Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

Happy new year! I hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe, healthy, and grounded as we step into 2026 together.  

As we prepare for the upcoming legislative session, I want to be transparent with you: this will be another challenging year in Olympia. Our state is facing real fiscal constraints, and the decisions ahead will not be easy. But I remain deeply committed to fighting for the values that define Washington — fairness, opportunity, and care for one another. 

I’m honored to share that Governor Ferguson recently appointed me to serve as a board member on the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. 

Community and technical colleges play a vital role in our region — providing affordable education, workforce training, and pathways to family-wage jobs for students of all ages. In South King County especially, these institutions are essential engines of economic mobility and opportunity. 

In this role, I look forward to supporting students, strengthening workforce partnerships, and ensuring our colleges have the resources they need to meet the evolving needs of Washington’s economy. 

Here’s a quick look at the bills I’ve introduced this session:  

HB 2458 – Expand Washington College Grant Access This bill expands the Washington College Grant to include students enrolled in eligible postsecondary non-degree credential programs, making financial aid more accessible to more learners.  

HB 2498 – Nursing Education Program Standards This bill updates standards for nursing education programs in Washington, aiming to ensure consistent quality and preparation for nursing students.  

HB 2508 – Clarify Office of Independent Investigations Authority This bill clarifies and aligns the scope of authority of the Office of Independent Investigations with current practice, including public disclosure requirements and privacy protections. 

Your voice matters. I’ve put together a short poll to hear directly from you about the issues you’d like me prioritizing this session. Whether it’s housing affordability, public safety, education, climate resilience, or another concern affecting your family, your input helps guide my work in Olympia. 

I encourage you to take a few minutes to share what matters most to you. 

This winter’s devastating floods caused real hardship for families across our region, including here in King County. I’ve heard from constituents who experienced damage to their homes, disruptions to work, and ongoing uncertainty about how to recover. These extreme weather events underscore the importance of both immediate disaster response and long-term investments in climate resilience and infrastructure. 

Following Governor Bob Ferguson’s disaster declaration, $2.5 million in emergency cash assistance is now available to help eligible households cover essential recovery costs.  

If your home was damaged, you may qualify. 

You may be eligible if you: 

• Live in King, Snohomish, Skagit, or Whatcom counties 

• Earn 80% or less of the area median income 

• Can show that your primary residence was destroyed or damaged, including flooding that reached electrical outlets on the home’s first floor 

Funds can be used for: 

• Short-term housing 

• Small home repairs 

• Food replacement 

Grant amounts vary by household size. 

The state is partnering with The Salvation Army to help administer this assistance. 

How to apply: 

• Apply online at SAhelp.org (enter your ZIP code to begin) 

• Call 833-719-4981 

• Or visit a disaster assistance center in your county 

If you need help navigating this process or have questions about eligibility, my office is here to help. 

My office regularly assists constituents with unemployment benefits, disaster recovery issues, and challenges navigating state agencies. If you’re experiencing delays, confusing paperwork, or difficulty getting a response, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Helping constituents cut through red tape and access the services they’re entitled to is one of the most important parts of my job. While we can’t guarantee outcomes, we can often help move things forward, get answers, and make sure your concerns are being heard. 

As we work through the state budget this session, I want to highlight opportunities within the capital budget, which invests in local, public community projects — from schools and libraries to housing, infrastructure, and behavioral health facilities. 

These funds are a critical way the state supports long-term community needs and brings resources directly back to the Auburn area and surrounding communities. If you’re part of a local government, nonprofit, or community organization — or have a project that could benefit the public — I encourage you to contact my office early to learn more about the process, eligibility, and timelines. 

One of the most meaningful ways young people can engage with our democracy is through the Washington State Legislative Page Program. Pages spend a week in Olympia assisting on the House or Senate floor, learning firsthand how laws are made, and meeting legislators from across the state.  

Students ages 14–16 are eligible to apply, and I strongly encourage families in the 40th Legislative District to consider this opportunity. Serving as a page is an unforgettable experience — and for many students, it’s the first step toward a lifetime of civic engagement.  

📘 Apply here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/pageapplication/ 

If you have questions or would like help with the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office.   

Your voice matters! Whether it’s submitting testimony, attending town halls, or reaching out to my office, your engagement strengthens our democracy and shapes better policy.  

📬 Testify on bills 

📆 Track legislation 

📣 Follow me on Facebook 

As always, it is an honor to serve you. I will continue to lead with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to our shared future. 

Warmly, 

Rep. Debra Entenman