Heather Koellen

Healthcare Supporting Maternal Health: Recognizing the importance of maternal health, Heather advocates for increased funding and support for maternal healthcare services. This includes initiatives to reduce maternal mortality rates and improve health outcomes for mothers and babies, particularly in underserved communities. Abortion / Contraception Protecting Reproductive Rights: Heather is committed to safeguarding the right to choose and ensuring that access to safe and legal abortion services remains protected in Washington State. She opposes any legislation that seeks to restrict these rights. Abortion / Contraception Addressing Health Disparities: Heather is dedicated to addressing the disparities in reproductive health outcomes among different racial and socioeconomic groups. She will advocate for policies that promote health equity and ensure that all women have access to high-quality reproductive healthcare, regardless of their background or financial situation. Environment / Energy Protecting Biodiversity: Support policies that preserve natural habitats, stricter regulations on pollutants, and protection of endangered species. Wages / Job Benefits Fair Labor Standards: Advocate for fair wages, paid leave, and better working conditions for all workers, including those in emerging industries like cannabis. Education Supporting Childcare: Advocate for expanded childcare options, especially for families with non-standard work hours, and ensure that childcare is affordable and accessible. Abortion / Contraception Expanding Access to Reproductive Healthcare: Heather will work to ensure that all women have access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including contraception, family planning services, and prenatal care. She supports policies that expand healthcare coverage and remove barriers to accessing these essential services. Education Investing in Public Education: Increase funding for public schools, support teacher retention programs, and promote policies that ensure equal educational opportunities for all students. Healthcare Mental Health Services: Advocate for increased funding and support for mental health services, especially for frontline workers and those affected by trauma. Housing Increase Density Near Transit: Support mandatory inclusion of affordable housing in up-zoned areas near transit to ensure low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities have access to affordable and convenient housing. Housing Keep Rent Stable: Work to keep rents from increasing unsustainably so we can keep people in their homes to reduce the impact on homelessness. Healthcare Expand Healthcare Access: Support policies that provide affordable healthcare options for all residents and address disparities in healthcare access for marginalized communities. Environment / Energy Reducing Carbon Emissions: Advocate for comprehensive climate action legislation to reduce carbon emissions, invest in renewable energy, and promote sustainable land use practices. Housing Expand Affordable Housing: Champion policies that increase funding for the state Housing Trust Fund, support permanent supportive housing programs, and ensure robust renter protections. Wages / Job Benefits Collective Bargaining: Promote policies that support union membership, stand up for workers during negotiations, and oppose "Right to Work" laws. Wages / Job Benefits Workplace Safety: Ensure strict enforcement of workplace safety standards. Infrastructure / Transportation Promoting Public Transportation: Expand public transportation options to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support equitable access to clean air and water. Healthcare Support for Healthcare Workers: Ensure fair compensation and support for healthcare workers, including protections for those dealing with PTSD and other work-related mental health issues.