As a former teacher, Senator Wellman understands that high-quality education is the most powerful investment that we can make in our future. While our public school system is one of the best in the nation, Senator Wellman knows that the state is falling short in its responsibility to provide school districts and teachers with the resources they need for a world-class education. She believes that for every child to have a chance at success, students need smaller class sizes and more support inside and outside the classroom.

As the Chair of the Senate Education Committee, school funding is Senator Wellman’s top priority. In 2023, she championed legislation to invest $821 million into special education. In addition, Senator Wellman has sponsored over 30 bills to reform parts of our education system. In 2023, she sponsored and passed a bill to enable students to receive college credit for high school courses at no cost. Senator Wellman has also passed bills funding student transportation and supporting rural broadband so that students can learn from home when necessary. She believes our students deserve to have an education tailored to them, championing competency based education to ensure that every student can learn at their own pace. For her efforts, she has been voted legislator of the year by the Association of School Principals, the Association of Washington School Directors, and the Digital School Association. Educators recognize her as one of the leading advocates for our schools, our children, and our future.

Ultimately, she knows her work isn't done. Our society is constantly changing and our schools need to change with it, adapting to the times instead of remaining stagnant. She will continue to fight for schools that prepare students for the world they will live in, not a world in the past.

Senator Wellman is the only candidate in this race who understands the threat of climate change and that local action matters. Extreme heat, wildfire, and droughts affect communities across the 41st district and statewide. As a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and the Environment and former member of the Public Works Board, Senator Wellman has pushed the State to take the lead in fighting climate change.

In 2021, Senator Wellman supported legislation to make the state’s biggest polluters pay to address the impacts of their carbon pollution. The Climate Commitment Act funds clean energy projects, ferry electrification, energy efficiency upgrades, and more. In 2023, Senator Wellman co-sponsored legislation to promote the low-carbon alternative jet fuel industry and to update the state’s climate change response strategy. Senator Wellman understands the importance of preparing a new generation for jobs in a green economy and supporting communities’ clean energy transition.

Senator Wellman knows that too many families struggle with the high cost of living. Washington State has the second most regressive tax code in the nation, which disproportionately impacts working families. Senator Wellman helped shape the 2022 Washington State supplemental budget, which put $350 million towards paid family leave, $95 million to increase access to social services, and $75 million for the Farmer-to-Families Food Box Program. This budget recognizes the challenges faced by people and communities across the state.

Senator Wellman also understands that many people in her district face rising housing costs. Senator Wellman voted for legislation that allocated $400 million towards affordable housing, which could add over 75,000 units of housing that working people can actually afford in the next two decades. She believes that by building more housing and relying on the expertise of local officials, we’ll be able to slow down the rise of housing costs and improve housing affordability for the people who live and work in our community.

Senator Wellman knows the importance of our reproductive rights in Washington state. She has fought to make Washington a sanctuary for any person seeking abortion care, ensuring that medical records will not be released and used to hurt those who undergo such procedures. Despite their importance, Senator Wellman knows that our reproductive rights are constantly threatened. As such, she seeks to enshrine reproductive rights in the state constitution, ensuring that this fundamental freedom is protected for generations to come.

As a business leader herself, Senator Wellman knows that a strong economy is essential to the future of our state. Senator Wellman understands that one of the best ways to promote economic growth is by ensuring the diversity and quality of our workforce. She believes that everybody should have the opportunity to receive hands-on job training and education. In the 2024 legislative session, she sponsored and passed legislation ensuring that credits earned at skill centers are honored by local school districts. Senator Wellman also voted to allocate $750,000 towards work-based learning initiatives and supported programs to train new aerospace workers. These projects allow young people to choose between different paths into the workforce. Senator Wellman also knows that the transition to a sustainable, climate-friendly economy represents an opportunity for millions to access good-paying jobs. She has and will continue to advocate for funding and grants to ensure that the next generation of jobs are accessible for all Washingtonians.