Rep. Kristine Reeves

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to join the Washington Rural Electric Cooperative Association for a conversation on wildfire mitigation & utility responsibility.

In 2026, I introduced HB 2275, proposing the creation of a utility liability fund to help ensure that consumers are made whole after a utility caused wildfire happens, similar to a model in California.

That bill did not pass, and since then, I’ve had the chance to listen and learn more about the potential solutions we could employ as public-private partnerships to address wildfire prevention, administration, and accountability.

As utility rates increase, wildfire risks rise, and impacts of these fires are more devestating than ever, we all play a role in protecting our communities and keeping our utilities from going bankrupt. I look forward to continuing to listen and learn as we work toward policy proposals for the 2027 session.

Another great morning to connect with community! “Coffee with Kristine” conversations this morning included:
• estate planning changes
• minors as social media content creators
• state land use & water💧law relative to the wild waves property
• commercial real estate prices 🏢
• Centerstage Theater’s weekend show 🎭
• what I learned on my Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife tours 🦌 🐟
• and what it’s like to be “Dr. Reeves”. 😂
Always good to share community with neighbors and learn more about what matters most to them and their families!

Spending the second half of today with Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife experts who focus on how we can collaborate to meet the mission to “preserve, protect, & perpetuate” hunting, fishing, outdoor recreation, agriculture, and wildlife.

Heard from Puget Sound Energy Wild Horse Wind Farm & Washington Association of Wheat Growers on public-private partnerships, saw habitat restoration efforts post-wildfire, talked with the USFWS on endangered species & safe harbor agreements, and water management.

As the Chair of the House Ag & Natural Resources committee, I am privileged to get to tour our state today with the outstanding agency staff Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife!

An important part of our committee’s work is to address habitat conservation and wildlife preservation. Getting to listen and learn from experts in the field across central washington today is how we ensure we are making smart public policy that benefits all Washingtonians into the future!

It was a beautiful day to connect with community at “Coffee With Kristine”! While these coffee hours are an opportunity for folks to connect with YOUR State Representative without the barriers of scheduling an appointment, they’ve become an amazing place for community to connect with each other!

We talked about:

• 🎢 what’s happening at the soon-to-be-former Wild Waves property,
• 📉 concerns over data centers in South King County & water💧consumption,
• 🏗️ the need for a comprehensive economic development strategy by the City of Federal Way, WA,
• 🌈 the PRIDE celebration in the City of Auburn - Government,
• 🐶 a visit from special guest Sophia Joy (Madeline Tam’s new friend),
• 👋🏽 welcomed a new attendee - James Housel’s friend Pat,
• 🎤 learned a new word (ultracrepidarian) thanks to Ann Sappington, and
• 🎶 sang a raucous round of Happy Birthday to Vivian Alexander!

Definitely a full day! But so much joy & connection! Was so fun to see everyone meeting each other and making new friends!

A great morning for community, conversation, and connection!

We talked about everything from Star Wars’ newest movie 🍿 addition, to what’s happening in arts 🎭 in the South Sound, to what our community could be with a strong economic development 📈 strategy!

What do you think the future of Federal Way / South King County should look like? 👀

May we never forget.

Up bright and early & on the Sound Transit light rail to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to hop a flight to Denver for an “Equity in Education” conference! The work of fully & fairly funding our K-12 schools doesn’t stop, and representing the 7th most diverse school district in the country, and the district with the highest concentration of students experiencing homelessness in the state, I will keep partnering with Federal Way & Auburn Public Schools to put our students first!

A morning well spent at ! From fountain pen preferences 🖋️ to brand management & advice on my gray hairs to consumer protection and taking on big corporations, the group brought out the best start to a sunny day with levity & laughter!

Followed by several constituent meetings on HEAL Act outcomes & implementation and City of des Moines, Washington transportation safety needs, today was a great day!