Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we move deeper into the 2025 legislative session, I want to take a moment to update you on the important work happening in Olympia. My focus remains on ensuring that the policies we pass reflect the values of our communities while addressing the realities of our state’s budget.
One of the most pressing discussions this session is the future of the Yakima Valley School, a critical resource for individuals with developmental disabilities. The proposal to close this facility has sparked heartfelt debate, as it touches on the balance between fiscal responsibility and the moral imperative to provide essential services to our most vulnerable neighbors.
The Developmentally Disabled Community deserves our unwavering support, and I am committed to ensuring that any decisions we make prioritize their well-being. While budget constraints are real, we must ensure that alternative services—if necessary—are robust, accessible, and capable of meeting the diverse needs of this population. This issue is deeply personal to many families in our district, and I am listening closely to your concerns and ideas.
Supporting Our Veterans
Washington is home to over half a million Veterans and eight active military bases. Military Service Members and Veterans face a significantly higher risk of suicide compared to civilians. To combat this, the WDVA Suicide Prevention Program implements evidence-based interventions, peer connection, and wellness services to reduce Military and Veteran suicide in our state.
You can support these efforts by purchasing a 9-8-8 License Plate Emblem. Funds from this emblem go to the Veteran and Military Member Suicide Prevention Account, supporting grassroots peer services and community-based programs addressing suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and military families. Visit www.dva.wa.gov or call 1-800-562-2308 for more information.
Additionally, Veterans can benefit from the free Veteran Owned Business Certification, streamlining their ability to work with state agencies, and businesses hiring Veterans can gain recognition through the YesVets Campaign. These initiatives honor the contributions of Veterans while fostering opportunities for growth and connection.
Protecting Law-Abiding Gun Owners
This session, we are seeing concerning proposals from the majority party that could unfairly burden law-abiding gun owners. Legislation has been introduced to impose punitive taxes on ammunition and implement additional restrictions that many in our community view as excessive. These measures risk penalizing responsible gun owners while doing little to address the root causes of violence.
As your Senator, I am committed to defending the rights of law-abiding citizens and ensuring that any proposed legislation respects our constitutional freedoms. I will continue to advocate for balanced, evidence-based policies that prioritize public safety without infringing on individual rights.