Vandana Slatter

Education is the cornerstone of opportunity. Pursuing higher education should unlock opportunity, not come with a debt sentence or financial hardship. Families across the state face rising costs from daycare to college while many students skip meals just to make ends meet. Vandana has worked alongside OSPI and local school districts to craft funding models that meet diverse needs across the state.

She continues to champion:

• Equitable funding K–12 public schools with equitable, statewide resources
• Investing in mental health supports, inclusive curriculum, and teacher pay
• Uplifting career-connected learning and apprenticeships
• Expanding access to early learning and special education services

Healthcare is a human right. Healthcare access is under threat—Medicaid and Medicare cuts loom, and too many families forgo necessary care to remain financially stable. If federal programs shrink or insurance costs rise, millions could lose coverage, especially vulnerable populations. Protecting healthcare access to all is our duty as public servants, and Vandana brings her background as a clinical pharmacist and public health professional to shape policy that puts people first. As the only licensed healthcare professional in the Senate, she is committed to protecting and fighting for healthcare for all. She has championed mental and behavioral health access, rural nursing workforce programs, reproductive freedom, and culturally competent care particularly for underserved communities.

She continues to champion:

• Health data privacy and consumer protections
• Expansion of maternal care and the behavioral health workforce
• Increased access to telehealth and community-based care
• Affordable and accessible care for all

Everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home. Housing costs continue to spike, pushing seniors and families out of their communities. Every Washingtonian deserves the dignity of aging in place and the stability of a permanent home near transit and jobs. Vandana is leading with urgency and compassion to increase affordable housing near jobs, transit, and schools while ensuring we don’t leave behind low-income and working families.

She continues to champion:

• State investments in permanent supportive housing and emergency shelters
• Data-informed anti-displacement tools and rental stabilization policies
• Early, transparent community engagement around new housing developments
• Smart planning to allow for growth while protecting the character of our communities

True public safety comes from mutual trust, respect, accountability, and prevention. In many marginalized neighborhoods, the lack of crisis response and consistent support undermines both trust and safety. Vandana has worked closely with law enforcement, community leaders, and public health professionals to advance policies that prioritize safety, healing, justice, and equity. She has helped provide resources for law enforcement and community safety—while ensuring local jurisdictions have the flexibility to respond with the tools they need. With organizations like the Alliance for Gun Responsibility backing her, it’s clear Vandana is committed to a thoughtful, community-centered approach to public safety.

She continues to champion:

• Violence prevention and behavioral health crisis response
• Strengthening mutual trust and respect between law enforcement and the communities they serve
• Advancing accountability, transparency, and collaboration in public safety
• Centering impacted communities in public safety policy
• Resources for community-based and locally driven public safety programs
• Support for law enforcement and first responders with the resources and training they need

Climate action is urgent—and it must be equitable. As we fight to reduce emissions, expand clean energy, and protect our natural resources, we must also ensure that no community is left behind. The reality is that air and water pollution, extreme heat, and climate-related disasters hit low-income and historically marginalized communities first and worst. Our climate economy is also at risk. Without strong investment in clean water systems, climate resilience, and green job creation, we risk leaving entire communities without the tools to thrive. Vandana has championed bold climate policies—from emissions reductions and clean transportation to protections for environmental health.

She continues to champion:

• Environmental health protections in historically overburdened communities
• Clean transportation and equitable transit access
• Urban forestry, green infrastructure, and climate resilience planning
• A just transition to clean energy and good, green jobs

As an immigrant and long-time advocate for inclusive communities, Vandana is committed to ensuring Washington is a place where everyone, regardless of immigration status, can feel safe, respected, and able to thrive. A thriving Washington depends on protecting immigrant safety, mobility, and participation.

She continues to champion:

• Legal aid, healthcare, and education access for undocumented Washingtonians
• Protections against workplace exploitation and discrimination
• Leadership pathways for immigrant youth and communities
• Washington as a safe haven for asylum seekers and immigrant families