Dear friends and neighbors,
Thank you to everyone who joined my seatmates, Reps. Lisa Callan and Victoria Hunt, and I for our in-person town hall. It was a great opportunity to connect, hear your concerns, and talk about the important issues we’re working on together. Your engagement makes these conversations meaningful and impactful.
As we near the finish line, it’s clear some of the work we started will need to continue into next year — and that’s OK. Real, lasting change takes time. It’s important we keep the conversation going, and just know, I’m always here to listen. There’s never a wrong time to reach out.
Looking ahead, I plan to spend as much time as I can in the district again this summer and fall. Whether you’re organizing a community event, working on a local project, or running a business, I’d love to visit, learn more about what you’re doing, and talk about how we can help. We’re all in this together, and staying connected to your work and your needs guides my work in Olympia.
As promised, I also want to follow up on some of the great questions we didn’t have time to answer during our town hall. Here are a few important topics I want to ensure we address:
Gun Safety
Gun violence is a growing concern in our state and country. In Washington state, the firearm death rate rose from 9.8 per 100,000 residents in 2015 to 12.4 in 2022. That’s not just a statistic — it’s a call to action. This session, we’re pushing for legislation to require a permit to purchase a firearm, with a background check and completion of a certified safety course. We’re also looking at commonsense limits on where firearms can be carried, especially in places like fairgrounds and public events where families and kids gather. This isn’t about taking away rights but protecting lives and creating safer communities for everyone.
Transportation System
We’re also working hard to build a better, more sustainable transportation system. The Senate’s bipartisan transportation budget proposal prioritizes sustainability, equity, and long-term access. The goal of this work is to keep important projects moving forward, meet the promises made to our communities, and ensure the safety, preservation, and maintenance of our infrastructure. People are counting on these improvements, and it’s simply not right to stop these efforts now.
Budget Fairness
Washington’s hardworking middle class face real challenges. Families are doing everything they can to make ends meet, but it’s getting harder to keep things affordable. Right now, working families pay a larger share of their income in taxes than the wealthiest, and that’s simply not fair. As we navigate tough budget decisions, we can’t keep asking working families to pay more. I’m committed to ensuring those with the most contribute their fair share in taxes to keep the programs families rely on — like schools, health care, transportation, and housing — strong and fully funded. It’s not just about balancing a budget ensuring the people working hard to raise their families aren’t left behind.
Affordable Housing
The affordable housing crisis affects nearly every corner of our state, and the root of the issue is clear: there isn’t enough housing to meet demand. That’s why we’re making record investments in the Housing Trust Fund to support the development of affordable homes across Washington. We’re also advancing bills like House Bill 1494, which improves the Multi-Family Tax Exemption program to incentivize developers to include affordable, income-restricted units in new projects. When we talk about affordability, it’s not just about rent prices — it’s about also ensuring our teachers, nurses, first responders, and young families can afford to live in the communities they serve.
Federal Funding
Uncertainty at the federal level means we need to be proactive here at home. Federal cuts impact everything from emergency response to environmental protection. That’s why we’re shoring up critical state-level investments and working with neighboring states on joint initiatives. For example, we’re building multi-state wildfire prevention partnerships and creating stronger systems for consumer protection, even if federal agencies scale back. No matter what changes come from D.C., we’ll stay true to our values, protect our communities, and ensure Washington state doesn’t fall behind.
Litter Cleanup
Clean highways are about more than just looking nice — they’re essential for keeping our roads safe. I’ve heard many concerns over litter along our roadsides, and I couldn’t agree more. That’s why I’m proud to sponsor Senate Bill 5556 to strengthen Washington’s Adopt-a-Highway program and improve roadside cleanup efforts. The bill is moving forward, and it’s a step in the right direction. Whether it’s volunteers or contracted crews, we need consistent, reliable efforts to keep our highways safe for residents and visitors.
Honoring Phyliss Gutierrez Kenney
In other news, this week the Senate adopted a resolution I had the honor of co-sponsoring to recognize and celebrate Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney’s incredible legacy.
Phyllis has been a trailblazer, mentor, and fierce advocate for equity and opportunity in Washington state. As one of the first Latina women to serve in the Legislature, she broke down barriers and opened doors for future generations of leaders, including myself. Her legacy is a reminder of what’s possible when we lead with heart and purpose. Honoring her on the Senate floor was a recommitment to our shared values.
Stay in touch
Thank you again to everyone who participated in the town hall. I’ll keep addressing more unanswered questions in future newsletters. In the meantime, please stay in touch. 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.
With gratitude,
Sen. Bill Ramos
