Dear friends and neighbors, 

We are two-thirds of the way through the 2023 session! This means we have just under four weeks to finish our business in Olympia. As we conclude our eighth week, I’m eager to share the progress of some of my bills in the House and what’s still to come.

Bill updates 

Right now, nine of our bills are under consideration in the House, including: 

  • SB 5236 — concerning hospital staffing standards. It requires hospitals to submit to the state Department of Health (DOH) staff-to-patient staffing plans, which would be created by a hospital’s designated nurse staffing committee. If a hospital doesn’t comply, the state Department of Labor & Industries — working in conjunction with DOH — will be able to step in and issue a corrective action plan penalizing the hospital (you can learn more here). 
  • SB 5696 — concerning eligibility for participation in the Public Employees’ Benefits Board for retired or disabled employees of counties, municipalities and other political subdivisions. Our communities saw what happened when the Snohomish Health District merger cut off insurance for retirees. This bill would fix that and allow retirees continue participating in PEBB insurance plans (you can learn more here). 
  • SB 5536 — concerning controlled substances, counterfeit substances, and legend drug possession and treatment. This legislation aims to increase access to substance use treatment for people found in possession of drugs, emphasizing care over criminalization (you can learn more here). 

I testified on several in committee so far and have more hearings scheduled for next week. Some of my bills are even already headed to the House floor — making them one step closer to the governor’s desk. We will continue to keep you updated on our progress! 

A look ahead 

Over the next few weeks, we will see Senate proposals for new two-year state budgets, funding everything from transportation and public health to environmental protection and public schools.  

After the budgets are passed in their respective chambers, budget leaders from the House and Senate will then negotiate a final budget before the Legislature adjourns on April 23. Gov. Jay Inslee will then review the budget, decide on any vetoes and sign it into law. The new budgets take effect on July 1 and will guide the state’s spending through 2025. 

Stay tuned for a more in-depth breakdown of the proposals in my next e-newsletter!  

Town hall recap

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for Sunday’s District 38 town hall and asked such thoughtful questions! Your feedback and insight are invaluable to our work — we are  

If we didn’t get to your question, please don’t hesitate to send me an email at June.Robinson@leg.wa.gov and a member of my team will follow up.

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