Dear Friends and Neighbors –
It’s hard to believe it’s already the third week of the 2025 legislative session! It’s been a whirlwind since I was appointed to represent the beautiful 48th Legislative District in the Washington State Senate earlier this month.
I want to take a moment to thank you for all your support. I’m thankful for my community in the 48th Legislative District for appointing me to this seat. I’m filled with gratitude because this was a community effort, and I wouldn’t be here without you.
I’m proud to be the first immigrant, pharmacist, and scientist to serve you in this role, and it’s an honor to represent such a diverse and innovative district. Just this Monday, the Washington State Senate passed a resolution honoring the contributions of Indian Americans to the history and culture of Washington state and the United States. As an immigrant and proud daughter of immigrant parents from India, I had the honor to speak in support of this important resolution. You can watch my remarks HERE.
This Monday I was reminded how India’s unity and diversity demonstrate that possibility does not lie in silencing differences but in embracing them. Democracy is a gift, and it needs to be nurtured with courage and care.
I know many members of our community in the 48th Legislative District and across Washington State are concerned about what is happening nationally. I want you to know that I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and fight for legislation that protects you, your families, and your neighbors.
I’ve hit the ground running this session as your newest state senator, and I can’t wait to build off of my eight years of experience as your state representative. I was appointed to the senate on January 7th, and I want to take a moment to tell you about my priorities this session and share how to connect with my office.
I’m honored to serve as Vice Chair of the Environment, Energy & Technology Committee and as a member of the Health & Long-Term Care Committee, and the Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee. These committees represent my biggest focus areas because they address many of the issues that matter most to our district and communities.
- Environmental Protection: I’m committed to passing bills that help our state lead on climate action and renewable energy, ensuring Washington is prepared for the challenges of a changing world. That’s why I’m sponsoring SB 5236, which puts Washington state on the path to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from anesthetic gases and help us identify safer alternatives with low or no global warming potential. I’m also sponsoring SB 5450, which increases transparency by requiring the Department of Ecology make information about sewage spills publicly available.
- Managing Emerging Technologies: We must recognize how Washington can lead in the technology space and balance innovation with accountability while understanding the risks; and also ensure that we have equitable access to technology so that everyone can participate in the digital economy. I am excited to be working on digital equity and have also sponsored SB 5451 along with Rep. Ryu in the House to lay the groundwork for our state to become a leader in quantum technology.
- Reproductive Freedom: Protecting reproductive health is a top priority, especially as threats to these freedoms continue to emerge. I’ve co-sponsored SB 5498, which is sponsored by Sen. Alvarado and concerns contraceptive coverage. I’ve also co-sponsored SB 5321, which would require institutions with student health centers to offer medication abortion services. This bill addresses a major gap in reproductive healthcare services, and it helps ensure busy college students don’t have to travel off campus to receive the care they need.
- Healthcare Expansion: I am focused on ensuring access to quality, affordable care and addressing our workforce shortages in critical healthcare roles. I’m sponsoring SB 5452, which allows board-certified psychiatric pharmacists to be licensed as agency-affiliated counselors. I’m also sponsoring SB 5239, which will change the retention period for medical records to 26 years after the record is created, rather than depending on a discharge date. This bill will help hospitals significantly cut down on storage costs and allow those dollars to be directed towards patient care.
- Workforce Development: Whether it’s through apprenticeships, higher education, or workforce retraining, we must provide pathways to economic mobility for every Washingtonian. An investment in postsecondary education and good paying jobs is an investment in Washington’s future. That’s why I’m proud to sponsor SB 5335, which establishes the Rural Nursing Education Program. This program will grow the rural nursing workforce and have lasting impacts on the health of underserved communities for years to come. I’m also working on a bill that makes online and remote education more accessible for students around the state.
These are just some examples of legislation I am focused on this session. I believe good policy reduces barriers for everyone, while providing pathways for people to achieve their full potential and contribute to our society. I will do my best to sponsor, co-sponsor and support legislation that reflects our shared commitment to building a thriving, inclusive Washington.
It’s been wonderful to meet with my constituents in Olympia and discuss what issues are top of mind for them. I’ve had people visit my office to talk about housing, higher education, work force development, behavioral heath, climate change and more. We’d love it if you visited our office and shared your story and viewpoints with us!
Please reach out to our office if you have any questions, feedback, or would like to schedule a visit by calling 360-786-7694 or emailing me at vandana.slatter@leg.wa.gov. I’m here to listen to your concerns and team up to find solutions.
Stay tuned for more updates and details on legislation I am supporting this session! It’s an honor to represent the 48th Legislative District, and I look forward to working together this session.
Sincerely,
State Senator Vandana Slatter
