{"id":8046,"date":"2025-03-25T13:07:13","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T20:07:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/nobles\/?p=8046"},"modified":"2025-03-25T13:07:31","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T20:07:31","slug":"march-session-recap-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/nobles\/2025\/03\/25\/march-session-recap-2\/","title":{"rendered":"March Session Recap"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dear friends and neighbors,<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We’re over two-thirds of the way through the 2025 session! As we continue to tackle key issues facing our district and state, I want to thank you for your engagement so far and hope you\u2019ll keep participating in the process as we approach our final month here in Olympia.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Scroll down for updates on the state budget, key legislation, and more:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Women’s History Month<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

March is Women\u2019s History Month \u2014 a time to recognize the countless contributions women have made to our communities, state, and nation. From breaking barriers in leadership to driving progress in education, health care, and civil rights, women have played a vital role in shaping a more just and equitable society.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m proud to serve alongside so many incredible women in the Legislature who are making a difference every day and helping to build a stronger Washington for all.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Eid<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This session, I am especially proud to support <\/span>Senate Bill 5106<\/span><\/b><\/a>, which recognizes Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state-recognized holidays \u2014 an important step in fostering inclusivity and ensuring that all communities feel seen and valued in Washington. Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated in just a few days this March, marking the end of Ramadan and a month of fasting, prayer, and generosity. Wishing everyone celebrating a joyous and meaningful Eid. Eid Mubarak!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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I hope you’ll join my seatmates, Reps. Dan Bronoske and Mari Leavitt, and me for our telephone town hall from <\/span>6:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2. <\/span><\/b>We’ll share an update on our work here in Olympia and answer any questions you have about the 2025 legislative session.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The call will go out to constituents across the 28th Legislative District. If you do not receive one, you can still participate by dialing <\/span>855-756-7520 <\/span><\/b>and using extension <\/span>120961#<\/span><\/b>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I can’t wait to chat with you soon!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Higher Education<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The recent <\/span>executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education<\/span><\/b><\/a> threatens the future of students and institutions across the country. As chair of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, I know how essential higher education is to Washington\u2019s workforce, economy, and communities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But I remain hopeful. Our state has long championed access to education and workforce development, and that will not change. I will continue to support polices that invest in students and institutions, ensuring that education remains a pathway to opportunity and progress \u2014 no matter the challenges ahead.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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K-12 Education<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The order also has <\/span>serious implications for our K-12 schools<\/span><\/b><\/a>. For decades, the U.S. Department of Education has provided critical support for students experiencing poverty, multilingual learners, and children with disabilities. It has upheld civil rights protections, helped bridge funding gaps, and ensured accountability in public education. Stripping away these resources and oversight places the burden on states to safeguard educational equity at a time when too many students already face barriers to success.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As vice chair of the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee, I’m dedicated to ensuring Washington does not waver in its support for public education. Our Legislature has long prioritized strong early learning programs, student-centered policies, and protections that go beyond federal requirements. That work will continue. Public education is a foundation of our democracy, and we will fight to protect it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Senate Operating Proposal<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With Washington facing a budget shortfall, the Senate\u2019s operating budget proposal takes a balanced approach \u2014 combining new revenue with targeted reductions to sustain essential services like education, health care, housing, and food assistance. It aims to protect vital programs while ensuring the state remains on stable financial footing in the years to come.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While tough choices are being made, the focus remains on fiscal responsibility without placing the burden on working- and middle-class families. As the budget process moves forward, I remain committed to ensuring that our investments reflect the values of equity, opportunity, and long-term stability for all Washingtonians. You can learn more <\/span>here<\/span><\/b><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Budget Requests<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Both the Community Reinvestment Program (CRP) and the Charles Mitchell Study on Reparative Action have been priorities of the Legislative Black Caucus, and thanks to strong community advocacy, the Senate\u2019s operating budget proposal includes $30 million for CRP. This funding will support economic development, legal assistance, violence prevention, and reentry services in Black communities \u2014 critical investments that create opportunities, promote stability, and help build generational wealth.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While funding for the reparations study was not included, I deeply appreciate the advocates who have pushed for this important effort. Your voices have been essential in advancing the conversation on racial equity, and we’ll continue to work together to ensure that the needs of Black communities remain a priority in our policy and budget decisions.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Rent Stabilization<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Housing stability is essential for strong communities, and <\/span>House Bill 1217<\/span><\/b><\/a> takes an important step toward ensuring fair and predictable rent for Washington renters. By capping annual rent increases at 7% and preventing increases in the first year of tenancy, this bill provides much-needed relief for families struggling with rising housing costs. It also strengthens tenant protections by limiting excessive fees and ensuring greater transparency in rent increases.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I support this bill because no one should have to choose between rent and basic necessities. I\u2019m hopeful it will come to the Senate floor soon, so we can take meaningful action to protect renters and strengthen housing security across our state.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Seattle Reign Special Plate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Don’t you think it’s about time we have a special license plate honoring our incredible Seattle Reign FC? Me too! That’s why I sponsored <\/span>Senate Bill 5692<\/span><\/b><\/a>. The plate’s proceeds would benefit the team’s nonprofit partner, the <\/span>RAVE Foundation<\/span><\/b><\/a>, which expands access to play, fosters inclusivity, and strengthens communities.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With Seattle set to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this is the perfect time to showcase our state\u2019s passion for soccer and uplift women\u2019s sports. The Reign have been a powerhouse in the National Women’s Soccer League, and this license plate would give fans a new way to show their pride while supporting a great cause.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since this bill is considered necessary for the transportation budget\u2019s implementation, it isn\u2019t subject to previous fiscal and policy cutoffs \u2014 so it\u2019s still alive! I\u2019ll keep pushing to get it across the finish line and make this long-overdue recognition a reality.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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My Bills<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I’m so happy to share <\/span>EIGHT<\/span><\/b> of my bills passed the Senate and are now circulating through the House! These policies include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n