Dear neighbors,
Our community is strongest when we stand together – especially when some are being singled out, pushed aside, or told they don’t belong. That value is guiding my work this session, from protecting immigrant communities, to responding to homelessness with compassion and solutions, to defending Washington’s clean air, water, and energy future in the face of growing federal uncertainty.
Standing with Immigrant and Refugee Communities
Recently, members of the Washington State House Members of Color Caucus strongly condemned hateful, racist, and xenophobic rhetoric coming from the federal level that fuels fear and directly harms immigrant and refugee families here in Washington.
Let me be clear: our Somali neighbors and all immigrant communities across the 33rd Legislative District are valued, respected, and essential to who we are. They are small business owners, healthcare workers, educators, students, and caregivers. They make our state stronger.
This commitment is not just words. Washington has acted, passing the Keep Washington Working Act, protecting workers’ sick leave during immigration proceedings (HB 1875), and advancing new legislation to ensure transparency during employer audits (HB 2105) and prevent surveillance technology from being used to target immigrant families.
Last October, I visited the Congolese Integration Network in SeaTac, a refugee and immigrant welcoming and healing center supported by state funding. We talked about how transitional services help newly arrived families put down roots and contribute to our shared future. These investments reflect Washington’s values: dignity, opportunity, and belonging.
Homelessness: Shelter, Not Punishment
Washington is facing a homelessness crisis, but we should be honest about its cause. Rents rose faster than wages for years. Housing supply didn’t keep up. Too many families are one emergency away from losing their home.
The Legislature has taken important steps – stabilizing rent increases (HB 1217), expanding middle housing (HB 1110), allowing homes near transit (HB 1491), and opening underused spaces for housing (HB 1757). These policies matter. But they haven’t fully caught up to the scale of the crisis.
In King County alone, more than 16,000 people experienced homelessness on a single night last year. Nearly 60% had no shelter available. Some cities are responding with outreach, shelter, and services. Others have turned to punishing people for sleeping, sitting, or protecting their belongings when no shelter exists. That approach doesn’t solve homelessness, it just moves people around and wastes public dollars.
That’s why I am introducing the Shelter, Not Penalties Act. It sets a simple, humane standard: local governments should not criminalize unavoidable, life-sustaining behavior when adequate shelter isn’t available. This bill does not allow camping anywhere. It ends punishment without solutions.
Real public safety comes from housing, shelter, and stability – not citations and arrests that make it harder for people to get back on their feet. A great example of this is Mercy Housing in SeaTac which received state support from the Housing Trust Fund. I was honored to visit the facility last October and see how local and state partnerships can lead to affordable housing and supportive services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. When we partner with each other and recognize the humanity in one another, we have the power to transform lives with real solutions.
Federal Rollbacks to Environmental & Energy Policy
In 2025, major federal shifts began threatening clean energy jobs, energy affordability, environmental protections, and public health across Washington. Clean energy tax credits are being eliminated early. Billions in federal climate and energy grants including funding for solar access, EV charging, and the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub have been frozen or clawed back. These decisions put thousands of Washington jobs at risk and raise long-term energy costs for families.
At the same time, federal agencies are weakening pollution standards, walking back protections against toxic chemicals and PFAS, and dismantling environmental justice tools that help identify communities most impacted by pollution.
Washington is responding by standing on our own laws: the Climate Commitment Act, the Clean Energy Transformation Act, the HEAL Act, and strong clean air and water protections. But losing federal funding and data makes this work harder and more expensive.
Still, we will not back down. Clean air, safe drinking water, affordable energy, and healthy communities are not optional. They are fundamental.
Visit Olympia & Share Your Priorities
I invite you to visit the Capitol during session and make your voice heard. The 2026 Legislative Session begins on Thursday, January 12, and there are many easy ways to get here—free shuttles, bus service, accessible parking, and visitor amenities.
Whether you come to testify, meet with lawmakers, or simply observe democracy in action, your presence matters. You can also share your priorities anytime by filling out my community survey.
Thank you for your continued engagement, your ideas, and your trust. I’m honored to represent the 33rd Legislative District and remain committed to policies that put people first.
In service,
Representative Mia Gregerson