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Some of you may have heard about a bill introduced by a Republican senator to close Evergreen State College. I\u2019ve received emails from many of you opposing that proposal, and I appreciate your outreach. I want to be clear on my position \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
Honoring Chief Steve Brooks<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I was proud to lead the Senate in passing a resolution honoring Steve Brooks, the city of Lacey\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n Health Care<\/strong><\/p>\n While I serve as chair of the Senate Housing Committee, I put a lot of time and effort into health care policy. I\u2019ve got a few good bills I\u2019m proposing that I\u2019m glad to share with you:<\/p>\n SB 5112 \u2013 This bipartisan bill would allow properly trained psychologists to prescribe drugs to their patients. If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n SB 5477\u2013 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 \u201cmedically necessary\u201d. \u00a0Patients deserve the care they need, when they need it.<\/p>\n SB 5100 \u2013 I\u2019m 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/bateman\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/02\/bateman-brooks-1.jpg\")
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