Dear neighbors, 

As we enter the fourth week of the 2025 legislative session, I want to thank you for your continued support and engagement. There’s much to accomplish, and I’m excited to share the progress we’re making on behalf of our communities. 

Keeping our roadways clean and safe 

One of the issues many of you have raised with me is the impact of litter on our communities. Each year, millions of pounds of litter end up on our roadways, threatening the environment and public safety. Washington’s highways alone accumulate over 1,500 pounds of litter per mile annually. Groups like TrashMob are already doing incredible work in our neighborhoods — volunteers coming together to tackle litter, whether it’s in parks, on roads, or even in parking lots. It’s a great example of how much our community cares and wants to make a difference.  

That’s why I’ve introduced Senate Bill 5556 to revamp our state’s Adopt-A-Highway program. Since the pandemic, we’ve fallen behind in keeping our roadways clean, and I believe we can do better. This bill will make it easier for volunteers, businesses, and organizations to get involved, with better accountability, prioritization of resources, and participation opportunities. It’s time we show the same level of commitment to our state’s highways as the community is showing in our neighborhoods. This bill is scheduled for public hearing on Feb. 6. You can sign up to testify in person or virtually, submit written testimony, or simply share your comments in support here. 

Other bills of interest 

In addition to my own bills, I’m proud to co-sponsor several others that impact our communities: 

  • SB 5480 — Unfair medical debt collection practices remain a significant challenge for many working families in our communities. I often hear how medical debt — with its unjust fees, wrongful wage garnishments, and inaccurate credit reports — makes it harder for families to get back on their feet. This bill ensures medical debt can’t be reported to credit bureaus until families have had a real chance to address it. No one should be held back by medical debt when they’re just trying to get back on track.
     
  • SB 5493 — Another issue we must address is the lack of transparency in health care pricing. I’ve experienced it myself — going to a hospital and having no idea what a procedure is going to cost. Health care is the only thing we buy where we have no idea what we’re going to pay. That was my experience, and it shouldn’t be yours. This bill will require hospitals to provide clear, upfront pricing, so you can know exactly what you’re paying for and avoid the uncertainty and surprise costs that often come with health care.
     
  • SB 5567 — As someone with deep love for the Pacific Northwest, I know how vital our natural resources are — not just for our environment but our economy. That’s why I’m proud to support this bill, which creates opportunities for high school students to explore careers in conservation and natural resource management. It’s how I got started, eventually leading to a fulfilling 30-year career with the U.S. Forest Service. These are sustainable, family-wage jobs that contribute to Washington’s climate resilience and the livelihoods of our communities.  

How can you participate? 

The legislative process is most effective when we hear from you. There are many ways you can get involved: 

  • Stay in touch: Share your thoughts on important bills. You can reach me by phone, email, or request an in-person meeting. To request a meeting, contact my legislative assistant, Cory Christopherson, at cory.christoperson@leg.wa.gov.  
  • Testify on bills: Voice your opinion by testifying in person or remotely. You can also submit written testimony to be included in the official legislative record. Learn more here.   
  • Tune in from anywhere: Watch live coverage of committee hearings and more at tvw.org.  

For more information on how to participate in the legislative process, click here.   

Stay connected 

I encourage you to stay engaged and continue to share your thoughts. Please feel free to reach out to my office directly. You can contact me via email at bill.ramos@leg.wa.gov or by calling 360-786-7608. Stay informed by visiting my website or following me on Facebook for regular updates. 

Thank you for being an active part of our community.  

Sincerely, 

 

 

Sen. Bill Ramos