Dear friends and neighbors,  

We’re now more than a third of the way through the 2025 legislative session, and I’d like to update you on some of my work in Olympia so far.  

Investing in our schools means investing in Washington’s future. Despite the challenges of a tough budget year, we have a chance to create a responsible, sustainable plan that prioritizes students, educators, and classrooms. We have an upside-down tax system, but by ensuring the wealthiest few contribute fairly, we can make the critical investments needed to strengthen our public schools and improve outcomes for every child.  

 

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

  • Providing essential classroom resources — Rising costs for basic materials, supplies, and school operations are putting a strain on our classrooms. Senate Bill 5192 provides much-needed funding to help schools keep up, ensuring students and teachers have the resources they need to thrive.  
  • 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 Senate Bill 5263 increases funding, removes outdated caps, and streamlines services to better serve our children, especially those who need a little extra help. This is my top priority this session.  
  • 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. 

Making Washington more affordable 

I’m also proud to support several bills introduced this week to help reduce the tax burden on working families: SB 5768 would expand the Working Families Tax Credit for qualifying people over 18; SB 5770 would lower property taxes for a homeowners’ primary residence; and SB 5771 would create a tax credit for renters through the Working Families Tax Credit. These proposals would help make Washington a more affordable place to live.  

Protecting student workers 

Work-based learning programs can be a great opportunity for students to earn credit and gain real-world experience, but we must do a better job keeping these young people safe. Tragically, a 16-year-old boy lost both of his legs in a trenching machine accident participating in one of these programs at a job site in La Center last year.  

I’m prime sponsoring a bill (SB 5756) heard in committee this week that would strengthen our state’s labor laws by establishing minimum penalties for youth labor violations and prohibiting companies with serious safety violations from hiring minors. 

I’m proud to support Rep. Mary Fosse’s work on this. She is the prime sponsor of the House version of this bill.  

Save the date: Telephone town hall set for March 24 

Do you want to hear more about the work we’re doing in the Legislature this year? Do you have questions about particular bills? Your 1st District lawmakers want to hear what’s on your mind at our telephone town hall. Phone calls will go out to people in the district. All you have to do is answer! Once the date gets closer, we’ll send a reminder and additional details on how you can participate.  

As always, please feel free to reach out to my office directly with any questions or concerns.    

Sincerely,  

Derek Stanford