Dear friends and neighbors, 

As the 2026 legislative session has come to a close, I want to share the work we advanced on behalf of our communities, especially in a year defined by tight budgets and difficult decisions. We stayed focused on practical solutions — protecting consumers, supporting small businesses, and improving how government serves people. I am also grateful to the dedicated staff whose work behind the scenes makes this progress possible. Thank you for continuing to stay engaged and for sharing your comments and perspectives, as they are essential to this work. 

 

STATE BUDGET INVESTMENTS 

The supplemental operating budget reflects a focus on stability and protecting the services people rely on every day. Even with limited resources, we prioritized investments that support health, education, and basic needs across our communities. 

Key investments in the budget include: 

  • Sustaining access to health care, including support for community hospitals, behavioral health services, and the Apple Health (Medicaid) program. 
  • Protecting services for seniors and people with disabilities, including long-term care and the supports that help people remain in their homes and communities. 
  • Strengthening the behavioral health system, with a focus on expanding access to treatment and recovery services. 
  • Supporting food assistance and other essential safety-net programs that help families meet their basic needs. 

These investments reflect a continued commitment to protecting Washingtonians and strengthening the systems our communities depend on.  

I am also pleased to share the supplemental operating budget protects access to Medicaid-funded disability services that thousands of Washingtonians rely on. Proposed changes in the governor’s initial plan would have made it harder for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to qualify for critical supports — putting services at risk for more than 4,000 people across our state. 

I worked with colleagues and alongside advocates, families, and providers to ensure current eligibility standards were preserved. 

CAPITAL AND TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT 

I was able to help secure several wins for our district in the final supplemental capital budget, like:  

  • $375,000 for the Covington Aquatic Center 
  • $2 million for repairs and upgrades to the levee system near Signature Point on the Green River in Kent to a 500-year flood protection level as part of our ongoing flood and disaster response efforts following the December 2025 floods in our area 

In the final supplemental transportation budget, I advocated for investments that improve safety and accountability in our transportation system. This includes directing the Washington State Patrol to provide updated, more detailed reporting on traffic stops to better understand and address demographic disparities, particularly for Indigenous communities. I also supported funding for Tribal traffic safety grants to strengthen local efforts and partnerships that keep communities safe. These investments reflect a commitment to transparency, equity, and safer roads for everyone. I ensured we maintained funding for the State Route 18 corridor widening project from Auburn to Interstate 90 as well. 

You can find more information on the budgets at fiscal.wa.gov.   

MY LEGISLATION 

Four of my bills passed the Legislature, with two already signed into law! 

Supporting a Stronger, More Competitive Economy 

  • Undoing recent changes to the estate tax to restore balance and predictability while protecting small family-owned businesses and farms (SB 6347). 

 Empowering Tribal Communities 

  • Establishing the governor’s Office of Indian Affairs as a permanent cabinet-level agency to strengthen government-to-government relationships and improve coordination across state agencies (SB 6034). 

Protecting Access to the Ballot 

  • Expanding access to secure voting services for Tribal members, military and overseas voters, and voters with disabilities through better coordination, technology, and outreach (SB 6035). 

Preserving History and Accountability 

  • Protecting and preserving historical records and artifacts connected to Lakeland Village to ensure accountability, transparency, and long-term public access (SB 5863). 

Not all of my bills made it across the finish line this session, given the short timeline and budget constraints, but this work does not stop here — I remain committed to continuing these efforts and advancing solutions for our communities. 

On the Senate floor, I had the honor of bringing forward a resolution recognizing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. It honored individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities who strengthen our communities every day and the families, caregivers, educators, and advocates who support them. 

As a parent to a child with disabilities, this work is deeply personal. Every Washingtonian deserves the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive. You can watch my remarks here.  

THANK YOU TO OUR SENATE PAGES 

It was a pleasure to sponsor Senate pages in my office this session, including Amelia, pictured above. The Page Program gives students a firsthand look at the legislative process and the opportunity to be part of the work happening at the Capitol each day. I am grateful to these young leaders for their curiosity, hard work, and willingness to serve, and I look forward to seeing all they go on to accomplish. 

Learn more about the program here. 

HELPFUL RESOURCES 

Many of you told me at our mid-session town hall that these resources were valuable, so I wanted to include them again here for easy reference. 

Financial Education Tools 

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions offers a range of free financial education resources to help people make informed decisions and protect themselves from fraud. These tools cover everything from budgeting and credit to homeownership and investing, while also connecting individuals with local organizations and support in their communities. Whether you are just getting started or looking to build long-term financial stability, these resources are designed to meet people where they are.  

Learn more here. 

Building an Equitable Washington 

The Washington State Office of Equity works to ensure every person has access to the opportunities and resources they need to thrive. The office partners with state agencies and communities to address disparities, improve outcomes, and make government systems more equitable and responsive. Through tools, guidance, and community engagement, their work is focused on building a Washington where everyone can fully participate and succeed.  

Learn more here. 

STAY IN TOUCH 

Please continue to reach out throughout the interim months. Contact 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.  

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. 

Warm regards, 

Sen. Claudia Kauffman