Dear friends and neighbors, 

We have just over two weeks left in the 2025 legislative session. As we inch closer to the finish line, I’m eager to share some updates on our progress with you. 

COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS 

In addition to the operating budget, the Legislature must pass capital and transportation budgets for the 2025-27 biennium. The capital budget funds broad range of construction and repair projects statewide, like schools, behavioral health facilities, and housing. While transportation covers both the operating and capital costs of highways, ferries, bridges, and more. 

Capital 

The Senate capital budget proposal would make significant investments in the 38th, including: 

  • $5,050,000 for Compass Health in Everett – new Broadway facility 
  • $3,550,000 for Little Wings Early Learning in Everett 
  • $3,050,000 for New Tomorrow’s Hope Center in Everett 
  • $500,000 for Bayview Trail in Marysville 
  • $1,500,000 for waterfront pedestrian safety – Port of Everett 

Transportation 

The Senate transportation budget proposal would fund important district projects, like:   

  • State Route 9/State Route 92 intersection improvement project 
  • U.S. 2 Trestle capacity improvements and westbound Trestle replacement 
  • 156th Street railroad overcrossing 
  • Snohomish River Regional Trail 

I will continue to advocate alongside my seatmates, Reps. Mary Fosse and Julio Cortes, to ensure these projects and investments are included in the final capital and transportation budgets — stay tuned for additional updates in the coming weeks. You can also find more details on both proposals at fiscal.wa.gov.  

BUDGET NEXT STEPS
Right now, our Senate budget team is in “conference” with our House counterparts to determine the final operating budget. This means we are looking at all of the differences in our individual proposals and working together to negotiate a plan that reflects our shared priorities and continues to move our state forward. We’ve received a great deal of feedback throughout the session — from constituents, stakeholders and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle — and all of it is being taken into account as we work to craft a final budget that meets the needs of Washingtonians across our state. Once both chambers agree on the details, the final budget will be voted on by each and sent to the governor for approval by session’s end on April 27. 

FIRST BILL SIGNED INTO LAW 

My first bill of the session was signed into law just last week. Senate Bill 5084 will improve transparency by requiring health carriers to report their primary care spending. This is an important step toward making our health care system more equitable and effective — one of my top priorities. I’m grateful to the staff and the many stakeholders, particularly Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer, who helped shape and support this legislation. 

WHAT WE’RE HEARING FROM YOU 

Many of you have reached out about House Bill 1217, which aims to bring more fairness and stability to our rental market. As the bill stands right now, it would limit rent increases to 10% plus inflation per year for most tenants and 5% for those in manufactured home communities, with no increases allowed in the first year of a tenancy. 

I supported this bill in Ways & Means and on the Senate floor because I believe it takes a balanced step toward improving housing security and affordability. It includes provisions to limit excessive fees, require clear notice of rent changes, and give tenants the option to end a lease without penalty if a landlord exceeds the cap without a valid exemption. 

This bill represents a meaningful effort to support renters, reduce displacement, and promote stability for communities across our state. 

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 in these final weeks. 

Sincerely,   


 June Robinson