Dear friends and neighbors, 

The 2025 session is truly in full swing! It is an immense privilege to once again serve the 47th Legislative District in the Washington State Senate and champion our communities’ priorities here in Olympia.   

MY ROLES 

I’m honored to serve as the new chair of the Senate Business, Financial Services & Trade Committee, a role that allows me to support small businesses and protect consumers like you. My priorities include addressing systemic inequities, improving access to financial resources, and ensuring our policies reflect the diverse needs of communities across Washington — all with you and your family top of mind. 

I also sit on two new Senate committees: Ways & Means and State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections. These positions put me at the heart of vital conversations about our state’s budget, fiscal policies, strengthening government-to-government relationships with Tribal Nations, and promoting fair and transparent election processes. 

I was elected by my colleagues in the Senate Democratic Caucus to serve as the Leadership Liaison to Tribal Nations — a position I have held for the past two years. It enables me to further bridge the gap between state government Washington’s Tribal communities. As an American Indian senator, I bring a unique perspective to the challenges facing our Tribes and am honored to work with Tribal leaders to amplify their voices and shape legislation that benefits all of us. 

2025 LEGISLATION 

I have introduced several bills so far, all aimed at addressing issues impacting our district and state. Many have already received public hearings. 

Enhancing Consumer Protections 

  • Making sure service contracts and product guarantees are clear and affordable for Washington consumers (SB 5108). 
  • Making critical updates to the Mortgage Lending Fraud Prosecution Account (SB 5109). 
  • Protecting consumers who use virtual currency kiosks (SB 5280). 

Empowering Tribal Communities 

  • Offering tuition waivers for Tribal elders at Washington’s community and technical colleges (SB 5110). 
  • Allowing students experiencing homelessness and foster youth to access support programs at accredited Tribal colleges (SB 5304). 
  • Ensuring Tribal governments have a meaningful role in transportation planning and safety initiatives (SB 5374). 
  • Supporting public school instruction on Tribal sovereignty and federally recognized Indian Tribes (SB 5570). 

Streamlining Government and Legal Processes 

  • Updating outdated laws managed by the insurance commissioner (SB 5262). 
  • Ensuring Washington complies with federal requirements for fingerprint-based background checks (SB 5318). 

Protecting Public Health and the Environment 

  • Strengthening protections for Washington communities from the dangers of lead-based paint (SB 5494). 
  • Ensuring Tribal input and archaeological protections for land use projects exempt from environmental review (SB 5609). 

Supporting Economic Development 

  • Providing cities with tools to address challenges caused by sales tax rules in industrial and warehousing areas (SB 5518). 
  • Providing tax credits and funding to help the horse racing industry meet federal safety rules (SB 5610). 

Honoring Legacy

  • Extending the naming of Martin Luther King, Jr. Way to further honor his legacy (SJM 8000). 

You can track all of my legislation here. 

APPLY TO BE A PAGE 

Do you know a young person interested in state government? The Senate Page Program is still accepting applications for 2025!  

Open to students 14-16 years old, this fun, week-long experience includes page school, assisting senators, and learning about the legislative process — all while getting paid. Scholarships and host family housing are available too. The deadline is March 27.  

Click here to learn more and apply! 

HOW TO PARTICIPATE 

Here is a selection of helpful links that make it easy to get involved in the legislative process, from start to finish: 

STAY IN TOUCH 

I would love to hear from you — please reach out to share the questions, concerns, and issues most important to you and your family. Your engagement helps me better represent the 47th Legislative District and is essential to this work. 

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. 

Warm regards, 

Sen. Claudia Kauffman