Dear friends and neighbors,
We’re already over a quarter of the way through the 2023 session! As our fifth week comes to an end, I’m eager to share progress of some of my bills and introduce you to my team.
Bill updates
Action has been taken on several my bills since my last e-newsletter update, including:
- SB 5236 (concerning hospital staffing standards) passed out of the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee. It would create safe-staffing standards for hospitals, helping reduce burnout for our health care workers 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 5286 (modifying the premium provisions of the Paid Family and Medical Leave program) passed the Senate floor — my first of the session. Paid Family and Medical Leave has been a lifeline for many Washington families since its passage. And now, we are one step closer to stable, sustainable funding for the program, while also ensuring it is in line with the unanimous recommendations of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Task Force.
- SB 5536 (concerning controlled substances, counterfeit substances and legend drug possession and treatment) passed out of the Senate Law & Justice Committee. The legislation aims to increase access to substance use treatment for people found in possession of drugs, emphasizing care over criminalization. We know that by investing in support systems based in real solutions like treatment, we can — and will — build healthier communities.
Meet the team
This important work wouldn’t happen without the hard work and incredible public service of legislative staff. So, I want to introduce my awesome team — the folks who are the first to welcome neighbors to the office, take your calls, and make sure all stories are heard, and help advance our community’s priorities. 
Meet Kate Armstrong, my outstanding legislative aide. She fills a “chief of staff” role – coordinating with members of our community and with stakeholders as we work on legislation, scheduling meetings, and overseeing correspondence. She gets our team to where we all need to go, and if you reach out to our office, she’s likely the first person you’ll interact with!
This is my stellar session aide, Skyla Sorenson. She provides incredible support wherever needed — chatting with constituents, tracking bills, helping with communications, reading and responding to the thousands of emails we receive in session. Skyla is always available to help us serve LD 38.
I’m excited to introduce Hana Koenigs, my intern this session. Hana is in her senior year at Evergreen College and will graduate in June! She’s studying economics and political economy with a focus on immigration. Hana has been such a help this year as we navigate our return to in-person work, and we’re so glad she’s part of our team.
Lastly, meet Olivia Heersink, my communications specialist. Olivia oversees things like social media and newsletters, press releases and interviews, and talking points. She helps us communicate the work we’re doing on behalf of our neighbors and share info that may be useful to folks in our community.
Upcoming town hall
Join Reps. Mary Fosse and Julio Cortes and me for a town hall on the 2023 Legislative Session Sunday, March 12, at the Marysville Library, where we’ll provide updates on our work in Olympia and answer your questions — submit yours in advance here.
EVENT DETAILS
2-4 p.m. Sunday, March 12
Marysville Library Public Meeting Room
6120 Grove Street in Marysville
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