I will work with organizations, businesses, and others passionate about ending our homeless crisis. There are different categories of homelessness: chronic, episodic, and temporary. We need approaches that appropriately address each type of experience.

Our State needs to address every aspect of the pursuit of happiness. Integrating mental health into primary healthcare should be our ultimate goal. Not only is there a lack of access to necessary medication and treatments for residents who need mental health services, but also resources for the average everyday person who just needs to vent. We must explore ways to help people become more active and productive in society. Too many Washingtonians endure a fractured healthcare experience like my son suffered as a child due to barriers that prevent access to needed surgeries. Our veterans serve our country but do not receive the treatment they deserve for their sacrifice. I will address medical insurance needs and explore issues not covered by healthcare insurance entities.

- Solution 1: Equip law enforcement with necessary resources and support to effectively handle crime, while simultaneously holding them accountable for any abuse of authority to build trust and confidence in the community. - Solution 2: Implement comprehensive wrap-around programs that address the root causes of crime, supporting individuals in need and facilitating collaboration between communities and law enforcement for effective crime prevention. - Solution 3: Create positive relationships and dialogue between community members and law enforcement through outreach initiatives, while facilitating discussions among the attorney general, law enforcement, and communities to establish laws holding accountable unjust law enforcement officers.

As your next Governor, we will ensure our government's funds are used effectively and efficiently. We will thoroughly assess our current expenditures to determine if they align with our priorities and maximize impact. First, we will identify and address areas that require immediate funding to create a stable foundation. By strengthening our small business ecosystem, we can generate additional revenue that supports and enhances our social programs. Currently, our state has more social programs than small businesses; a balance shift towards robust small business support will ultimately benefit our social constructs. To mitigate the cost of living, we must strategize collaboratively with all stakeholders. Our high taxes result from one of the nation's most regressive state tax codes, relying heavily on sales and fuel taxes instead of income or corporate taxes. This places a disproportionate burden on lower-income residents. Addressing housing costs, transportation, healthcare, and food affordability is crucial, as current salaries do not keep pace with these expenses. Each increase in the minimum wage is quickly absorbed by rising living costs, particularly affecting single workers and dual-income households. Undoubtedly, the high cost of living is a significant factor contributing to homelessness in Washington State. We can develop comprehensive strategies that reduce these costs and promote a more equitable and sustainable future for all residents.