One of the best parts of serving the 8th District is the work that continues after the legislative session ends. While the pace slows down, the conversations, policy work, and advocacy on behalf of our region continue year-round.
Over the past several weeks, I have been focused on staying connected with the people I serve, continuing to work on key policy priorities, and taking part in conversations that directly tie to the future of energy, innovation, workforce development, and economic growth in Washington state.
I also want to thank everyone who joined Sen. Matt Boehnke, Rep. April Connors, and me for our recent 8th District town hall. We appreciated the thoughtful questions, honest feedback, and meaningful conversations about the issues facing our region and our state. Hearing directly from you helps guide our work and strengthens our ability to advocate for our communities.
For anyone who would like a broader look at what happened during the 2026 legislative session and hasn’t checked their mailbox yet, our 8th District end-of-session legislative report is now available. It includes updates on the operating, transportation, and capital budgets, the income tax debate, our work on the LRA placement, and several district-specific priorities.
Continuing to lead on energy, innovation, and economic development
Since session ended, I have continued working on several of my key legislative priorities, especially energy reliability, advanced nuclear technology, innovation, workforce development, and long-term economic growth. This work is not limited to the legislative session. It continues through conversations with local businesses, researchers, utilities, policymakers, industry leaders, and others who are helping shape the future of Washington’s economy.
I was honored to be named the inaugural Business Champion of the Year by the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce. This award recognizes an elected official who has helped foster a strong business climate and supported job creation in our region. To me, that work is directly connected to the future of the 8th District. I will continue to support policies that keep Washington competitive, encourage investment, and make it easier for businesses and communities to thrive.
That focus on competitiveness and innovation has also been at the center of several conversations I have taken part in since session ended.
I took part in the Central Washington Industry and Innovation Learning Tour, which highlighted the incredible work already happening in our own state. From fusion development and hydrogen production to data centers, regional mobility, and workforce pathways, the tour reinforced how closely energy policy, infrastructure, education, and economic opportunity are connected.
I attended the MIT Nuclear Symposium in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where researchers, industry experts, and policy leaders discussed the future of nuclear energy, deployment, research, and workforce needs. As Washington looks ahead, these discussions are directly connected to the work I have been advocating around advanced nuclear technology, grid reliability, energy security, and long-term economic competitiveness.
Those same themes carried into the EarthX Conference in Dallas, Texas, where I participated in several discussions on energy and environmental policy. I spoke on a bipartisan state policy roundtable about how states are shaping the future of environmental policy, shared Washington’s nuclear energy outlook during a state energy spotlight, and moderated a panel on nuclear manufacturing, workforce needs, supply chains, and the race to build the talent pipeline necessary for the next generation of energy development.
I am also honored to have joined the board of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators. This role provides another opportunity to bring a state-led, innovation-focused perspective to environmental policy conversations and continue advocating for solutions that include advanced nuclear energy, grid reliability, affordability, and economic competitiveness.
All of these conversations point back to the same goal: making sure Washington is prepared for the future. We need energy policies that keep the lights on, support family-wage jobs, strengthen our economy, and position our state to lead in the technologies that will define the next generation.
Election-year communication limits
Because this is an election year, state ethics laws place limits on legislative communications beginning on Monday, May 4. That means my office will not be able to send regular legislative updates, including email updates like this one, until after the November general election results are certified by the Secretary of State, unless a special session is called.
These restrictions apply to legislative communications, but they do not prevent you from contacting me.
I am still your state representative throughout the year, and my office remains available to help answer questions, connect you with state resources, listen to your concerns, and hear your ideas. Please continue reaching out as you normally would. My contact information is included at the bottom of this update.
Stay connected
Even while regular legislative communications are limited, you can still find information about the Legislature and stay connected with state government through these resources.
It is an honor to serve the 8th District, and I will continue working to advance smart policy, strengthen our communities, support innovation, and help move Washington in a better direction.
Please do not hesitate to reach out. I look forward to hearing from you.
