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  • It’s been a privileged to serve you in the Senate
    Dear friends and neighbors,  

    I’m excited to share with you that Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson has chosen me to serve as the new director of the Washington State Department of Commerce. I have deep roots in the 34th Legislative District and it’s been an honor to serve the community where I was born and raised.  

    Since you first elected me to join the Senate in 2019, we have made important strides in multiple areas. Here are some of the legislative achievements I’m most proud of:  

    • Ensuring our laws keep up with new technologies by becoming one of the first states to regulate facial recognition in order to protect the privacy of Washington residents and creating the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force to study the impacts of AI.  
    • Modernizing and increasing access to basic needs programs by raising funding for Washington state’s Temporary Assistance Needy Families program (TANF).  
    • Prioritizing economic justice for families on the margins by passing the Working Families Tax Credit.  
    • Combating climate change by passing the Climate Commitment Act and creating a path for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  
    • Promoting environmental justice by helping low-income families pay their utility bills, helping communities prepare for climate impacts, and creating good jobs in our growing green economy.  
    • Strengthening our elections by pushing for transparency on foreign corporate political spending and improving procedures and deadlines for candidates filing for office.  
    • Honoring our community’s cultural traditions by officially making Lunar New Year a recognized legislative holiday in Washington.  

    These are just some of our accomplishments over the past six years. As chair of the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, I have championed innovative policy solutions to address some of our state’s most pressing challenges. From combating climate change and advancing our green economy to leveraging emerging technologies, I have been committed to ensuring our state is ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world.  

    I recognize the bold innovation required to drive sustainable economic prosperity in Washington while prioritizing underserved communities. Growing our economy starts with investing in people and meeting them where they are, listening to their stories, and understanding their needs. As your state senator, I have prioritized connecting with our community, learning from your experiences, and amplifying your voices in Olympia. I plan to bring that same dedication and community-centered approach to this new role.  

    I look forward to serving you in a new capacity by bringing my commitment to public service, economic growth, and investing in Washington’s diverse communities to the Department of Commerce.  

    Joe 

It’s been a privileged to serve you in the Senate

It’s been a privileged to serve you in the Senate

Dear friends and neighbors,   I’m excited to share with you that Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson has chosen me to serve as the new director of the Washington State Department of Commerce. I have deep roots in the 34th Legislative District and it’s been an honor to serve ...

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Reminder — town hall event this Saturday!

Reminder — town hall event this Saturday!

Hi there — I want to make sure you heard about the legislative town hall I’m hosting this Saturday. I’m excited to meet with you in person to hear your questions and concerns and discuss the legislative work we did in 2024 and what’s next for 2025. I hope you ...

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Join me for a town hall event!

Join me for a town hall event!

Dear friends and neighbors, With the legislative session in the rearview mirror, I look forward to  talking with you in person at an upcoming town hall event on Saturday, June 29! This is a chance for me to hear your concerns and top issues, answer questions about  the 2024 session, and ...

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Addressing Washington's drug crisis

Addressing Washington's drug crisis

Friends and neighbors, Today, the Legislature voted in favor of passing Senate Bill 5536, which specifically addresses the Blake decision here in Washington state. While I acknowledge the negative consequences associated with drug criminalization, I firmly believe that at this juncture, this legislation has the potential to drive the implementation ...

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Talk to you soon! Election Year Restrictions

Talk to you soon! Election Year Restrictions

Dear friends and neighbors, Over the last four years, my office has worked to confront climate change, a housing crisis, and a relentless pandemic—which exacerbated existing problems in our society. Though the work is, at times challenging, it has been an honor to serve the residents of the 34th District. Read More