Dear friends and neighbors,
It’s hard to believe we’re nearing the two-thirds mark of the 2025 legislative session! The pace has been non-stop. From debates and passing bills to participating in committee hearings and meeting with community members like you, we’re making meaningful progress.
Join me for a town hall
One of my key responsibilities as your senator is listening to you. Your feedback helps shape the work we do, and staying connected throughout this session is vital. That’s why I’m inviting you to a mid-session town hall this Saturday, March 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Cougar Mountain Middle School.
In these challenging times, staying informed and engaged is more important than ever. There’s a lot happening at both the national and state levels, and I want to hear directly from you about the issues that matter most. I hope you’ll join me to share your thoughts, ask questions, and stay up to date on our work together. Your voice makes all the difference.
Facing our budget crisis
A key challenge this session is the state’s budget crisis. With a significant shortfall, the decisions we make will have lasting impacts on our communities. One area particularly affected is education. The need for resources continues to overwhelm districts statewide, and many schools are struggling to meet their financial needs. We recently passed SB 5263, allocating $2.5 billion for K-12 schools. Education, along with food, health care, and safe housing, is non-negotiable. These essentials must be prioritized.
While we are committed to ensuring our children have the resources they need, the reality of the budget crisis means tough decisions must be made. But this isn’t about choosing between extras and essentials — we’re talking about core services that people rely on every day. Federal cuts have already affected programs like student meal funding and more could follow, impacting early childhood education, health care, and other critical services. Managing the budget is like running a household where every expense matters. Growing up, I watched my parents make careful decisions to keep our family afloat, making sure we had housing, food, and other necessities. And if there was anything left, they’d sit us down and talk about how to make the most of it — always ensuring it went toward something meaningful. That same principle guides us today. Our priority is clear: we must protect and sustain the essential programs Washington families depend on. That means making smart, responsible choices to maximize every dollar and ensure our budget reflects our values — supporting education, health care, and vital community services that our communities need.
The budget process is complex, but I am dedicated to making decisions that reflect our community’s needs. It’s not just about numbers — it’s about prioritizing what truly matters to you. This is a conversation we need to have together, and I want your voice at the table as we make these difficult decisions.
Looking ahead
The road ahead won’t be easy, but we’ve always risen to the occasion. I’m committed to working alongside you to create a stronger, more resilient future for Washington. Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement. I hope to see you at the town hall on March 22 and look forward to hearing your thoughts as we tackle the challenges ahead.
As always, feel free to reach out to my office directly 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
