Author Archives: oheersink

01 May
0

2026 Tribal Legislative Impacts Report

Download a PDF here: 2026 Tribal Legislative Impacts Report

Read More
21 Apr
0

Investing in Small Businesses and Our Future

Dear friends and neighbors,  With the 2026 legislative session now behind us, I wanted to take a moment to share another update on the work we delivered for our communities. This was a challenging year, shaped by tight budgets and ...

Read More
24 Mar
0

What we accomplished this session

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 ...

Read More
17 Feb
0

Senate passes Kauffman bill to restore balance to Washington’s estate tax

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Senate on Monday approved a bill to restore the state’s estate tax rate structure to a 10% to 20% range.   Senate Bill 6347, sponsored by Sen. Claudia Kauffman (D-Kent), modifies the rate schedule for estates of decedents dying ...

Read More
16 Feb
0

Building policy through partnership

Dear friends and neighbors,  We are nearly two-thirds of the way through the 2026 legislative session! I remain focused on responding to community needs, strengthening partnerships, and advancing thoughtful policy that reflects the values and priorities of the 47th Legislative District.  FLOOD RECOVERY UPDATE  In ...

Read More
14 Jan
0

Kicking off the 2026 session

Dear friends and neighbors, The 2026 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 AND COMMITTEES  I am honored ...

Read More
17 Dec
0

Flooding in King County: What to Know and Where to Get Help

Dear friends and neighbors,  As communities across Washington continue to experience extreme weather, flooding, and travel disruptions, I want to share the most up-to-date and reliable information related to the ongoing flood event.  This update includes critical information from county ...

Read More
16 Dec
0

WA Transportation Commission approves Martin Luther King Jr. Way extension following Sen. Kauffman memorial

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Transportation Commission voted on Dec. 11 to approve the extension of Martin Luther King Jr. Way along the full length of State Route 515, following a formal request advanced during the 2025 legislative session through ...

Read More
10 Dec
0

I would love to hear from you!

Dear friends and neighbors,  The 2026 legislative session is just around the corner, and I am honored and excited to continue championing our communities’ priorities in Olympia.   I would love to hear from you — please reach out to share ...

Read More
14 Nov
0

Fact check: Washington’s budget and tax system

Dear friends and neighbors,  Responsible budgeting means meeting today’s needs while planning for tomorrow. This last session, I worked to protect funding for schools, public safety, and essential services while keeping our state on stable financial footing. There has been ...

Read More
123