As we begin this year’s legislative session, I want to thank you for staying engaged and informed. Your input is invaluable to the work we do, and I look forward to hearing from you as we tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead. 

This session, I’m serving on the following committees: 

• Civil Rights & Judiciary 

• Housing 

• Postsecondary Education & Workforce 

• Transportation 

These assignments reflect my commitment to protecting civil rights, addressing housing affordability, expanding educational opportunities, and ensuring equitable transportation access for all. This year, we’re facing tight budget constraints. I’m intentionally not sponsoring a large number of bills, because my focus remains on preserving and protecting the impactful legislation we’ve already passed. We’ll continue to build on our progress and prioritizing supporting Washingtonians across the state.  

Your voice is an essential part of the legislative process. Here are a few ways to connect and share your thoughts: 

• Email: Contact me 

• Facebook: Follow me 

• Newsletter: Subscribe here 

• Legislative Website: housedemocrats.wa.gov/entenman 

Additionally, stay tuned for upcoming town hall information!  

Engagement is at the heart of our democracy. Here’s how you can participate: 

• Watch: Follow live broadcasts of committee meetings, debates, and votes on TVW.org. 

• Testify: Share your voice on legislation—virtually or in writing—during the committee process. Personal stories have a powerful impact. 

• Contact: Schedule a meeting with me through my Legislative Assistant, Meynuna Abdalla, at Meynuna.Abdalla@leg.wa.gov.  

Stabilizing Rent and Protecting Tenants Affordable housing is a human right and the foundation of thriving communities. Did you know that every $100 increase in median rent is estimated to increase homelessness by 9%? With skyrocketing rents pushing families to the brink, we’re taking bold action to stabilize housing costs and protect tenants from displacement. These measures are critical to ensuring that everyone—regardless of income, race, or background—has access to a safe, stable place to call home.  

Our housing policies are rooted in equity, addressing systemic barriers that disproportionately burden marginalized and low-income households. By advancing rent stabilization and tenant protections, we’re not just fighting against homelessness; we’re building a Washington where families can put down roots, children can grow up securely, and communities can prosper.  

This priority reflects our commitment to tackling the housing crisis head-on and upholding the values of fairness and dignity for all Washingtonians. 

Our state continues to lead with compassion and inclusivity, and Superintendent Chris Reykdal’s recent message highlights this commitment. Public schools have a constitutional and moral obligation to provide a free, high-quality public education to all students residing within their boundaries. Washington state is protecting immigrant students, regardless of their citizenship status, ensuring all children feel safe, supported, and welcome. I’m proud to live in a state that values equity and opportunity for all. 

• OSPI Guidance – Protections for Immigrant Students in Washington’s K-12 Public Schools 

• Keep Washington Working Act – Guidance, Model Policies, and Best Practices for Public Schools 

Did you know we have an Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (ORIA) within the Economic Services Administration at DSHS? The goal of this office is to assist refugee and immigrants who arrive in Washington state thrive and be successful. Our state consistently ranks in the top 10 resettlement states in the US. And despite the changes happening at the federal level, Washington remains a welcoming state to refugees and immigrants. 

The ORIA website has an interactive resource tool to help refugees and immigrants find programs and services they may need. Services range from immigration assistance and naturalization services to employment and training, and more. To access services, one needs to complete an application online through Washington Connection. If it’s easier, folks can always visit a local DSHS Community Service Office for assistance as well. To find your local office, input your zip code, city, or county here. 

If you know any community members who made need information on how to plan for changes in federal immigration policies and practices, consider sharing this link from the DSHS with them. 

Despite the benefits, only about half of Washington’s high school seniors file a FAFSA. High school seniors and others can now apply for financial aid for the 2025-26 academic year, a crucial step toward college and career training. In Washington, U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens can use the FAFSA for federal and state aid, while others can apply for state aid through the WASFA. The FAFSA opened in late November, and the WASFA is now available. 

For 2025-26, families of four earning up to $131,000 may qualify for state aid through the Washington College Grant (WA Grant), which supports low- and middle-income residents, including undocumented students. Grant amounts vary by income, family size, and program. Completing the FAFSA or WASFA automatically considers applicants for WA Grant. 

I’m honored to represent the 47th District and to be your voice in Olympia. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant community. 

Warm regards, 

Rep. Debra Entenman