Port Orchard Water System Consolidation
  • $973,000 for Peninsula Community Health Services
  • $206,000 for Camp Colman Marine Education Center
  • $515,000 for South Kitsap regional park upgrades
  • Funds for Family Forest Fish Passage Program
  • $124,000 for Kitsap Transit Intra-County Passenger Only Ferry Study (Reappropriation)
  • $460,000 for Key Peninsula Rural Transportation Program

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK

These past two weeks have been full of floor action, but I was able to squeeze in a great meeting with Discovery Elementary School students from Gig Harbor!

Pages

Abby paged for me this week, and Sebastian joined us last week. These roles are especially important when we’re on the floor all day — thank you so much, Abby and Sebastian!

NOTES FROM MY OFFICE

I’m so grateful to serve the 26th. Thank you to my colleagues, my staff, our caucus and nonpartisan staff, the pages, the photographers, the Senate dining team, and the security guards—especially Bruce, who greeted me every morning with a smile and a wave. There are so many incredible people in Olympia who support the work we do every day, often behind the scenes. I’m deeply grateful for their dedication and honored to be a part of this work.

Starting in May, my communication channels will go dark due to election year restrictions. I’ll be back when the 2026 election results are certified. In the meantime, I’ll be travelling around the district, meeting with groups and organizations, and hearing from many of you. I look forward to those conversations.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything with which my office or I can assist you.

Contact

Phone: 360.786.7650

Email: Deborah.Krishnadasan@leg.wa.gov

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Thank you for reading!

All the best,

Deb