Independence, Transparency, and Good Governance
- The Seattle Times endorsed Jesse, lauding his “sorely needed” independence, “common sense policy,” and being “a sensible voice” on youth crime.
Affordability
- Jesse and Lauren championed the Millionaires Tax, ensuring the wealthy pay their fair share
- They led efforts to expand housing supply and lower housing costs
- Jesse authored bills making it easier to build multiunit housing (SB 5612), cutting red tape for residential development (SB 5615), and providing tax incentives for multifamily affordable housing (SB 5553)
- Lauren co-sponsored bills promoting housing development (HB 1491), reforming building codes (HB 1183), and helping renters improve their credit rating (HB 1927)
- Both voted to streamline local permitting for housing projects (SSB 5818), to stabilize rents (EHB 1217), and to expand property-tax exemptions for seniors (ESSB 6162)
- The Millionaire Tax law also cut taxes on small businesses and expanded the Working Families Tax Credit
- Jesse and Lauren sponsored legislation expanding accessible, affordable child care and early childhood development programs (SB 5237 & HB 1213)
Community Safety and Well-Being
- Lauren and Jesse co-sponsored legislation banning law enforcement – including ICE agents – from hiding behind masks (HB 2165 & SB 5855)
- Jesse and Lauren voted to ban a dangerous police practice and improve school safety
- Jesse led legislation strengthening protections for victims of domestic violence (SB 5231)
- Lauren championed a law protecting people experiencing addiction, saving lives (HB 1713)
- Lauren led bills to help crime victims and prevent youth gun violence
- Jesse and Lauren supported bills establishing requirements for law enforcement tactics and equipment (HB 1054) and use of force (HB 1310)
- Jesse supported making public drug use a gross misdemeanor (SB536). His opponent voted against the bill.
Protecting Civil Rights Against Federal Overreach
- Jesse and Lauren sponsored legislation protecting immigrant workers rights and voted to ban workplace coercion against immigrants
- They supported stronger voting rights, expanded voting access, and protections for private voter registration data and health data
- They protected access to reproductive health care services in Washington
- Lauren initiated and Jesse supported strengthening Medicaid, to compensate for reductions by the Trump administration