INVESTING IN STUDENTS

 

Boys and Men’s Commission 

I am proud to have been the primary sponsor on HB2401, legislation addressing the disproportionate outcomes our boys and men have– from lower GPAs, to making up over 90% of our juvenile justice system, and men making up over 70% of our unsheltered population. Our boys and men need our support to ensure they are able to have the tools they need to succeed.  During the session, a survey about the potential commission was distributed, and it laid the groundwork for thoughtful dialogue, which will support efforts in the next session. 

 

Combating Child Hunger 

Before the pandemic, one in six children in our state lived in a food-insecure household. Now, it’s one in four kids. One in four. And families of color are one-and-a-half times more likely to go hungry. Kids struggle to learn when they are hungry. I am proud to have written legislation to ensure that no child in our state’s public schools will go without food during their school day by eliminating the lunch co-pay. I will keep feeding hungry students in every school district across our state. It’s the smart thing to do, and the right thing to do, so that all our students have the chance to study hard and succeed in school and in life.

 

​College Affordability and Preparedness 

I am proud to have sponsored and passed legislation to ensure that 9th graders who take advanced classes through the College in the High School program will receive college credit for their work. Students should get the same credit for the same work. It is only fair and is a small step to help us address college affordability and student debt.

 

Ending Period Poverty for Students

For decades, menstruating students have missed class time because they didn’t have access to period products, or couldn’t afford to buy them at all. I wrote HB 1273 to provide period products in public school bathrooms, just like toilet paper is provided. Menstruation should not prevent any student from accessing education

 

Additionally, this legislation protects student health. Sixty-one percent of students have worn a tampon or pad for more than four hours because they did not have enough access to period products. That puts them at risk of infection and toxic shock syndrome.

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ECONOMIC PROGRESS

 

Fixing Our Tax Code

The Millionaires' Tax is the first step in addressing our regressive tax structure, with an expected $3 billion in revenue in the next decade collected through a 9.9% tax on earnings over $1 million. This revenue is crucial to addressing affordability, sustaining essential services, and supporting businesses. This critical step towards a more progressive tax system will ensure our children have access to free lunches, provide much-needed childcare subsidies, and so much more! I am proud to have been a part of the team leading this effort, and equally as excited to continue to this work– developing solutions that provide immediate relief to our working families, and support our businesses. 

 

Supporting Families, Housing, and Public Health

HB2442 gives local governments the flexibility to use their local tax revenues to address critical issues facing their communities– housing, childcare, behavioral health, etc. I am proud of this legislative success, allowing cities across our state to start using their tax revenue as soon as 2027, and I will continue to champion practical economic solutions that allow those most affected to be at the center of the solution.   

 

Responding to the Elimination of the Penny

I am proud to have passed HB2334, a bill responding to the Federal Treasury decision to end the production of the penny. This bill adjusts the price of transactions to eliminate the need for the penny. As the Chair of the Finance Committee, I worked with my colleagues to help ensure Washington is actively responding to Federal changes and has the resources and guidelines needed for businesses to make the transition. 

 

Supporting Small Businesses

I helped pass HB2020, supporting businesses by creating a business and occupation tax deduction and increasing the payment rate for those using payment card processing. This bill addresses the unique structure of payment system arrangements by distinguishing payment card processors from other taxpayers. As a small business owner, I understand the impact that payment fees can have on the bottom line, often resulting in businesses making tough decisions on how to accept payments. As I continue to engage with businesses across the 44th, I am excited to get back to Olympia to bring real results that support local businesses and the economic health of our district. 

 

INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORTATION

 

I helped pass a $1.5 billion construction budget, which made massive investments in housing, economic development, early learning, and broadband internet. Here in the 44th, the budget funded construction projects building hope and progress for all our families including  Snohomish Teen Center, run by the Boys & Girls Club of Snohomish County, the Mill Creek Library rehabilitation and upgrade, and the Mill Creek Parks master plan for undeveloped parcels owned by the city with options including community rooms, performing arts space, or athletic fields.

 

PUBLIC SAFETY

 

Our communities deserve to feel safe and to have a say in how they are being represented; that’s why I voted to increase law enforcement pay, hire new officers, and expand proven programs. The first piece of legislation I sponsored and passed as a freshman member was HB 1159, which expanded citizen representation in fire district governance. This is a common-sense change that helps local governments like fire protection districts be more responsive to the residents they serve.

 

Protecting our Democracy and Elections Locally

More than 80 percent of local officials have experienced harassment, threats, and violence. It’s gotten worse during the pandemic. That’s why I worked with my colleagues to pass a ban on weapons at school board meetings and ballot-counting centers. This law gives common-sense protections to our local elected officials and election workers, protecting our democracy on its most local level in the same way we protect our courthouses and public schools.