Dear neighbors,
During this week of Passover, I’ve been reflecting on the concept of tikkun olam, or repairing the world through action. While it represents the essence of what I believe as a Jewish woman, it also guides my legislative work. As your state senator, I’m committed to fighting for legislation that rights past wrongs and makes our world more just, especially for our historically marginalized communities.
This week, I was proud to do just that by voting for House Bill 1696, which strengthens Washington’s Covenant Homeownership Program. Until the late 1960s, restrictive real estate covenants prohibiting people of certain races, religions, and ethnicities from buying or owning homes were recorded statewide. This systemic exclusion made homeownership impossible for generations of marginalized people, ultimately contributing to today’s economic inequality.
In 2023, the Legislature took a historic step by establishing the country’s first program to rectify the legacy of racially restrictive covenants and housing discrimination. The bill we passed this week builds on this effort by increasing the income threshold for program eligibility and authorizing loan forgiveness under certain circumstances. While we have much more to do to close Washington’s staggering homeownership gap, HB 1696 will make it easier for historically disadvantaged people to pursue the dream and economic benefits of homeownership.
This work isn’t about dwelling on the past. It’s about addressing the harm of prior actions — even if we aren’t directly responsible for them — and recognizing our power to bring positive change and healing where it’s needed most.
Maintaining funding for Holocaust and genocide education
With antisemitism and other kinds of hate on the rise nationwide, we must preserve funding for Holocaust and genocide education in the next two-year operating budget. I was happy to join my colleague, Sen. John Braun, in writing a Seattle Times op-ed explaining why that’s more important than ever.
The lessons of the Holocaust are not about history alone, they are for now. Today, they show us how unchecked dehumanization and propaganda erode society’s moral fabric. And they compel us to confront our biases, challenge misinformation, and stand up against hate in all its forms.
By committing to robust Holocaust education, we honor the memory of those who perished and ensure future generations understand the stakes of allowing hate to go unchecked. As we enter our final budget negotiations, I’ll fight to ensure our schools can continue to deliver these lessons of the Holocaust with accuracy and compassion.
Know a teen with a passion for government?
Sen. Lisa Wellman talking to two pages on the Senate floor.
The Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) is accepting applications for the 2025-2027 cohort. Consisting of 24 students ages 14-18, LYAC is a nonpartisan youth advisory body to the Legislature. Councilmembers meet with legislators to advocate for policies affecting the state’s youth, testify in support or opposition to legislation, and more. This is a perfect opportunity for teens who are civically engaged and have a passion for state government.
The application closes at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, April 30. Applicants must currently be in grades 7-10, reside and attend a Washington school, and have parental or guardian consent to participate. Learn more about on LYAC’s website.
The end of session is here
It’s hard to believe, but next Sunday is the end of the legislative session. As I wrap up my work in Olympia, you can expect an update from me about this year’s legislative accomplishments, including our solution to the budget challenges we face.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact my office with questions or concerns. Your voice is integral to the legislative process, especially now.
Yours in service,
