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The Commission is ready to hit the ground running in 2023. In the last year, we published a new strategic plan which will serve as the north star through 2030. The plan is centered on three principles: a successful and fair census and redistricting in 2030, a community assessment and Commission name change, and of course—priorities aligned with the State enterprise.
These three components served as a guide to our funding requests for the upcoming biennia. We submitted six decision packages ranging from operational to community-led programmatic support and we were “funded” an additional $987,000 which includes funding for THREE new teammates! It’s more than CHA or any Commission has ever received, according to our budget folks, a huge milestone that we are already very proud of. Of course, these dollars are not promised as we need to ensure that funding is included in the Senate, House, and consequently, the final budget.
During the next 105 days of legislative session, which starts on January 9th, you’ll see staff and Commissioners on the hill working to ensure that legislators understand our work, our mission, and the importance of the strategic plan and the funding that was earmarked in the Governor’s budget along with legislative priorities the Commission votes on.
Speaking of the upcoming legislative session, we are incredibly thrilled to see new Latine faces elected into the House and Senate! This year we welcome to the House, Representatives Sharlett Mena (D-29), Emily Alvarado (D-34), and Julio Cortes (D-38). They will join re-elected Representatives Bill Ramos (D-5); Alex Ybarra (R-13), Lillian Ortiz-Self (D-21), and Monica Jurado Stonier (D-49). In the Senate we welcome Senator Nikki Torres (R-15) and Javier Valdez (D-46), who was a House member from 2017-2022. They join Senators Emily Randall (D-26) who won her re-election in 2022, and Senator Rebecca Saldaña (D-37). The leg. page has not published photos, SO, a list of names for our new Latine faces will have to do for now.
But what can I do to prepare for session, you say? You can:
- Subscribe to our newsletter to receive legislative updates and calls to action.
- Familiarize yourself with the CHA Legislative Page.
- Learn more about participating in the legislative process.
- Find out who your State Representatives are.
Here’s to a successful 2023 legislative session!
 Know Your Legislature
This section is designed to help you understand and participate in the legislative process. People sometimes confuse the Washington State Legislature in Olympia, Washington with the U.S. Congress in Washington D.C. The lawmaking process is similar to that of Congress, the Washington State Legislature only passes laws applicable within the state of Washington.
The Legislature
The Washington State Legislature consists of two chambers – the House of Representatives and Senate. Each of our 49 legislative districts is represented by two Representatives and one Senator. The first step in participating in the legislative process is learning who represents you in Olympia. The online District Finder can easily help you find out who your state representatives are. Check out our website for more details.
Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
Please see resources below to learn more about business resources, support, and education.
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