Dear friends and neighbors,

It’s week four of the legislative session! Bills are still being introduced and heard for the first time, and in the coming weeks, we’ll start passing legislation on the Senate floor and discussing our state budget plan for the next two years. With all the chaos happening in Washington, D.C., I’m more committed than ever to ensuring we do everything we can at the state level to protect folks from harm and fund the essential services Washingtonians count on, like education, health care, and housing.

Evergreen State College

Some of you may have heard about a bill introduced by a Republican senator to close Evergreen State College. I’ve received emails from many of you opposing that proposal, and I appreciate your outreach. I want to be clear on my position — as a proud Geoduck myself, I am determined to keep Evergreen in our community. My experience at Evergreen changed the trajectory of my future, and I will work to ensure it remains an opportunity for students in Washington and beyond.

Honoring Chief Steve Brooks

 

I was proud to lead the Senate in passing a resolution honoring Steve Brooks, the city of Lacey’s outgoing fire chief. Chief Brooks has served our community for decades as a firefighter, fire chief, and president of the Washington Fire Chiefs. He was instrumental in helping create the South Sound Fire Fighter Academy and keeping the people of Thurston County safe during years of rapid growth. Chief Brooks is the ideal public servant, the kind of worker we all can be proud of and an example we can all aspire to emulate. Thank you, Chief Brooks, and we wish you the best in your new role as executive director of the Washington Fire Chiefs!

Health Care

While I serve as chair of the Senate Housing Committee, I put a lot of time and effort into health care policy. I’ve got a few good bills I’m proposing that I’m glad to share with you:

SB 5112 – This bipartisan bill would allow properly trained psychologists to prescribe drugs to their patients. If you’re seeing a psychologist who can diagnose that you need a certain prescription drug, it makes sense that they be able to prescribe you that medication. This is just good government efficiency.

SB 5477– Many Washington families are not getting the mental health or substance use disorder care they need, even when their health insurance plan covers those services. This bill would require insurance companies cover those services deemed “medically necessary”.  Patients deserve the care they need, when they need it.

SB 5100 – I’m working with DSHS on this bill to help reduce red tape for people providing long-term care to a family member. Long-term caregivers have a difficult job, especially when caring for their loved ones. We shouldn’t make it harder for them with confusing rules and regulations. As our WA Cares long-term care program comes online and more people receive care from a family member, this streamlining is necessary.

What’s on your mind?

It’s always helpful for me to hear about what issues you’re most concerned about, and this is a great time to get in touch when we’re still early in the legislative process. Feel free to reach out anytime at Jessica.Bateman@leg.wa.gov. Thanks for reading!

– Jess