{"id":3347,"date":"2026-01-09T14:27:03","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T21:27:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/Krishnadasan\/?p=3347"},"modified":"2026-01-09T14:35:21","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T21:35:21","slug":"new-year-new-session","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/Krishnadasan\/2026\/01\/09\/new-year-new-session\/","title":{"rendered":"New year, new session"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dear\u00a0Neighbors\u00a0of the 26th,<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Happy New Year!\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0deeply grateful to serve as your elected senator. Thank you for placing your trust in me.\u00a0It is an honor to\u00a0represent\u00a0you\u00a0all, and I do not take that responsibility lightly.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The\u00a0legislative session begins\u00a0next Monday, and it will be a busy and important one.\u00a0My focus will remain on listening to you, advocating for our community,\u00a0and working collaboratively\u00a0with colleagues\u00a0to deliver meaningful results.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As we work through the supplemental budget, challenging decisions will need to be made\u00a0to ensure we can\u00a0continue\u00a0providing programs and services\u00a0our communities\u00a0value. One\u00a0thing\u00a0is\u00a0for\u00a0certain\u2014we must\u00a0remain\u00a0focused\u00a0on affordability.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To kick off the year, I want to share what I\u2019ve been working on since last session, what my priorities will be in the months ahead, and how you can get involved. Please keep reading for more information, and as always, I welcome your input and ideas.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Life since\u00a0last session<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Due to election-year restrictions beginning last May, I was unable to send legislative communications until the election results were officially certified. During that time, I still remained actively engaged in our community. I had the opportunity to meet with some remarkable community groups, local businesses, and constituents to listen, learn, and better understand the issues that matter most to you. Below is a brief recap of some of those conversations and experiences.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Visited\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Forest Friends Childcare<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0on the Key Peninsula. Thanks to\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/billsummary?BillNumber=5655&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">SB 5655<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, this center can now offer expanded indoor\u00a0childcare facilities within an existing church, allowing it to serve more families and provide care for younger children.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Toured\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bremerton\u00a0Foodline<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Food<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Backpacks\u00a04\u00a0Kids<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to\u00a0discuss the growing food insecurity\u00a0in the area, which has increased by\u00a066%\u00a0compared to\u00a0this time last year. Both\u00a0organizations shared how grateful they are for the\u00a0generosity of our community, which continues to play a critical role in supporting their efforts to address hunger and affordability for local families.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Rode\u00a0a\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Washington State Ferry\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">to Vashon and spoke\u00a0with ferry employees, who shared their appreciation\u00a0for\u00a0legislation we passed last session,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/billsummary?BillNumber=5716&amp;Year=2025\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">SB 5716,<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> to create safer working environments on our ferries.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Participated in\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">IAFF Fire\u00a0Ops<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> training, a hands-on program that allows elected officials to experience time-critical, highly technical, labor-intensive work performed daily by firefighters and paramedics. During the day, I extinguished a live fire, cut training victims from a crashed vehicle, climbed a 100-foot aerial ladder, cut ventilation holes in a roof with a chainsaw, conducted search-and-rescue operations in a smoke-filled building, rode along with EMS, and performed life-saving treatment on a training mannequin.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I visited many local schools and celebrated their successes. One highlight was\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Peninsula High School\u2019s\u00a0Unified Sports<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0program\u00a0receiving\u00a0the Banner Award, a national recognition from\u00a0Special Olympics.\u00a0I was inspired to\u00a0witness\u00a0the entire school cheering on their classmates.\u00a0I also spoke with a PHS civics class,\u00a0toured the PHS aviation program,\u00a0which we secured state funding for,\u00a0participated\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0Principal for\u00a0a\u00a0Day\u00a0program\u00a0at\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">South Kitsap High\u00a0School<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and\u00a0visited Kitsap Lake Elementary to engage in the Science on Wheels\u00a0program\u00a0hosted\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pacificsciencecenter.org\/education\/science-on-wheels\/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20684674751&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADOnVkoU0mLNv99AwJ5JeWmhbqHoM&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAyP3KBhD9ARIsAAJLnnbDKhsNZmQDd6rMSorx8QwYHIMAxn9ILEIExrsucNMFZ1bqzGUJu_IaAmbdEALw_wcB\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Pacific Science Center<\/span><\/b><\/a><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Rode\u00a0and drove\u00a0a pilot boat out to a 1,000-foot\u00a0container\u00a0ship as a\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Puget Sound\u00a0pilot\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">boarded the vessel and prepared to expertly guide it\u00a0into a local port.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Toured\u00a0the\u00a0Sinclair\u00a0Inlet\u00a0on the\u00a0Challacum\u00a0with WSDOT\u00a0Regional Administrator\u00a0Steve Roark,\u00a0Suquamish tribal members,\u00a0including\u00a0Chairman\u00a0Leonard Forsman,\u00a0Rep.\u00a0Richards,\u00a0and others\u00a0to\u00a0consider transportation options for the Gorst area.\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0honored to serve as\u00a0co-chair of the Gorst coalition with Congresswoman Emily Randall.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"8\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Joined\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kitsap Building Association\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kitsap County Association of REALTORS<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0for the first annual\u00a0bus tour\u00a0designed\u00a0to educate elected officials about the challenges and opportunities facing\u00a0the\u00a0local\u00a0construction\u00a0and housing industries\u00a0with a focus on housing supply, workforce needs,\u00a0and affordability.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"9\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In addition to these, I\u00a0visited\u00a0the Port of Tacoma,\u00a0the\u00a0Harbor Sanctuary at Gig Harbor\u2019s Heron\u2019s Key,\u00a0the Washington Veterans\u2019\u00a0Home in Port Orchard,\u00a0the Bremerton Lions group,\u00a0and\u00a0the\u00a0Bremerton\u00a0Blackberry Festival.\u00a0I also\u00a0participated\u00a0in the\u00a0Armed Forces\u00a0Parade,\u00a0attended\u00a0the ribbon cutting at the Doris Heritage\u00a0Park,\u00a0and\u00a0joined\u00a0Gig Harbor\u2019s\u00a0Veteran\u2019s Day event\u00a0among many other community engagements.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3348\" src=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/Krishnadasan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2026\/01\/Picture1-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/Krishnadasan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2026\/01\/Picture1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/Krishnadasan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2026\/01\/Picture1.jpg 567w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-3349\" src=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/Krishnadasan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2026\/01\/Picture2-300x264.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"339\" height=\"298\" srcset=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/Krishnadasan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2026\/01\/Picture2-300x264.jpg 300w, https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/Krishnadasan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2026\/01\/Picture2-768x677.jpg 768w, https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/Krishnadasan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2026\/01\/Picture2.jpg 848w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 339px) 100vw, 339px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-3350\" src=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/Krishnadasan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2026\/01\/Picture3-300x239.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"564\" height=\"449\" srcset=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/Krishnadasan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2026\/01\/Picture3-300x239.png 300w, https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/Krishnadasan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2026\/01\/Picture3.png 628w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 564px) 100vw, 564px\" \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Looking ahead to\u00a0next\u00a0Session<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There is no denying this will be a challenging\u00a0short\u00a0session.\u00a0This\u00a0year,\u00a0I\u00a0remain\u00a0focused on\u00a0maintaining\u00a0and\u00a0strengthening\u00a0K-12 education\u00a0across the state.\u00a0Strong schools build strong communities,\u00a0and\u00a0I\u2019ll\u00a0always prioritize our students.\u00a0Last session,\u00a0the state\u00a0invested\u00a0in\u00a0special education and\u00a0materials, supplies,\u00a0and operating costs (MSOC)\u00a0funding. However, early\u00a0learning and higher education programs\u00a0experienced\u00a0challenging cuts.\u00a0Moving forward, we must work together to restore and protect\u00a0this funding.\u00a0Budget challenges will make this\u00a0difficult, but\u00a0it\u00a0remains\u00a0a priority for me.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">More than anything, though, I want to concentrate on affordability as we work to balance the budget. We are all feeling the affordability crisis across the district, state, and country. The cost of childcare, groceries, health care, and more are straining our families\u2019 budgets, and are compounded by the federal government\u2019s volatility. I will prioritize programs that directly support families. This includes initiatives to improve food security and assistance access, property tax relief for seniors and vulnerable communities, considering offsetting taxes that disproportionately impact those struggling the most, and creating more affordable housing and childcare options.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While this session will be fast-paced and challenging, I am committed to working tirelessly for our students, our families, and our communities, ensuring that education remains strong, essential programs are protected, and affordability becomes a reality for those who need it most, including our small businesses. There will be some painful cuts ahead, but my goal is to protect these communities.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How to\u00a0participate\u00a0in the legislative process<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The legislative process is here for you, and your input truly matters\u00a0to me.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Please reach out to my office at\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"mailto:deborah.krishnadasan@leg.wa.gov\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">deborah.krishnadasan@leg.wa.gov<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> with\u00a0any\u00a0concerns about upcoming legislation. I\u00a0value hearing your\u00a0stories\u00a0\u2014\u00a0how you have been\u00a0impacted\u00a0and how you\u00a0anticipate\u00a0proposed policies may affect you or your family. Your experiences help me better represent the needs and priorities of our district.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Another\u00a0great way\u00a0to get involved is to publicly testify\u00a0on bills that\u00a0impact\u00a0you.\u00a0Testimony can be in person, remote, or written.\u00a0You can see step-by-step instructions on how to testify\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/leg.wa.gov\/bills-meetings-and-session\/session\/how-to-testify-at-a-committee-meeting\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Contact<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Phone: 360.786.7650<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1665],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Email:\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"mailto:Deborah.Krishnadasan@leg.wa.gov\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Deborah.Krishnadasan@leg.wa.gov<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1665],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Follow me on\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61571813399872\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sendebkrishnadasan\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Instagram<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1665],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Thank you for reading!\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">All the best,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Deb\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dear\u00a0Neighbors\u00a0of the 26th,\u00a0 Happy New Year!\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0deeply grateful to serve as your elected senator. Thank you for placing your trust in me.\u00a0It is an honor to\u00a0represent\u00a0you\u00a0all, and I do not take that responsibility lightly.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The\u00a0legislative session begins\u00a0next Monday, and it will be a busy and important one.\u00a0My focus will remain on listening to you, advocating for our community,\u00a0and working collaboratively\u00a0with colleagues\u00a0to deliver meaningful results.\u00a0\u00a0 As we work through the supplemental budget, challenging decisions will need to be made\u00a0to ensure we can\u00a0continue\u00a0providing programs and services\u00a0our communities\u00a0value. One\u00a0thing\u00a0is\u00a0for\u00a0certain\u2014we must\u00a0remain\u00a0focused\u00a0on affordability.\u00a0\u00a0 To kick off the year, I want to share what I\u2019ve been working&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":2609,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"disable_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3347","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-e-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>New year, new session - Sen. Deborah Krishnadasan<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/Krishnadasan\/2026\/01\/09\/new-year-new-session\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"New year, new session - Sen. Deborah Krishnadasan\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Dear\u00a0Neighbors\u00a0of the 26th,\u00a0 Happy New Year!\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0deeply grateful to serve as your elected senator. Thank you for placing your trust in me.\u00a0It is an honor to\u00a0represent\u00a0you\u00a0all, and I do not take that responsibility lightly.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The\u00a0legislative session begins\u00a0next Monday, and it will be a busy and important one.\u00a0My focus will remain on listening to you, advocating for our community,\u00a0and working collaboratively\u00a0with colleagues\u00a0to deliver meaningful results.\u00a0\u00a0 As we work through the supplemental budget, challenging decisions will need to be made\u00a0to ensure we can\u00a0continue\u00a0providing programs and services\u00a0our communities\u00a0value. One\u00a0thing\u00a0is\u00a0for\u00a0certain\u2014we must\u00a0remain\u00a0focused\u00a0on affordability.\u00a0\u00a0 To kick off the year, I want to share what I\u2019ve been working...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/Krishnadasan\/2026\/01\/09\/new-year-new-session\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Sen. Deborah Krishnadasan\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-01-09T21:27:03+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-01-09T21:35:21+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/Krishnadasan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2026\/01\/Picture1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"567\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"757\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"hwaterman\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"hwaterman\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/Krishnadasan\/2026\/01\/09\/new-year-new-session\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/Krishnadasan\/2026\/01\/09\/new-year-new-session\/\",\"name\":\"New year, new session - Sen. 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Thank you for placing your trust in me.\u00a0It is an honor to\u00a0represent\u00a0you\u00a0all, and I do not take that responsibility lightly.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The\u00a0legislative session begins\u00a0next Monday, and it will be a busy and important one.\u00a0My focus will remain on listening to you, advocating for our community,\u00a0and working collaboratively\u00a0with colleagues\u00a0to deliver meaningful results.\u00a0\u00a0 As we work through the supplemental budget, challenging decisions will need to be made\u00a0to ensure we can\u00a0continue\u00a0providing programs and services\u00a0our communities\u00a0value. One\u00a0thing\u00a0is\u00a0for\u00a0certain\u2014we must\u00a0remain\u00a0focused\u00a0on affordability.\u00a0\u00a0 To kick off the year, I want to share what I\u2019ve been working...","og_url":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/Krishnadasan\/2026\/01\/09\/new-year-new-session\/","og_site_name":"Sen. 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