2024 Year in Review: State representative Alicia Rule

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In a few weeks, I’ll be heading back to Olympia to work on your behalf. The 2025 legislative session will be longer, lasting 105 days from January 13 to April 27.

In 2024, my efforts focused on public safety, affordability, housing and reproductive health, with key investments to support our community’s most vulnerable.

Keeping people safe remains my top priority. I co-founded a public safety caucus and supported a citizens-backed initiative that restores police pursuit rights for a broader range of crimes. This change is crucial for neighborhood safety. Additionally, I championed legislation to update our state’s police pursuits law and secured $23.5 million for the Whatcom County 23-Hour Relief Center. This funding will support behavioral health services, permanent supportive housing and re-entry programs, reducing reliance on incarceration while fostering safer communities.

Affordability is also a pressing issue. I worked to extend a tax break for food producers, which will help keep grocery prices lower for families across Washington. This tax break, lasting until 2035, will benefit workers in agriculture, dairy, seafood and wine industries, ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly global marketplace.

Housing stability is critical to the well-being of families. I helped secure $1.6 million for the Department of Children, Youth and Families to establish a pilot home visiting program, and I worked to pass laws streamlining housing development and renter protections. In addition, $250,000 was allocated for the Family Shelter Initiative, increasing support for families experiencing homelessness.

In 2024, I introduced legislation to protect reproductive health rights, including assisted reproductive services and contraceptive access. This is in response to recent changes in other states that threatened these rights.

Looking ahead to the 2025 legislative session, my committee assignments include serving as vice chair of the Health Care and Wellness Committee and serving on the Capital Budget and Education committees. My priorities will include expanding school funding, investing in services and projects for Whatcom County, and helping our neighbors lead healthy, stable and secure lives.

I hope to see you in Olympia this legislative session.

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