{"id":8137,"date":"2026-01-27T14:35:17","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T22:35:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/nobles\/?p=8137"},"modified":"2026-01-29T12:39:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T20:39:50","slug":"january-session-recap-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/nobles\/2026\/01\/27\/january-session-recap-3\/","title":{"rendered":"January Session\u00a0Recap"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

Since the\u00a02026\u00a0legislative session started earlier this month, our team has hit the ground running. From bill hearings to constituent meetings and more,\u00a0we’ve\u00a0been working nonstop on\u00a0your\u00a0behalf! I\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0tell you how grateful I am to continue championing our communities\u2019 priorities here in Olympia and want to thank you for the opportunity to serve \u2014\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0a privilege and an honor.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Scroll down for a\u00a0few updates I want to share,\u00a0ways to get involved\u00a0in the Legislature, a\u00a0snapshot of the bills\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0sponsoring, and\u00a0so\u00a0much more:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Please join Reps. Dan\u00a0Bronoske\u00a0and Mari Leavitt and me for our telephone town hall from\u00a0<\/span>7-8\u00a0p.m. on\u00a0Tuesday, Feb. 3<\/span><\/b>! We will share an update on our work here in Olympia and answer any questions you might have about the 2026\u00a0legislative session.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The call will go out to constituents across the 28th Legislative District.\u00a0If you do not receive one, you can still\u00a0participate\u00a0by dialing\u00a0<\/span>855-756-7520\u00a0<\/span><\/b>and using extension 130080#<\/span><\/strong><\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I hope to connect with you then!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On\u00a0Monday,\u00a0Jan.\u00a019, the Senate celebrated the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. My office was able to help coordinate\u00a0a<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/b>performance<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/a>\u00a0recognizing this\u00a0incredible leader, whose vision of justice and equality continues to inspire us.\u00a0I also brought forth a resolution honoring his enduring impact, which you can read\u00a0<\/span><\/span>here<\/b><\/a><\/span>.\u00a0Thank you to the Jones family for making this celebration even more special\u00a0\u2014\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0just so grateful\u00a0to you all for\u00a0your\u00a0help.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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I was proud to sponsor another\u00a0Senate resolution\u00a0\u2014 this time\u00a0recognizing the power of youth sports<\/strong><\/a><\/span>\u00a0in our communities, which you can read<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/b>here<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/a>. Youth sports help young people build confidence, teamwork, and lifelong friendships, and they bring families and neighbors together in a way that strengthens the 28th Legislative District. I was honored to celebrate the young athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families who make these programs possible every day.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Protecting Access to College and Workforce Training<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Quality post-secondary education and workforce training are essential to lifting Washingtonians out of poverty and building an economy that works in every corner of our state. At a time when federal policies are threatening access to health care, housing, and food\u00a0assistance, Washington cannot afford to make those challenges worse by cutting proven programs that help students stay in school and earn credentials for living-wage jobs.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That is why members of the Higher Education Caucus are calling for a budget that protects and restores financial aid, safeguards colleges and workforce programs from further cuts, and preserves long-term funding for higher education. This includes protecting the Workforce Education Investment Account, which was created to expand access to education and training \u2014 not to backfill budget shortfalls. Even in a difficult budget year, we must continue investing in the students and workers who power our state\u2019s future.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The pace in Olympia picked up fast this year, and the first month of our 60-day session has already been full. I have spent long days in committee hearing bills, asking tough questions, and working side-by-side with advocates, local leaders, and stakeholders to make sure the policies we move forward are practical, effective, and rooted in what communities\u00a0actually need.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Between hearings, I have been meeting with constituents from the 28th Legislative District and across Washington \u2014 listening, problem-solving, and bringing their stories into the room as decisions get made. I also had the honor of sitting at the rostrum for the governor\u2019s State of the State address, which helped set the tone for the work ahead. With key deadlines approaching, I am staying focused on moving bills forward and delivering real progress for Pierce County families.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Behind the scenes, I am lucky to have an incredible team helping serve the 28th Legislative District every day. Maxine\u00a0(who\u00a0you\u00a0may already recognize!)\u00a0is my executive legislative assistant and keeps our office running smoothly while helping coordinate schedules, meetings, and constituent support. Erin is my session aide and helps manage the fast pace of session, from tracking bills and hearings to making sure we stay connected with our community. Daniel is our intern and has jumped right in to support our work, from research and policy support to helping respond to constituent questions. I am grateful for each of them and the care they bring to this work.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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African American Legislative Day<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

African American Legislative Day is coming up on Feb. 16, and I hope you will join us at the Capitol. It is an important chance to show up, connect with the Legislative Black Caucus (LBC), and make sure the voices and priorities of Black Washingtonians are heard loud and clear in Olympia.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn how to contact the LBC and\u00a0view\u00a0our 2026 priorities\u00a0<\/span>here<\/b><\/a><\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What I Heard from You<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you to everyone in the 28th Legislative District who took the time to share your priorities with me!\u00a0You were clear about what matters most heading into the 2026 session, including housing affordability, community safety, access to affordable health care, environmental protection, and early learning and\u00a0child care.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You also shared how rising costs are affecting your day-to-day lives, especially when it comes to food, health care, housing and rent, transportation, utilities, and education or student debt. I take this feedback seriously. Your input helps guide my work in Olympia and keeps me focused on practical, people-first solutions that make life more affordable and strengthen our communities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Senate Page Program<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Want to learn more about your state government?\u00a0<\/span>Apply to be a page!<\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Open to students 14-16 years old, this fun, week-long experience includes page school,\u00a0assisting\u00a0senators, and learning about the legislative process \u2014 all while getting paid. Scholarships and host family housing are available too.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Get your application in today!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ways to Stay Connected<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n