Greetings!
It is good to be back in Olympia working for you as the 2020 legislative session convened earlier this week. While this is a short 60-day session, there is still much to be done. Some of my priorities this session include, continuing to serve as the Republican leader on the Behavioral Health Subcommittee, making important reforms to the Department of Corrections and fighting for car-tab relief since the courts have put a hold on enacting initiative 976. Learn more about these important issues below.
I recently sent out a mailer that included a survey asking what you thought the Legislature should focus on in 2020. You can click here to view the results.
Behavioral Health
One of the biggest struggles in our state is trying to ensure that individuals with mental and behavioral health issues receive the treatment they need. I have sent a letter to the chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee asking for additional funding for the University of Washington’s Washington State Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens. Currently, this helpline is a resource for parents who have children with mental health disorders and are struggling to find a provider who may be accepting new patients. This referral program has provided help to hundreds of parents and it is my hope that it continues to be a vital resource.