The Governor’s Promises, Bipartisan Work, and Preventing Veteran Suicide

A Legislative update from Representative Mike Steele

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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It’s hard to believe we’re already a few weeks into the 2025 legislative session. So much has happened in a short time, and I’m excited to share some important updates with you.

The governor’s inaugural address

When incoming Governor Bob Ferguson delivered his inaugural address, I was encouraged to hear him acknowledge the many challenges Republicans have been working to address for years. Here’s an excerpt from his speech:

“Our state is unaffordable for many Washingtonians. We rank 50th — last — per capita in the number of law enforcement officers. Our ferry system is broken. We are confronted with a behavioral health crisis. Too many of our residents are unsheltered. Housing is too expensive, and there’s not enough of it. Our state government is bogged down by too much bureaucracy.”

Gov. Ferguson distances from Inslee in inaugural speech, draws GOP praise | The Seattle Times

I’m committed to working with Governor Ferguson if he follows through on his promises, including avoiding new revenue increases, streamlining government, and holding state agencies accountable. These priorities are important to many of you, and I will work to ensure they are reflected in this session’s policies.

Following his address, Republicans held a media availability to share their thoughts, while Governor Ferguson signed his first three executive orders. Two of those orders will impact the housing industry. These are positive steps, and I look forward to seeing how they are implemented.

• Improving transparency and efficiency in the state’s permitting and licensing processes.
• Evaluating regulatory barriers to address Washington’s affordable housing crisis.

Protecting parental rights

Last year, Washingtonians overwhelmingly supported the Parents’ Bill of Rights (I-2081), a citizen-led initiative backed by nearly 450,000 signatures and bipartisan support. This measure granted parents access to information about their children’s education and reaffirmed their role as primary stakeholders.

Now, House Bill 1296 seeks to roll back these protections. By adding an emergency clause, it deliberately prevents citizens from overturning the legislation via referendum, silencing families who supported I-2081. As a member of the House Education Committee, I strongly oppose this bill.

HB 1296 would remove key provisions of I-2081, including:

• Parental access to classroom materials, school records, and notifications about crimes or medical services affecting their children.
• Parents’ ability to opt their children out of surveys or activities involving sensitive topics like political or religious beliefs.

This is not about politics — it’s about ensuring parents have a voice in their children’s education. Rolling back these protections undermines trust and transparency while setting a dangerous precedent. I remain committed to defending parental rights and respecting the will of Washingtonians.

My new role on the Consumer Protection and Business Committee

This session, I’ve been appointed to the Consumer Protection and Business Committee, and I’m excited to contribute. This committee aligns closely with my professional background at the Chamber of Commerce, where I’ve worked extensively on similar issues.

Liquor and cannabis policy is particularly important to my district, which has a strong presence of wineries, breweries, and cider producers. I’ve already begun meeting with agency leaders, including the Director of the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB), to address the challenges facing these industries. I’m committed to advocating for transparency, efficiency, and accountability in this area.

Bipartisan work on the Capital Budget

I’m also continuing my role as the lead Republican negotiator on the House Capital Budget Committee. Unlike other budgets, the capital budget remains a bipartisan process, allowing Republicans to have meaningful influence. Negotiations with the majority are already underway, and I’m committed to ensuring this budget benefits communities across Washington while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

988 License plate emblems: Veteran suicide prevention

In 2022, the Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 1181, creating the “988 – Prevent Veteran Suicide” emblem for vehicle license plates. Featuring the 988-crisis lifeline number and the message “There is hope!” This emblem raises awareness and funds for suicide prevention efforts among veterans and military members. The legislation is part of a broader initiative to strengthen suicide prevention programs across the state.

Washington is home to over 500,000 veterans and eight active military bases. Research shows that military service members and veterans face a significantly higher risk of suicide than their civilian counterparts. The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Program is committed to reducing veteran and military suicides through education, peer support, and wellness services.

The Prevent Veteran Suicide emblem is available for purchase by the general public. Proceeds go directly to the Veteran and Military Member Suicide Prevention Account at the WDVA, helping fund critical suicide prevention programs. For more information, visit www.dva.wa.gov.

Stay connected

Your engagement is essential, especially during the legislative session. Your input helps guide my work in Olympia and ensures that your voice is heard. Here are some resources to help you stay informed and involved:

• My legislative website: You will find my contact information, bio, news releases, email updates, opinion pieces, bills, and other information.
• How you can be involved in the legislative process: This includes a citizen’s guide to effective legislative participation.
• How to comment on a bill: You can send legislators comments on legislation.
• Committee Sign-In – Remote Testimony: Testify on legislation during public hearings.
• The Ledger: A legislative news aggregator that is updated frequently.
• Capitol Buzz: Sent out each weekday, featuring stories from media outlets throughout the state, including newspaper, radio, and television.
• The Current: This is an online legislative publication from the Washington House Republicans that is sent out weekly during the legislative session and every month during the interim.

It’s an honor to represent you, and I am grateful for your trust.

Sincerely,

Mike Steele