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Thank you to everyone who joined me for our town hall last week! It was great to hear directly from constituents in the 27th Legislative District about the issues that matter most to you. Your insights and engagement help shape the work we do in Olympia, and I appreciate the thoughtful questions and discussions we had. I look forward to continuing these conversations and working together to build a stronger community.
A Conversation about Transportation with Rep. Sharon Wylie
As Chair of the House Transportation Committee, I have the opportunity to work with many different lawmakers in the House. One of those lawmakers is long-time colleague and friend, Representative Sharon Wylie.
I sat down with her, as a fellow transportation committee member, to talk about some of the issues facing our transportation budget and system. See the video linked below.
Preparing for Real ID: What You Need to Know Before the Deadline
Beginning May 7, 2025, standard Washington driver’s licenses and ID cards will no longer be valid for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings. To board a flight or access certain federal facilities, you will need a Real ID-compliant document such as:
✅ Military ID
✅ A U.S. Passport or Passport Card – Valid for all domestic and international travel.
✅ A Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) – If applicable.
✅ An Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) – Available at Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) offices.
How to Get a Real ID: If you don’t have a compliant ID yet, now is the time to schedule an appointment with the DOL or ensure your passport is up to date. You can find more details here: WA DOL Real ID Information.
Why Is This Happening? This change is due to the federal Real ID Act, which was passed in 2005 to enhance national security. Washington has received extensions in the past, but this May 2025 deadline is final.
Honoring Billy Frank Jr. Day & Continuing His Legacy
On March 9, we celebrated Billy Frank Jr. Day, recognizing the lifelong advocacy of Billy Frank Jr. for tribal treaty rights, environmental protection, and salmon restoration. His leadership helped secure co-management of fisheries between tribes and the state and remains a foundation of Washington’s environmental policies today. This year, we were honored to hear a speech from his son, Willie Frank Jr. III (photo).
To honor his legacy, we must continue investing in clean water, salmon recovery, and habitat restoration efforts. This session, I’m supporting measures to:
- Improve fish passage projects to restore salmon runs.
- Strengthen water quality protections to support both the environment and local industries.
- Expand tribal-state partnerships to promote sustainable resource management.
Billy Frank Jr. once said, “We are all in this together.” His words remind us that our shared commitment to Washington’s lands, waters, and people is more important than ever.
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