Dear friends and neighbors,
The 2023 session is truly in full swing, as today marks the start of our third week! It is an immense privilege to once again serve the 47th Legislative District in the Washington State Senate and champion our communities.
I’m so excited to report I’ve been chosen by my fellow Senate Democrats to serve as one of the two Leadership Liaisons to the Tribal Nations, so we can continue to strengthen our caucus’s relationship with our federally recognized Tribes.
We’ve made real progress in recent years to increase Native representation in the Legislature, and I’m so honored to be a part of that growth. While I may have been the first (and second) Native woman to serve in the Senate, I know I won’t be the last.
In addition to that, I also serve as the vice chair of both the Members of Color Caucus and the Human Services Committee. My other committee assignments include Transportation and Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs.
Upcoming legislation
Earlier this week, I made my first in-person bill drop! The legislation will support the stability of people with work-limiting disabilities or incapacities by providing cash assistance to help them meet their basic needs. Stay tuned for more updates on this bill and others soon!
How to testify in committee
Your voice is integral in the lawmaking process and helps guide us to shape better policy. Remote public testimony will continue to be offered — along with the return of in-person testimony for all committees — providing every Washingtonian the chance to participate no matter where they live. You can register for in-person and remote testimony here.
Contact us
I’d love to hear from you and look forward to learning more about your priorities for the upcoming year. Send me an email at Claudia.Kauffman@leg.wa.gov, or give me a call at 360-786-7692. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram (@SenClaudiaKauffman) for regular updates throughout the coming months.
Sincerely,
Claudia
