Latest from Lekanoff | First Fantastic Friday – Legislative Preview

I hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe, healthy, and grounded as we step into 2026 together. 

As we prepare for the upcoming legislative session, I want to be transparent with you: this will be another challenging year in Olympia. Our state is facing real fiscal constraints, and the decisions ahead will not be easy. But I remain deeply committed to fighting for the values that define Washington — fairness, opportunity, environmental stewardship, Tribal sovereignty, and care for one another. 

The governor’s proposed budget reflects the difficult moment we’re in – but it is also deeply concerning. Across the board, we are seeing proposed cuts to essential services that families, students, elders, and vulnerable communities rely on. These are not abstract numbers; they represent real people and real consequences. 

My Democratic colleagues and I are united in our commitment to push back against harmful cuts and advocate for a budget that protects critical programs, upholds our moral obligations, and invests in the long-term health of our communities. 

At the same time, we cannot ignore the reality we face. Washington’s revenue system is outdated and insufficient, and ongoing economic uncertainty – compounded by federal instability – continues to create budget shortfalls. Last year, House Democrats took meaningful steps to address these gaps, but our current tax structure simply isn’t keeping up with the needs of a growing and changing state. 

To break this cycle of recurring budget crises, we must be willing to have honest conversations about new, progressive sources of revenue. We have one of the most regressive tax codes in the country, and it’s time for those who have benefited most from our economy to pay their fair share. Bold, thoughtful action now is the only way to ensure we can sustainably fund education, healthcare, climate resilience, and public safety – not just this year, but for generations to come. 

Learn more about the proposed budget: 

• Governor’s Budget Overview

• HDC Statement on the Governor’s Budget

Protecting Students & Higher Education

Students were promised support through the Washington Education Savings Plans with WSAC. Now, as universities face rising costs and federal uncertainty, that funding is being pulled into backfilling institutional budgets. I’m working to ensure students are not left paying the price for a system under strain, while still stabilizing our public universities. 

Standing with Crime Victims 

Washington has significant obligations to crime victims, and we must meet them. I’m advocating for responsible funding that honors survivors, ensures timely compensation, and upholds our commitment to justice and dignity. 

Defending Climate Commitment Act (CCA) Investments 

The Climate Commitment Act is delivering real benefits, like cleaner air, climate resilience, and community investments. I am working closely with legislative leaders and Tribal partners to protect CCA funds from ongoing political attacks and ensure they continue to serve the communities they were designed to support. 

Low Sulfur Fuel Standards & Protecting the Salish Sea 

One of my priority bills this session will strengthen low sulfur fuel standards to reduce pollution from vessels operating in the Salish Sea. This builds on earlier work (including legislation I passed in 2019) to limit vessel impacts and protect marine ecosystems, treaty-reserved resources, and public health. 

Protecting Reproductive Freedom 

I’m proud to co-sponsor legislation led by Rep. Brianna Thomas to secure funding for mifepristone and protect access to abortion medication in Washington. At a time when reproductive rights are under attack nationally, our state must continue to lead with courage and compassion. 

Defending Treaty Rights & Due Process 

I am working on a bill to ensure that individuals charged while exercising treaty-protected fishing rights do not carry those charges on their records. This is about upholding federal law, honoring Tribal sovereignty, and correcting longstanding injustices. 

Strengthening Our Healthcare System 

I am also exploring agency-request legislation with the Health Benefit Exchange and Office of the Insurance Commissioner to incentivize insurers to participate in underserved markets: a necessary step to expand access and stabilize coverage, especially in rural and island communities.

Truth & Accountability in Death Investigations 
I am supporting legislation to ensure coroner’s reports and police reports align on the cause of death. Families deserve clarity, accuracy, and accountability — and our systems must reflect that. 

One of the most meaningful ways young people can engage with our democracy is through the Washington State Legislative Page Program. Pages spend a week in Olympia assisting on the House or Senate floor, learning firsthand how laws are made, and meeting legislators from across the state. 

Students ages 14–16 are eligible to apply, and I strongly encourage families in the 40th Legislative District to consider this opportunity. Serving as a page is an unforgettable experience — and for many students, it’s the first step toward a lifetime of civic engagement. 

Apply here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/pageapplication/

If you have questions or would like help with the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office.  

Your voice matters! Whether it’s submitting testimony, attending town halls, or reaching out to my office, your engagement strengthens our democracy and shapes better policy. 

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