Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I want to start with a thank you if you have reached out to my office over the past few weeks! I appreciate hearing from about the issues that matter most to you! And thank you to everyone who joined me and Sen. Trudeau at the Capitol this week to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, along with everyone who came out to Crossroads Park for our local Holi Color Festival a few weeks back!
These were both meaningful opportunities to connect with neighbors, educate fellow lawmakers on the contributions of Muslim, Hindu, and immigrant communities, and reinforce our commitment to inclusive policies. I will continue to advocate for all voices across our communities to ensure we have a seat at the table to create change!
Thank You for a Successful 48th LD Town Hall!
I sincerely appreciate everyone who took the time to join us on March 23rd for our 48th Legislative District Town Hall in Redmond. With nearly 200 residents in attendance, it was a full house and a testament to the incredible civic engagement in our community. It was an honor to connect with so many of you and to address your thoughtful questions.
A special thank you to the Together Center for hosting us and to Redmond Mayor Angela Birney for moderating the discussion. I also want to recognize my seatmates, Sen. Vandana Slatter and Rep. Amy Walen, for their leadership and partnership in serving our district.
As we enter the final stretch of the legislative session, I am carrying your concerns with me to Olympia. You can watch my video update on my first town hall as a state legislator, the issues we covered, and an update on my bills in the Senate by clicking here or on the image below.
Capital Budget Update
As a member of the House Capital Budget Committee, I’m proud to have worked on this year’s robust budget that invests in the future of Washington state. It puts more than $1 billion toward public school construction, both in small schools and larger districts. There’s also $723 million for affordable housing, $470 million for behavioral health facilities, and significant funding for early learning centers, Boys and Girls Clubs, and community centers.
The proposed budget allocates $2.35 million for projects in the 48th Legislative District, including funding for Redmond Childcare Expansion, Teen Workforce Development, Bellevue Family YMCA and Housing, Peter Kirk Pool, and SE Redmond Park Playground and Court Development.
As a member of the House Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee, I’m also excited to share $9.45 million in investments toward two local colleges in our region, Bellevue College and Lake Washington Institute of Technology.
To ensure responsible budgeting practices for the future, our budget also puts aside more money than usual for reserves, which is due to the uncertainty coming from Washington, D.C. and tariffs driving up the price of materials.
Recognizing Eid in Our State Legislature
For too long, Muslim students and employees have faced challenges balancing religious observance with academic and professional commitments. Washington is making strides toward inclusivity with Senate Bill 5106, which formally recognizes Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha—a vital step in ensuring cultural and religious equity. Sponsored by Sen. Trudeau and serving as the companion to House Bill 1434, this legislation acknowledges the contributions of over 100,000 Muslim Washingtonians. Just as the state recognizes Lunar New Year and other cultural observances, this measure affirms our values of diversity and respect.
Now, SB 5106 awaits the Governor’s signature! If enacted, it will send a strong message that Washington values all communities, while we recognize our constitutional freedom as Americans to celebrate and practice our faiths however we choose. Watch my remarks on the House floor or read this recent KUOW story to learn more about this bill and my commitment to putting people first.
Stay Connected!
Please remember that my office is always available to hear from you—whether you’d like to schedule a meeting or share your thoughts on key legislation. You can also reach me by email.
As this session wraps up, set to adjourn on April 27, here’s a roadmap of key milestones leading up to Sine Die:
I look forward to sharing an update in the coming weeks on the impactful funding headed to the 48th Legislative District. These investments are essential for preserving vital services and supporting our most vulnerable communities.
Thank you for staying engaged and for the privilege of representing our vibrant 48th LD!
In Service,
Representative Osman Salahuddin
48th Legislative District