STANDING UP TOGETHER & CARING FOR EACH OTHER

Dear friends and neighbors,

I want to begin by acknowledging the continued escalation of misconduct and violence we’re seeing from ICE agents, both here in Washington and across the country. Workers have been detained during routine interactions. People have been arrested in courthouses, schools, and places of worship. Families continue to be torn apart.

In short, federal agents have been deployed against the American people. This assault on our rights can only be described as illegal and unconstitutional and, at best, deeply immoral.

When people are afraid to go to work, to seek help, or to just go about their normal day, our sense of belonging falters and trust in public institutions breaks down.

I want you to know that we are not only resisting— we’re fighting back. Washington state has joined a lawsuit challenging federal immigration enforcement practices that threaten constitutional rights and public safety. This legal action reflects what many of us know to be true: unchecked and aggressive enforcement harms communities and undermines the rule of law.

As a Latina, the attacks and abuses by federal agents feel that much more personal. I’m speaking out because our families deserve dignity and our neighbors deserve to live without fear. Our state has a responsibility to respond when federal actions cause real harm here at home. In my latest video update, I discussed some of the steps we are taking in Olympia:

While Washington cannot control federal immigration policy, we can decide how we safeguard communities, workers, and families. We have a robust package of legislation to protect Washingtonians—including immigrant and refugee communities—by strengthening transparency, accountability, and basic protections:

HB 2165 / SB 5876: Prevents law enforcement impersonation.
HB 2173 / SB 5855: Bans use of face coverings/masks by law enforcement officers.
HB 2332 / SB 6002: Regulates license plate reader or ‘Flock’ cameras to prevent use by immigration enforcement.
HB 2409 / SB 6045: Extends public collective-bargaining rights to farmworkers, including improving workplace protections for immigrant farmworkers.
HB 2464: Establishes reporting requirements and law enforcement responses for incidents at private detention facilities.
HB 2597: Allows victims of violence by federal immigration officers to sue for state claims.
HB 2602 / SB 5906: Protects schools, health care, and other sensitive places by limiting immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant and safeguarding personal information.
SB 5974: Ensures civil immigration enforcement cannot be carried out by untrained or volunteer law enforcement personnel.

These measures can help ensure that Washington remains a welcoming state.

If you, or someone you know needs information or help, the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (ORIA) at DSHS provides vital services, and the Commission on Hispanic Affairs has a Rapid Response Hub with links to numerous resources.

I will continue fighting for policies rooted in fairness, safety, and humanity—and I am grateful to stand with so many of you who believe that no one should live in fear simply because of how they look, how they sound, or how they got here.

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU

As you may have heard, my seatmate in the other chamber, Senator Steve Conway, announced his retirement a few of weeks ago. I want to take this opportunity to honor a lifelong career of service to our community.

Throughout his time in the Legislature, Senator Conway has been a steady, principled leader — especially on issues like workers’ compensation reform, labor protections, and support for veterans and military families. His work has helped strengthen our safety net, protect working people, and ensure Washington lives up to its values.

I am deeply grateful for his partnership and guidance. He has been generous with his time, his knowledge, and his encouragement — qualities that have made a lasting impact on so many of us who have had the privilege to work alongside him.

I thank Senator Conway for his service, his leadership, and his commitment to the people of our beautiful 29th Legislative District and the entire state of Washington.

Before we give him our farewells, however, I’ve asked him to join Rep. Melanie Morgan and me in hosting a district town hall on the morning of Saturday, February 21. I will send out an invite once all the specifics are finalized.

UPDATE ON MY BILLS

HB 1903 – Statewide Low-income Utility Assistance Program: This measure helps lower energy costs for households with limited income. It directs the Department of Commerce to set up an accessible program that makes it easier for eligible families to get energy bill support by July 1, 2026. My bill works toward a more consistent, statewide approach so families can access energy assistance more simply and reliably. STATUS: in Rules Committee.

HB 1710 – Pre-Clearance toStrengthen Voting Rights Law Compliance: This bill would create a new set of rules under Washington’s Voting Rights Act to make sure local governments don’t adopt changes to their election systems that could make it harder for people in historically underrepresented communities to register, vote, or elect candidates of their choice. It would set a process for officials and the attorney general to review proposed election changes and give communities a clearer way to challenge changes that might dilute voting power. STATUS: in Rules Committee.

HB 1759 – Day of the 12s: This legislation will officially designate December 12 as “Day of the 12s,” celebrating Seahawks fans and our unmatched energy! The timing couldn’t be better — with the Seattle Seahawks winning the Super Bowl for the second time in history this past Sunday. The bill recognizes one of the things that unites Washingtonians like nothing else: our Seahawks pride, passion and unmistakable spirit! I am very happy to report that we passed it out of the House today! Read my press release here and watch my floor remarks here.

HB 2409 – Farmworker Collective Bargaining Rights: Farmworkers do essential work that puts food on our tables, yet many don’t have the same workplace protections as other workers. This bill helps level the playing field by extending more formal collective bargaining protections for them. It sets up basic rules for how agricultural employees and employers engage in union representation and negotiations, giving farmworkers a real voice on the job, promoting safer working conditions, fair treatment, and more stability. STATUS: The bill companion, SB 6045, in Senate Rules Committee.

HB 2206 – Improving Voting Access for Military and Overseas Civilians: When people are serving our country or living abroad, they shouldn’t lose their voice in our democracy. This bill helps ensure their ballots are delivered, returned, and counted on time. It updates Washington’s election laws to match national standards for voting by members of the military and U.S. citizens living overseas. STATUS: in Rules Committee.

HB 2205 – Sports Wagering: This bill updates Washington’s regulated sports wagering laws to clarify what kinds of sports and events can be bet on, strengthen tribal gaming compacts, and bolster integrity protections around sports wagering. It aims to support a well-regulated industry while protecting the public and ensuring fair play. STATUS: In Rules Committee

HB 2244 – PRA Exemptions Accountability Reform: This bill updates Washington’s public records law based on recommendations from a bipartisan committee that reviews which records should be public and which should stay private. It makes small, targeted changes to existing exemptions to better protect sensitive personal information while keeping government transparent and accountable. The goal is to strike the right balance between the public’s right to know and people’s right to privacy. STATUS: In Rules Committee

SURVEY RESULTS

First, many thanks for taking my priorities survey. Your responses will help me make better decisions as we go through the legislative process.

According to your responses:

The top three issue areas in our district are a more sustainable, fair tax system; housing and homelessness; and community well-being.
Since our safety net is being impacted by federal cuts, most of you said the state should prioritize resources mainly in health care (Medicaid & Medicare) and food assistance (SNAP, WIC).
When it comes to how safe people feel, 25% of you said somewhat unsafe, 23% said somewhat safe, 21% said mostly safe, 18% said not safe at all, 10% said mostly unsafe, and 3% said very safe.
Our 4^th question was open-ended, it asked what the state can do to help you feel safer. I am reading each of your responses carefully and will take your input into account as bills come to the floor for a vote.

These responses make it clear that too many people in our district do not feel safe. That is deeply concerning, and it is something I take seriously. Public safety is about many things — it includes making sure people can get help when they need it, having stable housing, access to health care and behavioral health services, strong community supports, and having accountability and trust in our institutions. As we move through the next few weeks of session, I will be weighing legislation with your safety concerns front and center.

I also want to hear directly from you, so I hope you can come to the town hall I will be hosting with Sen. Conway on Saturday, February 21. It’s important that we continue this conversation and discuss strategies to make our community safer.

I appreciate your interest in what I am doing in Olympia and thank you for reading my updates. Please stay in touch, call or email my office with your feedback, ideas and concerns.

¡Sigamos adelante!