Dear friends and neighbors, 

We just finished day 33 of the 2025 session, meaning we’re almost a third of the way done. As we continue to tackle key issues facing our district and state here in Olympia, I want to thank you for your engagement so far and hope you’ll continue to participate in the process. 

INVESTING IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

Ensuring our students and schools have the resources they need to succeed is a top priority of mine and our paramount duty as state lawmakers. A well-funded education system provides every student — regardless of their background — the opportunity to thrive. 

On Tuesday, the Senate Ways & Means Committee heard several proposals aimed at addressing critical funding gaps in our public schools: 

  • Investing in student transportation — No student should struggle to get to school due to inadequate funding. Senate Bill 5187 creates a more predictable and equitable system to ensure reliable transportation, particularly for students experiencing homelessness. 
  • Providing essential classroom resources — Schools are facing rising costs for basic materials, supplies, and operational needs. Senate Bill 5192 allocates additional support to help schools keep up, ensuring students and teachers have what they need. 
  • Fully funding special education — Every student deserves the right support to reach their full potential. Senate Bill 5263 increases funding, removes outdated caps, and streamlines services to better serve our children most in need. 

Education is the largest portion of our state budget, and despite this year’s fiscal challenges, our commitment to supporting schools remains firm. These proposals are still making their way through the legislative process, but no matter the outcome, I will continue pushing for strong investments in education — because investing in our schools is investing in our future. 

WHAT WE’RE HEARING FROM YOU 

Many of you have reached out with concerns about House Bill 1584, a proposal to effectively end Washington’s nearly all vote-by-mail system. This bill has not been scheduled for a hearing and is unlikely to move forward, especially with next Friday’s policy cutoff deadline — the point by which bills must pass out of their policy committee to stay alive. 

Washington has been a leader in expanding voting access, largely thanks to our vote-by-mail system, implemented statewide in 2011. It allows voters to cast their ballots safely, securely, and conveniently from home, increasing participation and removing barriers for working people, seniors, rural communities, and those with disabilities. 

Efforts to restrict vote-by-mail threaten to make it harder for countless Washingtonians to participate in our democracy. While this bill is unlikely to advance, it serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting accessible and secure elections. I remain committed to ensuring every eligible voter has the opportunity to make their voice heard. 

 

UNCLAIMED PROPERTY 

Did you know the state holds unclaimed money for Washingtonians?  

Each year, businesses report unclaimed property — such as forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, and security deposits — to the Department of Revenue (DOR), which works to return these funds to their rightful owners. Last year, DOR set new records: $154 million was returned to Washingtonians, more than double the amount returned in 2020 before the agency’s new system launched. Businesses reported $365.3 million in unclaimed property, an increase of $43 million from the previous year. The Money Match Program automatically verified and returned funds without requiring a claim, issuing 42,198 checks totaling $6 million. 

If you think you might have unclaimed money, visit claimyourcash.org. 

 

STAY IN TOUCH  

Staying connected with the people I represent is one of the most important parts of this job. Your insights and feedback help shape the work we do in Olympia, and I value the conversations we have — whether it’s over email, on the phone, or in person. I encourage you to keep reaching out, following along for updates, and staying engaged. 

Sincerely,   

June Robinson