{"id":3225,"date":"2026-01-23T17:35:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-24T00:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/cortes\/?p=3225"},"modified":"2026-01-23T18:07:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-24T01:07:09","slug":"2026-legislative-session-update","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/cortes\/2026\/01\/23\/2026-legislative-session-update\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 legislative session update"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Dear friends and neighbors &#8211;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">It\u2019s\u00a0already week two of the 2026 legislative session, and our office is working hard to deliver results for the 18th Legislative District and Washington state. Last session, we passed legislation to increase investments in public safety, fund special education, and make housing more affordable. In addition, I worked tirelessly to make meaningful progress for the 18th Legislative District and ensure our community receives its fair share.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This session, we are focused on passing policy solutions that help our state become a place everyone can live \u2014 fully funding education, building affordable housing, creating a tax system that puts working people first, and ensuring our communities are safe and healthy. Our state is facing\u00a0difficult times, from cuts to federal funded programs to rising costs, but I know we can work together to find solutions that\u00a0benefit\u00a0Washingtonians for years to come.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">2026 Legislative Priorities:<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Thank you to everyone who filled out our 2026 pre-session survey.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0essential I learn more about your top concerns.\u00a0Didn\u2019t\u00a0get a chance to complete the survey?\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/forms.office.com\/Pages\/ResponsePage.aspx?id=bA6LhImUg02zHk_emXMrCXREAGaS-d9Kt7OA7sD2oi1UMFNaUVI4MTdWSVFZWU9RSUhMNVdNOUpRQS4u\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You can still fill it out here.<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Your top issue areas in the survey were education, housing, health care, and immigration. I share those same concerns, and\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0dedicated to prioritizing our schools, protecting consumers, improving community safety for everyone, keeping Washingtonians healthy, protecting our elections, and reducing the tax burden on working families and people on fixed incomes. Below is a snapshot of legislation\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0sponsoring or co-sponsoring this session\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/bi\/report\/billsbysponsor\/?biennium=2025-26&amp;senateSponsorId=35473&amp;sponsorType=senate&amp;billsBySponsorReportType=allbills&amp;hasCompanionBills=false\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">(find a full list here)<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Improving our Schools<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/BillSummary\/?BillNumber=5951&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false\">Senate Bill 5951<\/a>:<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Similar to the epinephrine bill passed in 2024, Senate Bill 5951 authorizes public and private schools to be allowed to maintain and use a supply of albuterol at each school beginning in the 2027-28 school year. Albuterol can be life saving for students with asthma. As an educator, I know how important it is that our schools are safe learning environments for our students. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/BillSummary\/?BillNumber=6115&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Senate Bill\u00a06115<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">: Cancer Pathways (formerly Gilda&#8217;s Club) has been providing cancer education successfully for quite a few years around the Puget Sound area, and they would like to broaden their work statewide.\u00a0\u00a0As I am sure you are aware, the earlier we educate children about the evils of Tobacco and nicotine delivery systems and their links to cancer, the better. Cancer Pathway&#8217;s age-appropriate classes also cover HPV, skin cancer, breast cancer and testicular cancer. I believe that this will make Washington state&#8217;s population healthier in the long run.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Keeping Washingtonians Healthy<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/BillSummary\/?BillNumber=5823&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Senate Bill 5823<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">: Patient advocates help patients navigate the complex health care system by acting as a liaison between them and their doctors, insurance company, and hospital. This bill would require that certain hospitals provide patients with access to a patient advocate. Patient advocates look out for what is in the best interest of patients, and\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0important Washingtonians have access to the support they provide.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Consumer Protection and Consumer Savings<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/BillSummary\/?BillNumber=5331&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Senate Bill 5331<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">: Working-class families know the real pain of the rising costs of insurance (auto insurance, home insurance, renters insurance), and when an insurance company wrongly overcharges them for insurance, they need an advocate to protect their hard-earned money. That\u2019s why Senate Bill 5331 enables the Insurance Commissioner to order restitution payments to consumers who have wrongfully lost money or other property through the unlawful actions of an insurer or other regulated entity.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Community Safety<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/BillSummary\/?BillNumber=5876&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Senate Bill 5876<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">:\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0critical we ensure legitimate law enforcement officers are clearly identifiable, increasing safety and accountability. This bill prohibits individuals who are not law enforcement officers from making,\u00a0providing\u00a0or\u00a0possessing\u00a0badges or other law enforcement insignias. This legislation would help limit the sale,\u00a0purchase\u00a0and possession of items with law enforcement insignias on them, with an exception for items used in works of art, commentary, satire, and parody.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Election Integrity<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/BillSummary\/?BillNumber=6084&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Senate Bill 6084<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">: This bill addresses a recent Lewis County court case by clarifying the\u00a0definition of an election and stipulating that a person may not vote in an election in Washington and another state if the election date is the same for both\u00a0states. In<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0a surprising\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Division II Court of Appeals decision in State v.\u00a0Padrta<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">,\u00a0the court\u00a0found that because the term \u201celection\u201d was ambiguous and no single issue or person appeared on both the Oregon and Washington ballot, a defendant\u2019s conviction for voting in both Oregon and Washington during the November 2022 general election was overturned.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">I believe this ruling could lead to election fraud. The Secretary of State has asked the Lewis County prosecutor to appeal the decision to the State Supreme Court. However, given the timeline of that appeal, the issue is unlikely to be resolved before the 2026 midterm elections, and I believe that a legislative fix to RCW 29A.84.650 this session is\u00a0appropriate.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Protecting the quality of life for working families<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/BillSummary\/?BillNumber=6162&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Senate Bill 6162<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">:\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0proud to co-sponsor this bill which would expand and streamline the senior citizen property tax relief program,\u00a0consolidate\u00a0the state property tax, and make the use of state property tax revenues more transparent.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0critical we support seniors in Washington state and people with disabilities stay in their homes, while simplifying our tax system. This bill does just that and is one way we are working to make our tax code more\u00a0equitable.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/BillSummary\/?BillNumber=5795&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Senate Bill 5795<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">: I have joined Sen. Deb Krishnadasan to introduce this bill, which would roll back Washington\u2019s state sales tax from 6.5% to 6.0%\u2014the first significant tax cut in more than 40 years, saving billions of dollars for Washingtonians. <\/span><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Our state and local sales tax rate ranks among the highest in the nation, placing a disproportionate burden on working families and those living paycheck to paycheck. This important bill is about fairness, responsibility, and lifting up working people.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/BillSummary\/?BillNumber=5820&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Senate Bill 5820<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">: This bill repeals prior legislation that allows industrial development on resource lands and in critical areas\u00a0adjacent to\u00a0the railroad in Clark County. The railroad runs through cities and next to fish habitat, streams, and farmland. The current law allows industrial development that would otherwise be restricted by the Growth Management Act (GMA). This bill simply removes this outlier to the GMA, so we can enhance the safety of residents who live\u00a0in close proximity to\u00a0the rail line\u00a0and quality of life for working families living in north Clark County.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Stay involved:<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Thank you to everyone who reached out to our office during the interim. Your input is critical to my work and helps me better represent you in Olympia. Below you will find helpful resources that make it easy for you to be part of the legislative process. You can testify in real time on a bill,\u00a0submit\u00a0written testimony, and track all the policies being considered in Olympia. You can also sign up for free committee notifications on a particular bill of interest, so you know each time it takes a step in the legislative process.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Learn\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">how a bill becomes a law at\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/leg.wa.gov\/learn-and-participate\/how-a-bill-becomes-a-law\/?step=1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Leg.Wa.Gov\/learn-and-participate\/how-a-bill-becomes-a-law<\/span><\/b><\/a><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Find\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">legislation on the issues important to you at\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/BillInfo\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">App.Leg.WA.Gov\/BillInfo<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Watch\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">broadcasts and archived videos of your democracy in action at\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/tvw.org\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">TVW.org<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Testify\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">before legislative committees at\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/leg.wa.gov\/learn-and-participate\/how-to-participate-in-the-lawmaking-process\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Leg.WA.Gov\/Learn-and-participate\/how-to-participate-in-the-lawmaking-process<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Stay informed<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0by calling the Legislative Hotline at 1.800.562.6000.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Reach out\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">via\u00a0my\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/cortes\/contact\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">contact information<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">It\u2019s\u00a0a privilege to serve the 18th, and I look forward to continuing our work together this legislative session. Please feel free to reach out to our office if you have any questions or concerns by calling 360-786-7634 or emailing\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"mailto:Adrian.Cortes@leg.wa.gov\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Adrian.Cortes@leg.wa.gov<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">It\u2019s\u00a0an honor to\u00a0represent\u00a0you and a privilege to bring our southwest Washington values to Olympia.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Sincerely,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3121\" src=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/cortes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/Cortes-sig-300x80.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"80\" srcset=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/cortes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/Cortes-sig-300x80.jpg 300w, https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/cortes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/Cortes-sig-1024x273.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/cortes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/Cortes-sig-768x205.jpg 768w, https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/cortes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/Cortes-sig-1536x410.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/cortes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/Cortes-sig.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Sen. Adrian Cortes<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dear friends and neighbors &#8211;\u00a0 It\u2019s\u00a0already week two of the 2026 legislative session, and our office is working hard to deliver results for the 18th Legislative District and Washington state. Last session, we passed legislation to increase investments in public safety, fund special education, and make housing more affordable. In addition, I worked tirelessly to make meaningful progress for the 18th Legislative District and ensure our community receives its fair share.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 This session, we are focused on passing policy solutions that help our state become a place everyone can live \u2014 fully funding education, building affordable housing, creating a tax&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":57,"featured_media":3226,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"disable_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3225","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-e-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>2026 legislative session update - Sen. 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In addition, I worked tirelessly to make meaningful progress for the 18th Legislative District and ensure our community receives its fair share.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 This session, we are focused on passing policy solutions that help our state become a place everyone can live \u2014 fully funding education, building affordable housing, creating a tax...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/cortes\/2026\/01\/23\/2026-legislative-session-update\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Sen. 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