Latest Headlines from Washington’s 10th Legislative District

A week and a half ago, I sat with my good friend and colleague, Rep. Alex Ramel, from the 40th district, for a brief discussion on Washington’s Ferry System. We both represent districts that need efficient, reliable transportation across our waters to get around. When the system is disrupted, people’s lives are severely impacted. We…

We are now past policy and fiscal committee cutoffs in the Legislature. As we approach the next deadline of session – House of Origin Cutoff on March 12th – we will be debating policies and voting on bills that made it to the House Rules Committee. Bill that do not receive a vote by the…

Career and technical education programs teach academic and technical skills for jobs that are in demand in our state and across the country. Washington wants to help students pay for those programs so they can get out into the workforce equipped with as little student debt burden as possible. Every year students pursuing career and…

Teachers are the backbone of our education system. I recently had the privilege of meeting with members of the Washington Education Association (WEA) from our district. Thanks for traveling to Olympia to advocate for the resources you need to better serve our students!

Thanks to Stanwood Mayor Sid Roberts for visiting me in Olympia to discuss the need to replace the Stanwood Dike and other local issues! I appreciate all the work you do for our community.

Many of you have spoken to me about the need to prioritize behavioral health outcomes. Thanks to local advocates from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for meeting with me in Olympia to discuss the importance of mental health services and their impact on communities. I truly appreciate your advocacy.

I recently met with optometrists from our community—and heard about the importance of improving access to rural healthcare. Thank you for your commitment to making healthcare accessible to all.

I had the opportunity to speak with members of the Nurses Association. Thank you to Justin and Melonie for traveling to Olympia to represent and advocate for nurses in Washington state. I truly appreciate the work of WSNA in their efforts to improve healthcare in our community.

I had the honor of meeting with members of the Alzheimer’s Association last week. Alzheimer’s is an awful disease that has impacted many in our community. Thank you for traveling to Olympia to advocate for individuals and families facing this disease – I appreciate all the work you do to help our community.

Meet Skipper and Gilligan. Technically we adopted them but, in reality, they adopted us and have brought so much joy to our family. Unfortunately, not all animals have safe, loving homes. That’s why I’m happy that House Bill 1149 passed out of the House unanimously. It’s a much-needed bill that expands the crimes of Animal…

I recently had the chance to meet with a group of students from Washington State University. It was great to meet with the students and learn more about ways to support educational pathways in our state! Go Cougs!

I recently met with a group of UW Pharmacy Students when they came to Olympia. It was great to hear more about the important role pharmacists play in improving access to healthcare. Thank you to the pharmacy students and pharmacists across our region for improving healthcare outcomes in our rural community.

It was great to meet with parents and childcare providers from Whidbey Island. Access to quality childcare is essential for families in our community—it’s good for both families and employers. I truly appreciate the advocacy!

Earlier this month, I joined Governor Ferguson to tour ferries and terminals that serve the Clinton-Mukilteo run and discuss much-needed reforms to our ferry system. Coming up, we have another great opportunity to have our voices heard, this time by Washington State Ferries directly. Please consider joining WSF for a virtual community meeting. Mark your…

Yesterday, I introduced a new bill, House Bill 1724, to increase access to portable orders for life-sustaining treatment. This bill continues our work from last session to help ensure emergency responders can better honor your choices for life-sustaining care even outside the home. It’s an honor to continue to advocate for patient dignity.

One of the most rewarding aspects of serving as your state legislator is listening to you—and then advocating for the issues and ideas that matter most. Please take a moment to let me know what matters most to you! Use the QR code or the link to complete this brief survey. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NXFSYKM

Throughout the session, I try to provide updates to constituents every other week. You can read my Week 1 Legislative Update on my website—and learn more about this year’s Legislative Session: https://housedemocrats.wa.gov/paul/2025/01/16/welcome-to-the-2025-legislative-session-share-your-priorities-stay-engaged/

Today, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we honor a champion of justice and equality. Dr. King’s legacy reminds us that true leadership isn’t about power – it’s about compassion and service to the people we represent. Let’s honor his legacy by speaking up, leading with heart, and committing to the ongoing fight for racial…

It was terrific to have so many community members from the 10th District attend the opening ceremonies on Monday. Here is a photo of us and Rep. Shavers on the House floor. #FlashbackFriday

It’s a true honor to be appointed by my colleagues to serve as Chair of the House Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee. I’m excited to help improve college affordability, access to apprenticeship programs, and training pathways to family-wage jobs. Save this link to stay informed on the weekly agendas for this committee: https://leg.wa.gov/about-the-legislature/committees/house-of-representatives/pew

The 2025 session has begun, and our democracy is strongest when everyone can participate! We’ve made it easier to learn about proposed legislation, watch debates on important issues, and testify in person or remotely. Whether you are back home in district or traveling down to Olympia, consider making your voice heard this year. Learn more…

It’s an honor to continue representing the 10th legislative district, and I’m excited to get back to work to represent you and our community. Today is day 1 of the 105-day legislative session. Watch the festivities live at 12pm or via replay here: The Washington State House of Representatives holds opening ceremonies for the 2025…