Dear friends and neighbors, 

We’re already 22 days into the 2023 session; it has been a busy but successful few weeks. And as we embark on our fourth week, I’m eager to share with you the progress of some of my bills.

Successful bill hearings            

Several of my bills have had a public hearing since my last e-newsletter update, including: 

  • SB 5236 — concerning hospital staffing standards. Health care workers are asking us to pass safe-staffing standards that make their jobs manageable and safer, helping to reduce burnout and solve the staffing crisis. Washington should be a place workers want to come and have long, successful careers. If we keep ignoring this crisis, new and veteran workers will continue to leave the field.  
  • SB 5275 — expanding access to benefits provided by the school employees’ benefits board. This would allow tribal compact schools, employee organizations representing school employees, and school board directors the option of providing health care through the School Employees’ Benefits Board. 
  • SB 5286 — modifying the premium provisions of the paid family and medical leave program. Paid Family and Medical Leave has been a lifeline for many Washington families since its passage. This bill ensures the program will be fully funded and is line with the unanimous recommendations of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Task Force. 

Other legislation to watch 

  • SB 5536 — concerning controlled substances, counterfeit substances, and legend drug possession and treatment. This legislation is the result of many conversations with community members, law enforcement, local government leaders, behavioral health providers and more, because we know it will increase access to substance use treatment, putting care over criminalization. 

Working Families Tax Credit 

Beginning Feb. 1, eligible individuals and families can receive the Working Families Tax Credit — a tax refund up to $1,200 for Washington workers. 

Learn more and see if you qualify here.  

Testify in committee 

Remember: By sharing your thoughts on legislation with us, you can help shape better policy and guide lawmakers in our service. This work can’t — and shouldn’t — happen without you.    

 Learn how register for in-person and remote testimony or submit a written comment here. 

Stay in touch 

Our office continues to be as available to you as ever. Send me an email at June.Robinson@leg.wa.gov or give me a call at 360-786-7674.  

 I’d love to hear from you and look forward to learning more about your priorities for the upcoming year. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates. 

 My work in Olympia is always informed by the voices of my neighbors, and I’m eager to hear yours. 

Sincerely, 

 

June