Dear friends and neighbors,
I want to take a moment away from the usual policy updates in Olympia to talk about something deeper—the power of truly seeing our neighbors. In times that feel more isolating and divisive than ever, recognizing and uplifting one another is not just important—it’s essential.
For those looking for a legislative update, stay tuned for my next message or check out my last newsletter. Additionally, my colleagues, Rep. Pollet and Sen. Valdez, and I will also be hosting a virtual town hall on March 20th. This is another great opportunity to learn more about community priorities we are advocating for in Olympia and discuss the issues that matter most to you. We hope you tune in on Facebook and submit your questions.
First, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined me in Olympia to celebrate Nowruz. It was truly moving to see Middle Eastern and Central Asian community members recognized by my colleagues. The turnout was inspiring—not just from those celebrating, but from people eager to learn about different lived experiences. Attorney General Brown and Speaker Jinkins spoke about how Nowruz is more than just a personal moment of renewal; it’s a reflection of transformation for our entire state. I am looking forward to the adoption of House Resolution 4635 to honor Nowruz!
This celebration is a reminder of something crucial: our strength as a state lies in our diversity. With uncertainty looming over federal funding and programs, my colleagues and I remain committed to protecting our most vulnerable communities. But to do so effectively, we must bring as many perspectives as possible to Olympia. We have an obligation to listen—to truly hear each other—even when we don’t see eye to eye.
In that same spirit, we celebrate Holi. Last week, we gathered at the Capitol with our Hindu and South Asian neighbors to mark Holi, a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. This followed a celebration from January celebrating India Republic Day. Both days remind me why the fight for inclusivity, fairness, and putting people first is always worth it. No amount of misinformation or fearmongering will change that.
March is also significant for another reason: it marks the beginning of Ramadan, a sacred month for more than 100,000 Muslims in Washington. Recognizing Eid isn’t just symbolic—it’s a meaningful step toward equity. That’s why I am proud to support House Bill 1434, granting Eid official legislative recognition. This isn’t just about a holiday. It’s about affirming that Muslims belong, that their traditions matter, and that Washington values every community that calls this state home.
Frankly, when I passed HB 1541, Nothing About Us, Without Us, I was driven by the same principle. You cannot create good policy or uplift underrepresented communities if you don’t see and hear them in the first place.
A lack of awareness isn’t harmless—it reflects a deeper marginalization of identity in American society. For too long, negative narratives have shaped how we perceive each other, fueling discrimination. We must do better.
As your representative in Olympia and as a lawmaker in the Members of Color Caucus, I will continue to approach policymaking with diligence and accountability. I will ensure that the voices of those impacted are heard before decisions are made. And as we navigate difficult budget choices this year, I will fight to protect our most vulnerable from harmful cuts—because a budget is more than numbers on a page; it is a reflection of our values.
Let’s continue building a state where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.
In Service,
Rep. Darya Farivar