Dear Neighbor,
As we begin a new year and legislative session, I wanted to thank you for the honor of representing you in the Washington State Senate. 2020 was an extremely difficult year for all of us and the fact that you have entrusted me to be your voice in Olympia during these trying times is greatly appreciated.
Though this session will be unlike any other, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring a balanced approach to pending legislation. Behavioral Health continues to be a primary focus for me as the need for additional services across our state keeps growing. That’s why I’ve sponsored Senate Bill 5074, which would expand on a successful pilot program that allows some fire stations to serve as safe fire stations. These safe fire stations provide an alternative to emergency rooms where individuals can go to receive services like substance abuse treatment, medical attention and peer support, as well as connections to community resources. Having these safe fire stations in place will not replace emergency rooms but will serve communities as an additional option for people experiencing behavioral health issues.