Hey Neighbors,
We have less than 20 days left in the legislative session, so I wanted to drop you a line with an update on what’s been happening in Olympia and what’s coming up.
First, I want to thank everyone who joined our telephone town hall last month! Hundreds of you joined in and asked really tough and important questions. A couple topics bubbled to the top as significant concerns that I wanted to talk a bit more about here: protecting immigrant communities and the state budget.
Let’s start with immigrant protections.
The continued chaos at the federal level, particularly the alarming actions of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in our communities and on college campuses around country, is deeply concerning to me. In Olympia we are doing everything we can to ensure that we have laws on the books that protect people as much as possible within the bounds of our authority
It’s difficult to establish stability during a time of extreme volatility but in this Washington, we believe in protecting and supporting all residents and that is what we will continue to do.
My office has gathered materials and resources for people looking for guidance. Take a look at the image below. Keep reading to see more resources.
In response to the growing fears in our communities, the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs has launched a rapid response hub to support undocumented immigrants. It is filled with vital resources, tools, and information designed to help families navigate these challenging times.
🔹 Need help? Use ORIA’s resource tool to find services or visit a DSHS Community Service Office by searching your zip code, city, or county here.
Here are some additional legal facts:
Emergency Resources
- Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network’s Rapid Response Hotline: 1 (844) 724-3737 provides immediate assistance if ICE activity is suspected in your area.
Fourth Amendment Protections
- Immigrants, like all individuals in the U.S., are protected by the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. ICE officers must have a judicial warrant to enter private homes or detain someone.
Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Residents
- Washington allows undocumented individuals to obtain standard driver’s licenses or identification cards without requiring proof of legal status.
Know Your Rights
- You have the right to remain silent when questioned by immigration officials.
- You do not have to open the door for ICE unless they present a warrant signed by a judge.
Workplace Rights
- Under federal law, all workers—regardless of immigration status—are entitled to minimum wage, overtime pay, and protections against unsafe working conditions. Employers cannot retaliate against workers for asserting these rights.
- Everyone has the right to legal representation, although immigration court does not provide public defenders.
Local Law Enforcement
- Reminder: Local police and schools are not immigration enforcement. Reach out if you need clarification or help regarding your rights.
- The law prohibits local law enforcement agencies from using public funds or personnel to enforce federal immigration laws.
- Law enforcement cannot ask about immigration status, detain individuals solely based on immigration status, or share non-public personal information with immigration authorities without a warrant.
Read the Washington Office of the Attorney General’s Guidance Concerning Immigration Enforcement
🏛️ Recent Legislative Wins:
✔️ Banned private for-profit detention centers
✔️ Expanded healthcare access for undocumented adults
✔️ Protected immigrant workers from local enforcement overreach
✔️ Opened professional licensing to all, regardless of status
✔️ Funded dual-language & tribal language education programs
✔️ Invested in civil legal aid for undocumented workers
✔️ Bridged the digital divide with the Digital Equity Act
✍🏾What We’re Fighting For This Session:
✔️ Increasing oversight of detention facilities
✔️ Allowing workers to use paid sick leave for immigration-related legal proceedings
✔️ Strengthening court interpreter credentialing and covering the cost for interpreters in some cases
✔️ Ensuring accountability for hate crime offenses
✔️ Increasing protections for isolated workers
✔️ Protecting funding for the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Assistance
✔️ Protecting funding for health care for undocumented people
We refuse to let fear define our state. We will continue to lead with compassion, action, and a commitment to justice.
Now, a bit about the budget.
House Democrats recently introduced our 2025-2027 budget proposal—a plan that holds the line on essential services while making responsible adjustments to keep our state financially stable. We are looking at ways to grow revenue through progressive options like asking the wealthy to pay their fair share, while also combing the budget for ways we can scale back spending without hurting folks who depend on crucial services.
Progressive revenue
During our town hall, many of you asked about what kinds of progressive revenue options the House is proposing. Here’s a few items on the table:
✅ A Financial Intangible Assets Tax (FIT) – This applies a tax on stocks and bonds owned by ultra-wealthy individuals (exempting the first $50 million) to generate $2 billion per year for K-12 education. Homeowners already pay property taxes on their biggest asset—their home. This ensures that those whose wealth comes from financial assets contribute their fair share, too.
✅ School & Public Safety Funding Adjustments – Our proposal allows property tax growth to reflect inflation and population increases (capped at 3%) and ensures rural school districts receive fair funding. This brings in $50 million in 2026 and $150 million in 2027 for K-12 schools.
✅ Surcharge on High-Grossing Corporations – We’re asking the biggest corporations and financial institutions—those making over $250 million a year—to pay a modest surcharge, generating nearly $2 billion by 2027. Small businesses won’t be affected, but this will help protect public services that working families rely on.
Learn more about the budget here:
My colleague Rep. April Berg, Chair of the House Finance Committee, made a helpful video explaining more about the revenue proposals here:
There’s no sugarcoating the fact that we are in a challenging budget situation. But these are common sense, sustainable policy proposals that not only address our current fiscal situation and set us up for a brighter future. That’s a future where we can meet the needs of all Washington residents, and ensure Washington is an affordable and accessible place for everyone to live.
On a lighter note…
It’s been incredible to be here in Olympia advocating on behalf of your interests and elevating your experiences. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t just sit in an office all day (although I am there often meeting with constituents)! Recently, I’ve spent a lot of my time on the House floor fighting for bills that I know will protect and benefit our community. I joined a rally in support of the rent stabilization bill that I know will be a lifeline for so many of us. And I’ve had the pleasure of hosting several pages like Eleanor Needham and Vienne Linsalata in my office, who have given me hope for the future of leadership in our great state.
That’s all for now. Please keep an eye out for my next legislative update.
Sincerely,
Rep. Brianna Thomas