35th District Representative Dan Griffey and I talked about the advantages of being close to the Capitol, allowing him to stay connected to both the legislative process and his community. He shared how returning home each night helps him stay grounded and in touch with the real concerns of his constituents. We also dug into the ongoing budget deficit and the pressing need to fully fund special education, highlighting the challenges of addressing these issues in a state as large as Washington.

Government inefficiencies were another big topic—specifically, the excessive bureaucracy surrounding environmental studies and project approvals. We called out the staggering costs of studies, like the $25 million spent on the Capitol Lake project, and discussed how extreme political influences slow down decision-making. Dan suggested a bipartisan arbitration panel to streamline the process, and we both agreed that a more centrist, practical approach could help move important projects forward.

We also touched on education, particularly the importance of parental involvement and transparency between schools and families. With declining enrollment and growing distrust in the education system, we discussed the controversial issue of 13-year-olds making mental health and reproductive decisions without parental input. Dan strongly opposed the idea, emphasizing the need for parental guidance, while I shared ways for citizens to engage in the legislative process and make their voices heard.

Overall, we covered a lot of ground, from keeping government accountable to ensuring parents have a say in their children’s education. These conversations are ongoing, and I’ll keep you updated as things develop!