Blog

Friends and neighbors,

We’re hard at work in this short legislative session. I remain committed to making housing, health care, and child care more affordable and accessible and protecting our community against federal overreach.

District updates 

Reps. Fitzgibbon and Thomas and I are hosting a virtual town hall on Monday, February 23, from 6-7 p.m. We’ll discuss what’s happening in Olympia and answer your questions. Feel free to submit questions in advance using this link. You can join via Facebook or YouTube.

If you have any accessibility needs, please contact my office at Emily.Alvarado@leg.wa.gov  with ‘Accessibility’ in the subject line.

Fighting for affordability 

Housing:

I’m bringing back my bill from last year (SB 5496) to block large investors from excessive purchasing of single-family homes. We have a tough housing market — the last thing we need is private equity firms buying up homes that families can afford.

I’ve also introduced SB 6069, which removes barriers to transitional and permanent supportive housing and indoor emergency shelters. To truly address homelessness, we need to plan for housing that is affordable across all income levels.

To check out my other housing bills, click here: SB 6026, SB 6027, and SB 6028.

Health care access:

SB 5993 limits interest on medical debt to 1%. The cost of health care is increasingly unsustainable and forces patients to shoulder more of the costs and go into debt. One in 5 Washingtonians report having outstanding medical bills. If passed, Washington would join many states that have capped interest rates for medical debt between 1-3%.

SB 6173: H.R. 1 has devastated health care coverage across the country, and hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians will lose access this year. It’s up to us to fill the gaps. This legislation would require some of the largest employers in the state to contribute to investments in Apple Health for their employees— a reasonable expectation that keeps people and communities healthy.

SB 6067 protects health care for workers who are injured on the job.

Child care and supporting youth: 

I’m fighting to make child care accessible for working families. SB 5500 makes DCYF report on the actual costs to deliver high-quality child care, so we can better set child care subsidy rates, helping workers and families alike.

My bill SB 5911 empowers youth in extended foster care by returning funds they’re entitled to so they can meet their own needs and better prepare for the future.

Other affordability bills I love:

• HB 2481 bans surveillance pricing and surge pricing in retail grocery stores.

• SB 6171 requires large new data centers to pay their full infrastructure costs, source clean electricity, and avoid shifting costs onto everyday ratepayers.

• SB 6162 helps keep seniors in their homes by expanding the senior citizen property tax relief program.

• Rep. Thomas’s HB 2355 creates clear, enforceable labor protections for domestic workers across Washington. This includes nannies, child care providers, and home care workers.

Fixing our tax code 

Washington is facing a budget deficit, and we continue to have an unsustainable, upside-down tax code. Between federal cuts to health care and education and inflation driving up the cost of everything from food to housing, family budgets are stretched thin.

This session, we must pursue progressive revenue options to protect the progress we’ve made and avoid further devastating cuts to our communities.

This week, Senate Democrats introduced SB 6346, a bill to establish a tax on millionaires. It would tax those making over $1 million a year at 9.9% on income above $1 million. Less than 1% of the wealthiest Washington households would be subject to the tax. Asking millionaires to step up and pay a little more will help balance our tax code, but more importantly, fund schools, health care, and other necessities families are struggling to afford.

Protecting our communities 

I will continue fighting to protect our communities and stand up against the federal overreach that has left so many Washingtonians living in fear. I stand firmly against the weaponization of personal information and the intimidation of our neighbors. In our state, all families deserve safety, and privacy must be defended.

I am proud to share that Senate Bill 5855, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez, passed the Senate. The bill prohibits law enforcement officers from hiding behind masks while interacting with the public, protecting families and neighbors from aggressive, warrantless raids that have caused fear for far too long.

The following bills help further protect our communities:

• SB 5876 bans the unauthorized possession, creation or use of law enforcement badges or insignia so legitimate officers are easily identifiable.

• SB 5852 requires employers to notify workers about federal I-9 audits, protects workers from retaliation, limits federal access to employment records, and establishes enforcement tools to ensure workers’ rights are respected. Workers should never live in fear of losing their jobs or being exploited.

• SB 5892 prevents the federal government from seizing Washingtonians’ sensitive voter data.

• SB 6002 prohibits ALPR ‘Flock’ camera data sharing for immigration enforcement or tracking legal activities and prohibits ALPR cameras in sensitive places like schools and food banks.

• SB 6286  levies fines against ICE detention facilities that prevent inspections. The money gathered from the fines would be put into a fund to help people and families ICE has harmed.

• SB 6081 prevents unauthorized disclosure of sex designation information and past changes, which will protect the right to privacy for transgender and gender-diverse Washingtonians.

I recognize that BIPOC and immigrant communities are living in fear. I’ll do whatever I can to protect our community and make sure the 34th district is a safe, welcoming place for everyone.

Meeting with constituents

Thank you to everyone who has traveled to the capitol to share your stories and advocate for change. I’ve met with parent preschool advocates, local business owners and health care providers, Interfaith Action Network, and housing and homelessness advocates to name a few. Your input matters to me. You can always reach out to my office to share your thoughts.

Contact  

You can always reach my office by email or phone.  

Phone: 360.786.7667   

Telephone Relay Service: 1.800.833.6388 (TTY)   

Legislative Hotline: 1.800.562-6000   

Email me at Emily.Alvarado@leg.wa.gov.    

It’s an honor to serve the 34th Legislative District. Go Seahawks!

Emily  

Hi neighbors,    

The legislature adjourned last week. Although this was a very challenging session, we were able to produce a balanced budget and make progress for the state. 

Notable legislation:  

We passed crucial legislation this session, including creating more safeguards for firearm purchases, improving public safety, expanding recycling across the state, ensuring Washington classrooms are both safe and welcoming, protecting reproductive care, and expanding behavioral health care.  

Investing in the 34th: 

Operating budget  

This year brought incredible challenges. We started out with a significant budget shortfall and had to make difficult decisions and worked to protect people and essential services. The final budget reflects careful adjustments and a balanced approach. We protected core services, like food assistance programs, local housing, support for refugees, and resources for crime victims. At the same time, we made investments in K-12 education, supported state employees and collective bargaining agreements, made careful reductions throughout the budget, and added thoughtful revenue to support our programs.   

Capital budget  

The capital budget covers the state’s school buildings, affordable housing, hospitals, parks, and public lands. 

Schools, Health & Community Facilities: School-based behavioral health clinics at Denny International Middle School/Chief Sealth High School ($175M); Vashon Community Pool funding ($70K); Voice of Vashon digital renovation ($167K); Sea Mar ($1.7M); Seattle International Public Market improvements ($1.3M); Seattle Public Schools Skills Center ($480K); Lower Duwamish Superfund funding ($9.7M); Tramp Harbor dock replacement on Vashon Island ($521K); Maury Island Aquatic Reserve armoring removal ($1.2M).  

We were sure to preserve funds for accessible health care and long-term care, especially as these systems are called into questions at the federal level.   

Arts & Culture: New Vashon Food Bank building ($1.3M); new Mini Mart City Park in Georgetown ($149K); new Rhapsody Project space in Pioneer Square ($200K); Red Eagle Soaring funding in Pioneer Square ($176K); Washington State Black Legacy Institute Funding ($878K); Totem Star Recording Studio at King Street Station ($253K); FIFA World Cup funding ($19.5M); Mukai Cold Process Fruit Barreling Plant funding on Vashon Island ($871K). 

Housing & Shelter: Hummingbird Village ($3M); Mary’s Place Emergency Shelter ($4.5M); The Willows supportive housing ($1M). 

Transportation budget 

The transportation budget preserves our current system while making our transportation infrastructure safer for everyone. The transportation budget includes a set-aside of $4 million for Washington State Ferries to dedicate to Kitsap and Vashon Water Taxi service. I fought hard for a fund swap that will send $10 million in flexible funding for King County to use on a range of services, including continued Water Taxi Service, and the budget reserves funds for ferry electrification so we can maintain our commitment to cleaner waters. 

Bills I sponsored: 

• HB 1217 passed both chambers and is ready for Gov. Ferguson’s signature. This significant legislation will protect renters and manufactured homeowners from excessive rent increases, giving them more stability and predictability in their housing costs.  I am proud of this legislation and the real relief it will provide for working families and older adults in the 34th LD and across the state.  

• SB 5498 will be law! Gov. Ferguson signed legislation that requires that insurance companies cover a full year of birth control when it is first prescribed, building on 2017 legislation that requires coverage of 12-month refills. 

• SB 5595 is ready to sign. The shared streets bill allows cities to create pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly zones where all sorts of travelers can safely share streets.  

• SB 5651 is also headed to the governor’s desk. This bill increases protections for people facing debt and bank garnishment so working families and older adults can have some resources protected when they face financial hardship.  

• SB 5509 makes it easier to build child care centers by removing zoning barriers, helping meet the demand for high-quality child care across the state. Both the House and Senate passed the bill, and it’s headed to Governor Ferguson for final approval. 

• SB 5463 improves access to benefits for injured workers, making sure that employers act in good faith and workers get the benefits they deserve so they can get healthy and return to work safely. This bill is also ready for the governor’s signature. 

Thank you to everyone who has called, emailed, or visited Olympia to share your opinions and priorities.  

Contact   

Starting Monday, May 5, I’m subject to election year limitations. This means I can’t send out email updates or social media posts from my office, but I’ll be in touch after the election results are certified in December.  You are still welcome to reach out to my office.  

There are many ways to stay in touch with me: 

Phone: 360.786.7667   

Telephone Relay Service: 1.800.833.6388 (TTY)   

Legislative Hotline: 1.800.562-6000   

Email me at Emily.Alvarado@leg.wa.gov.    

Thank you for reading and trusting me in this new role.  

Sincerely,    

Emily   

Hello neighbors, 

We are over halfway through the legislative session, and I wanted to reach out with this update.  

Town hall 

Your input and opinions matter to me. I’m hosting a telephone town hall conversation with Reps. Fitzgibbon and Thomas at 6 p.m. on March 17. I hope you’ll join to learn more about what’s happening in Olympia and ask us questions. Feel free to submit questions in advance using this link. 

Calls will automatically go out to constituents in the 34th Legislative District; those who answer will be invited to stay on the line to join the town hall. If you don’t receive a call, dial 855-756-7520 and use extension 120781# to participate. 

If you benefit from closed captions or ASL interpretation, please join via this Zoom meeting link: https://leg-wa-gov.zoom.us/j/96998738815?pwd=bjlokxKauxkRFQDMKXJ0s1MffRIN3u.1 

Legislative Update 

Washington faces a serious budget deficit. We are working to identify potential spending reductions that can be made without hurting our communities. An all-cuts approach to the budget would have devastating impacts; I strongly support efforts to increase progressive revenue so we can make investments Washingtonians rely on, like public education, health care, and our social safety net.  

March 12 marked the house of origin cutoff, which means any bill introduced in the Senate needed to pass the full Senate to continue moving through the process, and vice versa in the House. Here are a few bills that passed out of the Senate: 

• Public Education: Funding K-12 public education is a priority. SB 5263 increases special education funding, and SB 5192 helps public schools keep up with rising costs. 

• Environmental Protections: The Recycling Reform Act (SB 5284) strengthens Washington’s recycling program by reducing unnecessary packaging and holding companies accountable for the materials they produce. 

• Gun Violence Prevention: SB 5098 ensures safer public spaces by restricting firearms in locations where children and families gather, including parks, playgrounds, and public buildings. 

• Reproductive Health Care: Protections for reproductive health care are needed now more than ever. SB 5632 helps providers feel safe in doing their work and ensures the privacy and safety of those seeking reproductive health and gender-affirming care. SB 5557 codifies emergency rules surrounding reproductive care into state law.  

• Consumer Protections: Nearly one in three families in Washington has someone struggling with medical debt. SB 5480 protects consumers by removing medical debt from credit score reporting.  

Stay in touch 

I hope you will continue to reach out and share your thoughts. Below are some ways to make your voice heard. 

Watch — TVW.org broadcasts all House and Senate floor sessions and committee meetings.  

Testify — Go here for an overview of the process, here for instructions on how to testify remotely, and here to sign in for hearings in the House or Senate.  

Stay Informed — Visit my website and sign up for the Hot Sheet, a weekly guide to what the Senate Democratic Caucus is working on in Olympia. The Hot Sheet compiles many of the legislative priorities scheduled for a hearing or vote each day, so it’s a great snapshot of what is happening.  

Get in Touch — You can always reach my office by email or phone. 

Phone: 360.786.7667  

Telephone Relay Service: 1.800.833.6388 (TTY)  

Legislative Hotline: 1.800.562-6000  

Email me at Emily.Alvarado@leg.wa.gov.   

Thank you,
Emily  

Hi neighbors,   

I’m honored to serve as your new Senator for the 34th Legislative District. I remain focused on making housing more affordable, expanding access to childcare and health care, and protecting consumers and working families. Public education is foundational to democracy; I am deeply committed to investing in high quality public schools! 

I’ve also heard from many constituents who are concerned about attacks on our rights and the impacts federal decisions will have here in Washington State. I want you to know that I will always defend LGBTQ rights, civil rights and voting access and that I will continue to work for a state where everyone can thrive. 

Bills  

With the legislative session in full swing, I wanted to share some of the bills I have sponsored: 

• SB 5463  Helps injured workers get the healthcare coverage and benefits they deserve.  

• SB 5498 Requires insurance to allow a year’s worth of birth control at once. 

• SB 5488  Supports financial stability by ending the practice of taking public benefits from children in foster care.  

• SB 5651 Improves last dollar protections for families and seniors facing medical and consumer debt.  

• SB 5500  Fixes child care subsidy rates to make childcare more affordable and available.   

• SB 5539 Strengthens Washington’s Paid Family Medical Leave program.  

• SB 5496  Bans large institutional investors from purchasing single family homes.  

• SB 5600 Protects rideshare drivers and customers during surge pricing at large scale events.  

• HB 1217 Prohibits excessive rent increases and provides predictability and stability for renters.  

Committees  

I serve as the Vice Chair of the Senate Housing Committee and sit on the Labor & Commerce and Transportation Committees. In my new role as a member of the Transportation Committee, I am sponsoring legislation to make it easier for cities to create vibrant, walkable shared streets and advocating for continued weekday water taxi service and new weekend water taxi service to Vashon. I especially welcome your input on any issues before these committees.  

Contact  

Your voice matters. Below you will find some tips on how you can share your priorities and perspectives on policies legislators will be considering this session.  

Watch — TVW.org broadcasts all debates and votes that happen in the House or Senate, as well as all committee meetings in both chambers.  

Testify — Go here for an overview of the process, here for instructions on how to testify remotely, and here to sign in for hearings in the House or Senate.  

Stay Informed — Visit my website and sign up for the Hot Sheet, a weekly guide to what the House Democratic Caucus is working on in Olympia. The Hot Sheet compiles many of the legislative priorities scheduled for a hearing or a vote on each day, so it’s a great snapshot of what is happening each week.  

Get in Touch — You can always reach my office by email or phone. 

Phone: 360.786.7667 
Telephone Relay Service: 1.800.833.6388 (TTY) 
Legislative Hotline: 1.800.562-6000 
Email me at Emily.Alvarado@leg.wa.gov.   

Thank you again for trusting me in this role.  

Sincerely,   

Emily