What actions would you take as a state legislator to protect and strengthen Washington’s food security safety net, including both public nutrition programs and the food banks and food pantries serving communities across the state?

The biggest threat to WA families facing food insecurity right now are the radical cuts made by the Trump Administration to SNAP benefits.  Some of those cuts are directly through the BBB, but others are being threatened through potentially executive actions. I support our Attorney General fighting the administration in court, where we’ve had significant legal victories in other areas, to rein in these radical and dangerous cuts wherever possible. Additionally, I voted in this past session to help the WA Department of Agriculture update its forecasting and to better prepare for shortages to make sure that the communities most in need receive essential supplies.

What have you done to understand food insecurity in the communities you seek to represent—including engaging with people experiencing hunger or local hunger-relief organizations—and what policies would you prioritize to address the root causes of hunger and ensure Washington residents can afford and access the food they need?

I’ve seen the impact of food insecurity across much of my professional career, including now as a State Legislator.  In a rural community like ours, food insecurity can be about access as well as about affordability, especially for seniors with limited mobility. As an attorney with Northwest Justice Project, I represented survivors of crimes like human trafficking and sexual assault. Many of my clients had little or no income and faced both housing and food insecurity.  With Kitsap Legal Services, I represented low-income individuals helping protect their access to stable, affordable housing. I believe that the root causes of food instability are too broad and multifaceted to answer in just one questionnaire response like this, but I’m committed to continuing to work toward expanding opportunity through quality pre-K through 12 education as well as career and technical colleges, making childcare more affordable, bringing down the cost of healthcare, reducing the regressive tax burden on low income individuals and working families, and more.

What policies or investments would you support to strengthen Washington’s food system, increase access to locally produced food, support Washington farmers and producers, and reduce food waste?

I sponsored Legislature that successfully delivered tax relief to Washington farmers, helping make locally grown food both more affordable and securing our supply. Washington farmers are facing serious challenges from Trump’s illegal tariffs, and as discussed above, I’m committed to supporting legal action against the administration. Lastly, I will continue working to find ways to help local farmers bring their food to market where it’s needed most.