Dear friends and neighbors,
Just a quick note to let you know this will be my last e-newsletter for a while, as Election Year Activity (EYA) restrictions go into effect tomorrow.
So, what does that mean? Washington’s Ethics in Public Service Act sets limits on how legislators can communicate using official channels during election years, to ensure public resources are not used for campaign purposes. This includes a pause on social media posts and mass communications, like this e-newsletter, until after the election is certified in the fall.
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Please keep in mind that I am still your state representative, and I will continue working on your behalf throughout the interim. I can also respond to emails and calls, so don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions, concerns, or ideas.
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WE NEED INSPECTIONS AT THE ICE NW DETENTION CENTER
This past Tuesday, Governor Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown echoed what many of us have been saying: enough is enough! It’s time to investigate the deeply concerning reports about conditions at the ICE Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma.
I have heard many of these stories firsthand. That’s why I sponsored House Bill 2464 this session, which would require incidents to be reported directly to law enforcement and the Washington State Department of Health. While my bill did not pass, I remain committed to continuing this work—because everyone deserves fair and humane treatment, even while detained.
Watch the press conference on TVW:
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Read the governor’s release seeking a court order to allow health inspections at the NWDC.
Read the KUOW story.
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PROTECTING THE FREEDOM TO VOTE
On April 29, 2026, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision that weakens key protections under the federal Voting Rights Act—making it harder to challenge discriminatory voting maps and practices in courts across the country.
Anticipating the need to act at the state level, we passed a package of bills this session to strengthen voting rights in Washington. This past Thursday, the House Democrats Members of Color Caucus—of which I am a member—released a statement outlining how these new laws will help safeguard access to the ballot and ensure every Washingtonian has a fair voice in our democracy.
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HONORING WORKERS, STRENGTHENING PROTECTIONS
A couple of days ago, on May 1, International Workers’ Day, we honored the hands that build, the minds that create, and the hearts that serve. From classrooms to job sites, from small businesses to agriculture, working people are the foundation of strong communities.
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As a member of the House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee, this year I was proud to sponsor the Immigrant Worker Protections Act and support legislation that strengthens workplace protections and improves job quality—including cracking down on wage theft, helping workers recover unpaid wages, protecting workers’ privacy, supporting domestic workers, and giving child care workers more flexibility, to name a few. You’ll find information on these bills in our 21st District Session Report in the next section.
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2026 LEGISLATIVE SESSION REPORT
The 2026 legislative session called for collaboration and a clear focus on the essentials. In a challenging supplemental budget year, we worked across the aisle to protect the services people rely on. Of the 268 bills passed this session, 174 received at least 80 percent support from both chambers, underscoring the importance of working together to get things done.
You can read more about these efforts in the 2026 Session Report to the 21st Legislative District that my seatmates, Sen. Marko Liias, Rep. Strom Peterson and I prepared and mailed out in April. It has probably already reached your mailbox. If you didn’t receive it—or if you’d prefer to read it online—you can click here or on the preview below.
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Thank you for staying engaged and connected—your voice continues to shape my work in meaningful ways.
I want to acknowledge that, for many in our district and the entire state, especially for communities of color, ICE activity has created real fear and uncertainty. Please know that I see you, I hear you, and I remain committed to standing up for the dignity, safety, and rights of every person in our community. I want to share some resources that may be helpful to you or someone you know.
Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and restful summer and fall. I look forward to staying connected with you in the months ahead.
Sincerely,
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