I’m so excited to share the first episode of my series, The Green Tea! Follow along here and on Youtube!

Standing Strong for Immigrant and LGBTQ+ Communities

The past few weeks have been difficult, with alarming federal executive orders targeting transgender youth and immigrant communities. These attacks are unsettling, but they only reinforce the importance of the work we are doing at the state level to protect our neighbors and ensure Washington remains a beacon of inclusion and justice.

Majority Leader Pedersen and Speaker Jinkins recently spoke out against these harmful federal actions, reaffirming our commitment to protecting transgender youth. As they said, “We see you, and we will fight hard for you.” Washington has strong nondiscrimination laws and shield laws that safeguard access to gender-affirming care, and we will continue working to strengthen these protections.

This is a hard time for many, and I encourage you to take care of yourselves. Make sure to do something that brings you joy, connect with your community, and remember—we are in this together. The entire House Democratic Caucus, along with state agencies, is working collaboratively to push back against these cruel federal policies.

Fighting for Economic & Environmental Fairness

Here are a few bills I’ve sponsored that I’m super excited about:  

HB 1785 – Excessive Executive Compensation Surcharge 

We all know that CEO pay has skyrocketed while workers’ wages have remained stagnant. In the Pacific Northwest, the average chief executive officer can make between 200 and 400 times the amount of their employees. This pay gap contributes to income inequality in the United States and further consolidates the wealth of the top one percent. This bill imposes a surcharge on corporations where the CEO earns at least 50 times the median worker’s salary. Revenue from this surcharge will be reinvested in state programs that support working Washingtonians.

HB 1543 – Clean Building Standards 

Washington is leading the way in addressing climate change. In 2019 I passed a bill that created the Clean Buildings Performance Standard which is administered in the Department of Commerce.  The first compliance deadline for buildings over 240,000 square feet is in June, 2026.  This is a first in the nation program which addresses the energy efficiency of existing buildings. This current bill allows Commerce to make changes to the program to allow for more flexibility.

HB 1900 – Protecting Consumers from Fraud 

I also want to highlight an important story airing on KING 5 News on February 14, which features a constituent who was a victim of fraud. This is an unfortunate reminder of the importance of strong consumer protection laws. I remain committed and have introduced HB 1900 to strengthen our fraud protections for Washingtonians.

Washington Continues to Lead in Immigrant Protections

Washington has long been a leader in protecting immigrant rights, ensuring our communities remain safe, inclusive, and supported. Thanks to the work of House Democrats, we continue to expand protections and resources for immigrants and their families.

New Action to Support Families

📢 Governor Ferguson recently signed an executive order creating a rapid response team to support children facing family separation. This critical step reinforces our state’s commitment to keeping families together and protecting vulnerable children.

🏛️ The Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs has also launched a rapid response hub to assist undocumented immigrants. This online resource provides essential legal, financial, and social service information to help families navigate these uncertain times.

Protecting Immigrant Students’ Rights

Every child in Washington deserves access to a safe, high-quality education, regardless of immigration status. As Superintendent Chris Reykdal recently reaffirmed, public schools have both a constitutional and moral obligation to serve all students.

✔️ Undocumented children have the legal right to attend public school under Plyler v. Doe (1982).

✔️ Schools cannot deny admission based on immigration status or require Social Security numbers.

✔️ If federal authorities present a warrant, schools must notify families in advance unless legally prohibited.

📌 Resources for Families & Educators:

• OSPI Guidance: Protections for Immigrant Students

• Keep Washington Working Act: Best Practices for Schools

Expanded Resources for Immigrants & Refugees

Washington remains a welcoming state for immigrants and refugees. The Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (ORIA) at DSHS provides vital services, including:

✅ Immigration & naturalization assistance

✅ Employment & job training programs

✅ Healthcare & legal aid resources

🔹 Need help? Use ORIA’s resource tool to find services or visit a DSHS Community Service Office by searching your zip code, city, or county here.

Legislative Wins: Advancing Equity for Immigrant Communities

House Democrats are taking bold action to protect and uplift immigrant communities, ensuring Washington remains a place of opportunity for all.

🏛️ Recent Wins:

✔️ Banned private for-profit detention centers

✔️ Expanded healthcare access for undocumented adults

✔️ Protected immigrant workers from local enforcement overreach

✔️ Opened professional licensing to all, regardless of status

✔️ Funded dual-language & tribal language education programs

✔️ Invested in civil legal aid for undocumented workers

✔️ Bridged the digital divide with the Digital Equity Act

We refuse to let fear define our state. Instead, we continue to lead with compassion, action, and a commitment to justice.

📌 Know someone impacted by immigration policy changes? Share this DSHS resource link to help them access critical information.

 

Additional Legal Facts

Emergency Resources

-Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network’s Rapid Response Hotline: 1 (844) 724-3737 provides immediate assistance if ICE activity is suspected in your area.

Fourth Amendment Protections

Immigrants, like all individuals in the U.S., are protected by the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. ICE officers must have a judicial warrant to enter private homes or detain someone.

Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Residents

Washington allows undocumented individuals to obtain standard driver’s licenses or identification cards without requiring proof of legal status.

Know Your Rights

You have the right to remain silent when questioned by immigration officials.

You do not have to open the door for ICE unless they present a warrant signed by a judge.

Workplace Rights

Under federal law, all workers—regardless of immigration status—are entitled to minimum wage, overtime pay, and protections against unsafe working conditions. Employers cannot retaliate against workers for asserting these rights.

Everyone has the right to legal representation, although immigration court does not provide public defenders.

Local Law Enforcement 

Reminder: Local police and schools are not immigration enforcement. Reach out if you need clarification or help regarding your rights.

The law prohibits local law enforcement agencies from using public funds or personnel to enforce federal immigration laws.

Law enforcement cannot ask about immigration status, detain individuals solely based on immigration status, or share non-public personal information with immigration authorities without a warrant.

Washington Office of the Attorney General’s Guidance Concerning Immigration Enforcement

Stay Connected

Thank you for staying engaged. Your advocacy and input are invaluable as we continue working together to build a Washington that is inclusive, fair, and sustainable.

If you have thoughts, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out. And again, take care of yourself—find joy where you can, and know that we are fighting for a better future together.

Best,

Beth