Dear friends and neighbors, 

It has been inspiring to meet with small business owners, Tribal leaders, and families across our district and state. In support of small businesses, strong local economies, and Tribal Nations, this update highlights recent legislation, helpful resources for entrepreneurs and employers, and the 2025 Tribal Legislative Impacts Report. 

SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 

As chair of the Senate Business, Financial Services & Trade Committee, I am committed to making sure Washington’s small businesses, entrepreneurs, and Tribal enterprises have the tools they need to thrive. This past session we advanced several important bills to grow local economies and create opportunities statewide, including: 

  • SB 5492 creating a self-supported tourism assessment advisory group to strengthen our state’s visitor economy. 
  • SB 5677 increasing assistance to Associate Development Organizations (ADOs) in rural and urban counties and making it easier to meet local match requirements. 
  • HB 1327 enhancing Washington’s horse racing and equine industry to support jobs, tourism, and economic development. 

In addition, there are excellent state and regional resources available right now to help businesses start, grow, or recover: 

  • Washington State Department of Commerce – Access to Capital: Commerce’s Access to Capital page lists loan and grant opportunities designed to help small businesses and community-based organizations secure financing and expand operations. 
  • Washington Small Business Development Center (WSBDC): The WSBDC offers no-cost, confidential, one-on-one advising and training to help entrepreneurs improve management skills, secure financing, and navigate new markets. 
  • Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County: The WDC connects employers with jobseekers and training programs, helping businesses recruit talent and workers develop in-demand skills. 

By pairing strong legislation with direct support, we are building an economy where local businesses, workers, and Tribal enterprises all thrive. 

TRIBAL LEGISLATIVE IMPACTS REPORT 

As the Senate Democratic Caucus’s Leadership Liaison to Tribal Nations, I am excited to share the 2025 Tribal Legislative Impacts Report, which highlights the progress we have made together and the work still ahead.

This report reflects our commitment to strengthening government-to-government relationships, expanding educational opportunities, protecting natural resources, and investing in Tribal communities across Washington. 

Read the report here.  

BECOME A LEGISLATIVE INTERN 

Applications are now open for the 2026 Legislative Internship Program. This program offers college juniors and seniors a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the Legislature, learn about the policymaking process, and contribute to the work we do for Washingtonians. 

The priority deadline to apply is Oct. 22, and the final deadline is Oct. 29.  

Learn more and apply here. 

STAY IN TOUCH 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at Claudia.Kauffman@leg.wa.gov or 360-786-7692. You can also follow my official Facebook and Instagram pages for regular updates throughout the interim. 

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. 

Sincerely, 

Sen. Claudia Kauffman