Dear friends and neighbors, 

Throughout the summer, I’ve spent much of my time throughout our district and state, meeting with communities, business leaders, Tribes, local governments, and more. It’s been such an honor to meet many of you and continue learning what matters most to you and your family.

Here’s a snapshot of what I have been up to and some helpful resources: 

INTERIM ACTIVITIES 

  • It was wonderful to attend National Night Out in Kent and Covington — an opportunity to connect and strengthen our communities. Thank you to our amazing community members for putting together such a great event! 
  • As a member of the Senate Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs Committee, I traveled to the Anacortes and Bellingham areas to see a variety of local affordable housing options. I met with Samish Indian Nation and toured Xwch’angteng Housing, as well as the Swinomish Indian Tribe and visited their Didgwalic Wellness Center. We also spoke to Habitat for Humanity and the Anacortes City Council. 
  • I toured Orion Industries in Auburn. It is a non-profit social enterprise focused on providing vocational training and employment services for individuals with barriers to employment. Orion is recognized as an award-winning manufacturer in machined and fabricated aerospace components, assemblies, and structures for the aerospace industry. 
  • I also toured Cascadia Produce in Auburn. It is a wholesale food business working in collaboration with Washington state farms, non-profit community groups, government programs, and other small businesses to mitigate food insecurity through low-cost access to high-quality, culturally relevant food. 

  • I visited the Kent Fire Department and discussed the great work the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority does to support our neighbors, as well as learn more about the critical services they provide. 
  • I provided a legislative update for Washington state at the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians midyear convention. I discussed the important work done during the 2024 session to support our Tribal communities, from increased access to behavioral health care to investments in education and workforce development. 
  • I had the pleasure of meeting with the Stillaguamish Tribe and Chairman Eric White, alongside Rep. Shelley Kloba. We visited their natural resources department, counseling services & healing center, community center, and several other community-based services. 

TRIBAL PRIORITIES REPORT 

In my role as the leadership liaison to tribal nations for the Senate Democratic Caucus, my colleague, Sen. Derek Stanford, and I worked with staff to put together a legislative report of the 2024 Tribal priorities. It outlines the policies passed and budget investments made during the session impacting Tribes.  

In our policies, we addressed several key issues facing Tribes in behavioral health — including the fentanyl crisis — housing, and education, all improving the daily lives of our children, families, and communities.   

The state budget made critical investments in capital improvement projects focusing on Tribal behavioral health facilities, removal of fish barriers, and important climate solutions. 

You can view the full report here or download a copy of it here. 

WORKING FAMILIES TAX CREDIT 

In early 2023, we launched the Working Families Tax Credit. Applications for the 2024 cycle opened Feb. 1 and are available through the end of the calendar year.  

To check if you are eligible for the rebate of up to $1,255, click here. 

STAY IN TOUCH 

I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve, and it’s always a pleasure to hear from you. Please feel free to connect with me by email Claudia.Kauffman@leg.wa.gov or phone 360-786-7692. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram (@SenClaudiaKauffman) for updates. 

Sincerely,  

 

Claudia Kauffman