Key Issues & Legislation

 

Committee Assignments

 

As Vice-Chair of the Energy, Environment, and Technology Committee, I play an integral role in the direction of the State’s climate legislation that addresses our immediate needs and long-term goals.

 

As a member of the Housing and Local Government Committee, I work closely on land-use reforms to ensure we have adequate resources for growth while keeping environmental stewardship at the fore of our policies.

 

My role on the Transportation committee gives our communities an amplified voice to solve problems with both our county and state ferry systems. Additionally, I’m an outspoken supporter of investment centered around communities, both urban and rural, that have been traditionally left behind in transportation development.

 

Additionally, I serve on multiple adjunct committees:

 

Highlights:

  • Boldy addressed climate change through the Washington Strong proposal.
  • Sponsored legislation to create a C-PACER program (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resiliency) which enabled new financial tools to help renovate and retrofit commercial properties to be more energy efficient. 
  • Expanded WIC benefits, increasing access to local, nutritious food.
  • Updated the farmworker housing tax credit to ensure agricultural workers have greater access to high-quality housing.
  • Included whale watching guidelines into the boater’s safety education course to protect our beloved Orca.
  • Local investments:
    • $4.5 million in supportive housing to increase the Swinomish Tribe’s addiction treatment facility The Didgwalic Wellness Center.
    • $682 million in Ferry investments, including $152.5 million towards the state’s first hybrid ferry, as well as San Juan Islands’ terminal improvements.
    • $55+ million for Western Washington University’s Engineering and Computer Science building, and a traditional, coastal Salish longhouse.