Full speed ahead through a busy interim

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope you and your family had a wonderful summer! Now that vacations are behind us and the kids are back in school, it feels like a good time to pause, catch our breath, and share an update on everything that has been going on across the 13th District during this busy “interim” between legislative sessions.

I have deeply appreciated getting to visit our communities and meeting with folks locally to catch up at local events and gatherings.

Whether we are talking about protecting our water rights, supporting local job training and small businesses, or pushing for practical wildfire-safety and emergency-preparedness measures, your voices remain the core of my work in Olympia.

I’ve also been leading the charge to hold state leadership accountable for the severe affordability issues Washingtonians face, pushing hard for immediate relief from our state’s skyrocketing, higher-than-national-average gas prices.

Representing our rural communities has been the greatest honor of my professional life, and I am keeping my foot on the gas pedal to finish strong for you through my very last day in office.

Thank you for everything we have built together. Please read on for more updates from around the district!

Empowering Youth Through Local Programs

This spring, I had the privilege of participating in an inspiring student-led teen town hall at Frontier Middle School, organized through the local Boys & Girls Club program. Middle- and high-school students planned the entire event, asking thoughtful questions about community needs, mental health, and local challenges. Serving on the Senate Human Services Committee, I have always believed we need more positive outlets for our kids. Supporting programs like the Boys & Girls Club, FFA, and 4-H gives young people healthy environments to grow, learn, and lead.

Engaging With Regional Dental Professionals

During the interim, I always appreciate the opportunity to sit down directly with community members and local professionals to discuss the real challenges facing our district. I recently attended a local meeting where I had the privilege of listening to area dentists share personal stories regarding everything from workforce hurdles to dental benefits and patient care. Building these trusted relationships and hearing firsthand accounts is invaluable. These insights and conversations truly make a difference.

Advancing State-Backed Infrastructure Projects

Following the passage of the 2026 supplemental capital and transportation budgets, I’ve been closely tracking the development of vital regional investments across our district. From securing financial tools for local rail improvements at the Port of Moses Lake to advancing critical community infrastructure, seeing these state-backed projects transition from legislative planning into active progression over the interim is fantastic. These investments help ensure that Central Washington remains equipped for long-term economic growth.

Celebrating Innovation at AirPlant One

It was a pleasure to join community leaders and regional partners this June for the official grand opening of Twelve’s AirPlant One facility right here in Moses Lake. Seeing cutting-edge technology take root in our district—producing sustainable aviation fuel while creating local economic opportunities—is a testament to what we can achieve together. As I wrap up my time in the Legislature, championing projects that bring smart, forward-thinking development and good-paying jobs to our communities remains a top priority.

Launching the Quincy Solar Energy Center

In August, I joined local officials, labor representatives, and utility leaders with a ceremonial gold shovel in hand to break ground on the new Quincy Solar Energy Center. Located just northwest of the Grant County International Airport, this 120-megawatt solar and battery storage project will utilize non-productive ground to help strengthen our local grid security. It’s fantastic to see private investment partnering with our local utility to support long-term reliability and economic benefits for our families.

Fighting for Working Families and Fiscal Accountability

Even though we are out of session, the work doesn’t stop. Over the interim, I’ve continued hearing from folks across the 13th District about the heavy burden of rising costs and the need for greater state accountability. Whether pushing for relief at the pump or demanding transparency in rural wildfire insurance risk models, my focus remains steady: standing up for the working-class families, farmers, and small businesses who make Central Washington such an incredible place to call home.

Staying Connected

Thank you for your continued interest and active involvement in our community and our state. Your thoughts, views, and ideas are essential to shaping better government, and I always enjoy hearing from you. Please never hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or proposals you have for our region as we look toward the future. It has been an absolute honor serving you.

Warmly,

State Senator Judy Warnick, 13th Legislative District