Dear friends and neighbors, 

We’re over two-thirds of the way through the 2025 session! As we continue to tackle key issues facing our district and state, I want to thank you for your engagement so far and hope you’ll keep participating in the process as we approach our final month here in Olympia.   

 

Scroll down for updates on the state budget, key legislation, and more: 

 

 

Women’s History Month 

March is Women’s History Month — a time to recognize the countless contributions women have made to our communities, state, and nation. From breaking barriers in leadership to driving progress in education, health care, and civil rights, women have played a vital role in shaping a more just and equitable society.  

I’m proud to serve alongside so many incredible women in the Legislature who are making a difference every day and helping to build a stronger Washington for all. 

 

Eid 

This session, I am especially proud to support Senate Bill 5106, which recognizes Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state-recognized holidays — an important step in fostering inclusivity and ensuring that all communities feel seen and valued in Washington. Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated in just a few days this March, marking the end of Ramadan and a month of fasting, prayer, and generosity. Wishing everyone celebrating a joyous and meaningful Eid. Eid Mubarak! 

 

 

I hope you’ll join my seatmates, Reps. Dan Bronoske and Mari Leavitt, and me for our telephone town hall from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2. We’ll share an update on our work here in Olympia and answer any questions you have about the 2025 legislative session. 

The call will go out to constituents across the 28th Legislative District. If you do not receive one, you can still participate by dialing 855-756-7520 and using extension 120961#.  

I can’t wait to chat with you soon!  

 

 

 

Higher Education 

The recent executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education threatens the future of students and institutions across the country. As chair of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, I know how essential higher education is to Washington’s workforce, economy, and communities. 

But I remain hopeful. Our state has long championed access to education and workforce development, and that will not change. I will continue to support polices that invest in students and institutions, ensuring that education remains a pathway to opportunity and progress — no matter the challenges ahead. 

 

K-12 Education 

The order also has serious implications for our K-12 schools. For decades, the U.S. Department of Education has provided critical support for students experiencing poverty, multilingual learners, and children with disabilities. It has upheld civil rights protections, helped bridge funding gaps, and ensured accountability in public education. Stripping away these resources and oversight places the burden on states to safeguard educational equity at a time when too many students already face barriers to success. 

As vice chair of the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee, I’m dedicated to ensuring Washington does not waver in its support for public education. Our Legislature has long prioritized strong early learning programs, student-centered policies, and protections that go beyond federal requirements. That work will continue. Public education is a foundation of our democracy, and we will fight to protect it. 

 

 

Senate Operating Proposal 

With Washington facing a budget shortfall, the Senate’s operating budget proposal takes a balanced approach — combining new revenue with targeted reductions to sustain essential services like education, health care, housing, and food assistance. It aims to protect vital programs while ensuring the state remains on stable financial footing in the years to come. 

While tough choices are being made, the focus remains on fiscal responsibility without placing the burden on working- and middle-class families. As the budget process moves forward, I remain committed to ensuring that our investments reflect the values of equity, opportunity, and long-term stability for all Washingtonians. You can learn more here. 

 

Budget Requests 

Both the Community Reinvestment Program (CRP) and the Charles Mitchell Study on Reparative Action have been priorities of the Legislative Black Caucus, and thanks to strong community advocacy, the Senate’s operating budget proposal includes $30 million for CRP. This funding will support economic development, legal assistance, violence prevention, and reentry services in Black communities — critical investments that create opportunities, promote stability, and help build generational wealth. 

While funding for the reparations study was not included, I deeply appreciate the advocates who have pushed for this important effort. Your voices have been essential in advancing the conversation on racial equity, and we’ll continue to work together to ensure that the needs of Black communities remain a priority in our policy and budget decisions. 

 

Rent Stabilization 

Housing stability is essential for strong communities, and House Bill 1217 takes an important step toward ensuring fair and predictable rent for Washington renters. By capping annual rent increases at 7% and preventing increases in the first year of tenancy, this bill provides much-needed relief for families struggling with rising housing costs. It also strengthens tenant protections by limiting excessive fees and ensuring greater transparency in rent increases. 

I support this bill because no one should have to choose between rent and basic necessities. I’m hopeful it will come to the Senate floor soon, so we can take meaningful action to protect renters and strengthen housing security across our state. 

 

Seattle Reign Special Plate 

Don’t you think it’s about time we have a special license plate honoring our incredible Seattle Reign FC? Me too! That’s why I sponsored Senate Bill 5692. The plate’s proceeds would benefit the team’s nonprofit partner, the RAVE Foundation, which expands access to play, fosters inclusivity, and strengthens communities.  

With Seattle set to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this is the perfect time to showcase our state’s passion for soccer and uplift women’s sports. The Reign have been a powerhouse in the National Women’s Soccer League, and this license plate would give fans a new way to show their pride while supporting a great cause.  

Since this bill is considered necessary for the transportation budget’s implementation, it isn’t subject to previous fiscal and policy cutoffs — so it’s still alive! I’ll keep pushing to get it across the finish line and make this long-overdue recognition a reality. 

 

My Bills 

I’m so happy to share EIGHT of my bills passed the Senate and are now circulating through the House! These policies include: 

  • Protecting students from discrimination and ensuring inclusivity in schools (SB 5123) 
  • Addressing critical funding gaps in Washington’s K-12 schools (SB 5192) 
  • Improving equity in educator training resources (SB 5177) 
  • Strengthening workplace protections for pregnant and postpartum workers (SB 5217) 
  • Supporting incarcerated individuals and their families (SB 5182) 
  • Protecting children who witness violent crimes (SB 5169) 
  • Modernizing the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee membership structure to better serve our state’s veterans (SB 5338) 
  • Increasing voting access for uniform voters and overseas Washingtonians (SB 5017)    

Stay tuned for further updates here! You can track all of my legislation here. 

 

 

Office of Equity Virtual Sessions 

Are you passionate about improving digital equity in your community? Join the 2025 Regional Digital Equity Coordination Sessions! These virtual sessions, hosted by the Office of Equity, will bring together people across the state to do just that. You can register here. 

 

This Week in the Senate 

This Week in the Senate is a weekly email that provides a snapshot of the latest activity in the Legislature, particularly in the Senate. It’s a great way to keep up with the issues that matter to you and stay engaged in the legislative process. Sign up here! 

 

The Speaker’s Scoop Podcast 

Stay up to date on key debates and policy discussions across the rotunda with The Speaker’s Scoop podcast. It offers insights straight from House leadership, covering the latest legislative action, priorities, and behind-the-scenes conversations. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. 

 

Sincerely, 

Sen. T’wina Nobles