Legislative Update: Greetings from your new state Senator

Dear Neighbors, Saldana swearing in

Greetings! Let me introduce myself. My name is Rebecca Saldaña, and I am honored to serve as your new state Senator for the 37^th legislative district. I know you expect a lot from your leaders, and from me as I assume the position left vacant when Pramila Jayapal won the 7^th U.S. Congressional District seat. She fought for the people of this district and our progressive values during her time in the Legislature, and I am looking forward to continuing to give you a strong voice in the state Senate.

There is no doubt we live in uncertain times – where working families, people of color, and the very safety, health and affordability of our communities is under attack. But as one of the most diverse districts in the state, both economically and racially, we have an opportunity to lead on some of today’s biggest challenges.

Saldana Senate floor with frame I have dedicated my career to standing up for black lives, immigrant and refugee rights and social and racial justice. Working alongside others in our community and through my work at Puget Sound Sage, I have fought for housing affordability, transit access, fair labor standards and environmental justice. As your state senator, I will continue working for policies and revenue so that we may have healthy, affordable and thriving communities now and into the future. I will also stand firmly against the hostilities and threatened violence coming out of Washington D.C.

While passing quality policy in the minority will be an uphill battle with a Republican majority, I understand well what it means to be in the “minority.” Being outnumbered has never stopped me from standing up for what is right.

Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter. I hope you will e-mail, call or come visit me in Olympia to discuss your priorities, ideas and concerns. Together, we will bring the 37^th Legislative District’s values of fairness, equity, multiculturalism and mutual respect to the state Capitol.

Sincerely,