Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As the 63rd Regular Session of the Legislature convened this week, we now have less than 60 days to get our work done and accomplish our goals for the session. We have many important issues to discuss and work through, including, a transportation package that helps reduce traffic congestion and makes the way we move people and freight more efficient and effective. We also need to fully fund all-day kindergarten and reduce class sizes in K-12 education.

Health care transparency as a top priority

My top priority this session is to bring transparency to our health care system (Senate Bill 6228). It’s an issue I worked on last session and one that I’m committed to working on and passing this session. I want to make it easier for Washington residents to find medical providers who are high in quality and low in cost. We will do this by making our current confusing healthcare pricing system easier to access and navigate.

When your ideas become bills

I am also working on a bill to establish a pilot program for fishing line recycling program at popular fishing sites throughout our state (Senate Bill 6080). This idea was brought to me by a constituent who noticed a problem with abandoned fishing lines in local lakes. The bill is scheduled to be heard in the Environment, Energy & Telecommunications committee on Tuesday afternoon.

New leadership position

During a Senate Democratic Caucus meeting, I was appointed to a new leadership position in the caucus where I will now serve as the vice caucus chair. My new responsibilities will include leading caucus meetings when the chair is gone or has to step away. In addition to this position I will continue to serve on the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education, Transportation, and Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance Committees.

I am a firm believer that participation in government at all levels is important. Please contact my office if you have a question, comment or concern about our community or our state. I look forward to working with you.

Until next time,

Mark