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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this email finds you well! On January 13, lawmakers returned to Olympia for the start of the 2025 legislative session. This 105-day session offers a critical window to address the challenges facing our communities.
I serve as the ranking Republican on the House Education Committee and as a member of the Appropriations Committee and the Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee. I am also honored to have been selected as an Assistant Republican Floor Leader, a role that allows me to shape our caucus’ legislative strategy and priorities.
A new governor’s first address
This session began with Gov. Bob Ferguson’s inaugural address, which outlined his vision for our state. The governor emphasized housing affordability, public safety, and government reform as key priorities. He struck a bipartisan tone – something sorely lacking under the Inslee administration. He recognized the need to work across the aisle on vital issues such as:
- Ensuring farmers receive rebates promised under the Climate Commitment Act.
- Allocating $100 million to help local law enforcement hire additional officers.
- Establishing reasonable limits on the governor’s emergency powers.
- Reducing housing costs by streamlining construction and permitting processes.
- Smarter budgeting practices that don’t overinflate revenue projections
If the governor keeps good on these commitments, I am optimistic there can be a collaborative relationship with minority members of the Legislature.
Positive steps forward: Financial education for students
I am continuing my work toward ensuring financial education becomes a high school graduation requirement. House Bill 1285 will equip students with essential life skills, such as budgeting, saving, and planning for the future.
Building on previous bipartisan efforts, this legislation ensures flexibility for school districts, allowing students to access financial education through career and technical education courses, online programs, or integration into existing classes. Financial education is key to setting up our youth for lifelong success, and I am proud to lead this effort.
Troubling policies: Protecting our communities from harmful legislation
Unfortunately, not all legislation aligns with the best interests of our communities. Two bills, in particular, already stand out as concerning:
- House Bill 1217 (Rent control): This proposal caps annual rent increases at 7%, but the more troubling pieces of the bill are not related to rent caps, for example, imposing late fee limits too low to disincentivize late payments.
- House Bill 1296 (Modifying the Parents’ Bill of Rights): This bill seeks to amend the existing Parents’ Bill of Rights (which was brought forward to the Legislature in 2024 after over 400,000 Washington voters signed an initiative to create the Parents’ Bill of Rights). It aims to reduce parental involvement in critical areas such as curriculum access, health and mental health record transparency, and school decision-making. Parental engagement is essential to student success, and we must oppose efforts that undermine this role.
I will keep you updated on their progress through the legislative session.
House Republican Caucus goals
This session, the House Republican Caucus is focused on tackling the everyday challenges Washingtonians face. Our goals include:
- Enhancing public safety: Strengthening support for law enforcement and reinstating policies that safeguard our communities, including Governor Ferguson’s commitment to fund more law enforcement officers.
- Improving affordability: Reducing the rising costs of living, housing, and taxes to ease the burden on working families.
- Advancing education: Ensuring every student has access to quality education and the tools needed for success.
- Promoting government accountability: Rebuilding trust through increased transparency and responsible governance.
As session continues, I remain committed to advocating for policies that support families, students, and our communities. Your feedback and involvement are important to shaping our shared future.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your thoughts and concerns.
Thank you for the honor of allowing me to serve!
Sincerely,
Skyler Rude
