Dear friends and neighbors,
The 2026 Session begins under difficult fiscal conditions with a $3.2 billion deficit, which is what we need just to maintain current services. HR 1, the federal “one big ugly bill” made major cuts to health care and food assistance programs like Medicaid, CHIP, and SNAP. In other words, the federal government has abandoned its responsibility to the people of Washington. To avoid cuts to critical services, we need to invest $900 million for DSHS and SNAP, $800 million for the Health Care Authority, $600 million for childcare funding, and $500 million for special-ed funding.
Please visit this Office of Financial Management website, updated on a monthly basis, that provides specific information on the federal changes in HR1 and when they take effect.
The governor’s proposed budget reflects how challenging this moment is for our state—but it also raises serious concerns. It includes cuts to essential services that families, students, seniors, and vulnerable communities count on every day. These aren’t just line items in a budget; they affect real people and real lives in communities across Washington.
This session we must approach the budget with a clear set of values: protect food, shelter, and health care. But we also have to face the challenges posed by our state’s revenue system, which is outdated and doesn’t meet today’s needs. It’s the second most regressive tax system in the country, putting the greatest burden on the people who can least afford it. It’s time to take an honest and serious look at our options and take action—because Washingtonians deserve a budget and a tax system that truly work for all of us.
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VIDEO UPDATE
I recorded my first video update of the session last week. Click here or on the image below to watch it:
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YOUR VOICE MATTERS
Effective representation starts with listening. To better understand your priorities and concerns, please consider taking a short survey to share what’s on your mind. Hearing directly from you helps guide my legislative work to ensure your voice is reflected in the decisions we make in Olympia. |
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A QUICK LOOK AT MY BILLS
These are some of the measures I am sponsoring this year. Click on the bill numbers below to learn more about them and check out my bill sponsorship page to see the full list, as well as to follow their progress throughout the session.
HB 1710 – Strengthening Access to the Ballot: Ensures fair and equitable elections across Washington by strengthening compliance with the Washington Voting Rights Act of 2018. It creates a clear process to review proposed election-related changes before their implementation, helping protect against practices that could dilute the voting power of people of color, language minorities, and other historically underrepresented communities. |
HB 2259 – Integrity of Our Initiative and Referendum Process: Requires proponents to show a demonstration of support — including gathering at least one-thousand signatures — before the state issues a ballot measure title. It also authorizes citizen actions for violations related to signature gatherer compensation, promoting fairness and discouraging incentive structures that can lead to fraud. |
HB 2265 – Protection from Periods of Intense Heat: Strengthens tenant rights and safety standards during extreme heat events by prohibiting landlords from keeping tenants from installing portable cooling devices, unless there are specific safety or code-related exceptions, and ensures tenants are informed of their rights. It also updates existing housing laws to prevent evictions and utility shut-offs during extreme heat periods. The Housing Committee heard my bill yesterday, click here to watch my testimony. |
HB 2373 – Monthly Energy Bill Assistance: Requires electric utilities to offer monthly bill assistance programs tailored to household income levels, making energy support more predictable and accessible. These programs would include tiered discounts, streamlined enrollment, and outreach designed with community partners — with a special focus on reducing energy burden for households facing the greatest hardship. |
HB 2409 – Collective Bargaining Rights for Farmworkers: Extends important collective bargaining protections to agricultural employees across Washington, giving them access to established labor rights and a formal process for negotiating wages, hours, and working conditions. By strengthening labor standards and supporting fair workplace relations, this bill ensures that agricultural workers — many of whom face unique barriers and linguistic and cultural challenges — have a meaningful voice at the table. My bill was heard by the House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee earlier today; you can watch my testimony here. |
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HOW TO GET ENGAGED IN THE PROCESS
It’s easy to get involved in the process! You can testify in-person or remotely on a bill in the House or Senate or simply register as pro or con to share your opinion on a bill. Your input really does matter. Click here or on the graphic below to learn the many ways in which you can make your voice heard.
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KEEP IN TOUCH
Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter and filling out my Priorities Survey.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent our community and keep you updated as the work moves quickly over the next two months. Don’t hesitate to contact my office with your concerns and feedback.
Sigamos adelante!
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