Lillian Ortiz-Self

In Washington state, we understand the value that technological advancement, research, and investment can bring to our communities. Our tech industry has transformed the region and created thousands of jobs. But when it comes to artificial intelligence, we must recognize both its potential and its risks. While AI can provide significant benefits in fields like medical research, it also threatens jobs and raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of our children. We need to act quickly to establish clear regulations and safeguards that protect workers, families, and our communities while allowing responsible innovation to continue.

When it comes to data centers, these concerns become even more pressing. Communities are often promised economic benefits that may never materialize, while facing increased demands on our energy resources and the potential for higher utility bills during an ongoing cost-of-living crisis. We must demand greater transparency, ensure that public incentives are justified and accountable, and establish strong environmental protections. Data centers play an important role in our digital economy, but their development must not come at the expense of our environment, our communities, or the affordability of everyday life.

KEYWORDS: Regulate, environmental protection, and worker protection.

We have seen firsthand the devastating effects of climate change across Washington state. While communities west of the Cascades have faced historic flooding and severe storms, communities east of the Cascades continue to experience longer and more destructive wildfire seasons. Our state has worked hard to protect our environment, from the Climate Commitment Act to investments in alternative energy. These efforts have helped move us toward a cleaner future, but there is still much work to be done.

I believe we must prioritize funding for research and projects that strengthen our climate resilience. Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is already affecting our communities, and those impacts will continue to grow. While some of our emergency preparedness and response systems have held strong through recent disasters, we have also seen where they fall short. We must invest in researching, modernizing, and strengthening these systems so our communities are better prepared for the challenges ahead. Too much is at stake to wait until the next disaster strikes. We have a responsibility to protect our communities, safeguard our environment, and ensure Washington is prepared for the future.

KEYWORDS: Climate change, protection, Climate disaster emergency response, research, and resilience.

Our schools work hard to ensure that students receive the best education possible, and science is an essential part of that commitment. Over the past several years, Washington has invested in science, technology, engineering, and math education, expanding opportunities, resources, and pathways for students. These investments are important, but there is still much more work to be done. Our students deserve a state government that prioritizes their education and gives them the tools and opportunities to explore new ideas, take risks, and discover their potential.

We must continue investing in science education by providing classrooms with the resources, equipment, and support teachers need to help students succeed. We should also expand opportunities outside the classroom, including educational programs, science centers, and scholarships that allow students to pursue their interests. Our K-12 education standards must continue to evolve to reflect advances in science and technology, ensuring that every student has access to a strong scientific foundation. By investing in our students today, we can prepare the next generation to meet tomorrow’s challenges and ensure Washington remains a leader in innovation and scientific discovery.

KEYWORDS: Increased investment, funding, resources, competitive standards.

The Bear Gulch Fire was a devastating reminder of how much we stand to lose when wildfires threaten our communities and public lands. Seeing acres upon acres of land burned is heartbreaking, and we must take meaningful action to prevent these tragedies and limit their destruction. That starts with investing in responsible forest management, providing the resources, equipment, and personnel needed to maintain our public lands. We must also expand public education on fire safety and seasonal risks, hold those who deliberately start fires accountable, and ensure our first responders have the training, equipment, and support necessary to respond quickly and effectively when disasters strike.

However, better forest management and emergency response systems are only part of the solution. We must also confront the climate crisis that is making wildfire conditions more severe. Rising temperatures and increasingly dry conditions put our forests and communities at greater risk. Washington must continue investing in meaningful climate action while preparing for the challenges ahead. We cannot wait until the next wildfire threatens our homes and natural resources to begin preparing. By starting our planning early, strengthening our response systems, and investing in long-term prevention, we can better protect our communities and preserve Washington’s natural lands for future generations.

KEYWORDS: Research, funding, addressing climate change, accountability, and response.

We must ensure that Washington’s fishing industry remains viable, especially as families and workers face economic uncertainty and the threat of job loss. Our fisheries are an important part of our state’s economy, heritage, and way of life. We need to invest in restoring traditional fish passages, protecting our waterways from pollution, and supporting the fishing communities that depend on healthy fish populations.

Washington is fortunate to have world-class researchers and universities, and we must continue investing in their work. By supporting scientific research, monitoring our waterways, and studying the health of our fisheries, we can make informed decisions that protect these resources for future generations. However, we must also recognize that some of the damage caused by climate change cannot be quickly reversed. As our environment changes, we have a responsibility to support the workers and families whose livelihoods are affected.

That means investing not only in the future of our fisheries but also in the future of our fishing communities. We must expand job training, workforce development, and alternative career opportunities for those who can no longer depend on fishing for their income. Protecting our natural resources and supporting the people who depend on them must go hand in hand.

KEYWORDS: Environmental protection, fish passageway restoration, clean waterways, investments, and research.