Dear friends and neighbors, 

The 2026 legislative session is right around the corner, and my focus begins where it always does — with you, your families, and the work happening across our communities in the 28th District.  

Over the past few months, I’ve spent time listening to parents, educators, service members, small business owners, and local partners. I continue to hear the same concerns: rising costs, uncertainty coming from federal decisions, and real impacts on daily life — from health care and schools to childcare and housing. For military and veteran families around Joint Base Lewis-McChord, those pressures are often even more immediate. 

As we prepare to return to Olympia, I’ll keep pushing for action that reflects these realities. My priorities include strengthening public schools, supporting military families, expanding access to affordable childcare, investing in maternal and mental health, and advancing policies that help families afford life in Washington. 

 

Scroll down for ways to stay involved in the 2026 session, highlights from the interim, a snapshot of what we accomplished together in 2025, resources, and more: 

 

 

Recent storms have caused flooding, saturated soils, and increased landslide risk across Washington, with significant impacts here in Pierce County. Conditions may continue to change, and I encourage everyone to stay alert and follow local safety guidance. 

If your home, business, or property has been affected, please report the damage, even if it is insured or assistance is not guaranteed. Damage reports help local and state officials understand community impacts and advocate for recovery resources. 

Report storm, flood, or landslide damage:  

Community flood resources (shelter, food, recovery support): 

Road closures, flood warnings, and emergency updates: 

I’m staying closely engaged with emergency partners and focused on ensuring our communities have the support they need as recovery continues. 

 

FAFSA and WASFA are now open for the 2026-27 school year. These applications help students and families access financial aid for college and career training, and early completion can improve access to available resources — apply now.

 

 

2025 Budget Wins 

With a cost-effective approach, we passed three budgets to fund critical services, infrastructure and transportation projects across Washington. 

The capital budget invests nearly $417 million in the 28th. I fought to secure funding for projects that support safety, sustainability, and quality of life, like: 

  • $1.13 million for the Steilacoom-Pierce County NetZero Resiliency Center 
  • $515,000 for the Garrison Springs Creek Restoration Project 
  • $515,000 for Affordable Housing Preservation 
  • $360,000 for Edgewater Park improvements in Lakewood 
  • $309,000 for the Steilacoom Tribal Cultural Center and Museum 
  • $8,000 for Anderson Island’s Emergency Communications System 

The operating budget funded several priorities we outlined this year, including: 

  • $750 million for special education so districts can meet student needs 
  • $213 million to keep schools operating amid rising costs 
  • $200 million for rural and low-income school districts 
  • $93 million for emergency food assistance statewide 
  • $117 million for local housing and homelessness prevention 
  • $25 million for immigrant and refugee support services 
  • $20 million for crime victim assistance and recovery 
  • $25 million for the Community Reinvestment Program 
    • This is specific funding that I advocated for and helped secure to support small businesses growth, expand reentry services, and invest in communities that have too often been left behind. I’m so excited to see this program continue to have such a powerful impact on Washington. 

And the transportation budget continues to invest in projects, like: 

  • Puyallup Ave. transit 
  • Creating safe routes to school at 31st and Parkway 
  • Several improvements to I-5, including the JBLM Corridor, the Nisqually Delta, and the HOV lane from 38th to JBLM 
  • Tacoma Narrows Bridge preservation 
  • Pierce County Transit improvements 
  • Rail improvement at 6th Ave. and S. 19th St. 
  • Ferry landings at Anderson Island and Steilacoom

More information about each budget is available at fiscal.wa.gov. 

 

2025 Legislation Passed 

I’m so happy to share some of my bills that passed the Legislature and were signed into law. 

  • Supporting incarcerated individuals and their families. (SB 5182) 
  • Addressing critical funding gaps in Washington’s K-12 schools for materials, supplies and operating costs. (SB 5192) 
  • Strengthening workplace protections for pregnant and postpartum workers. (SB 5217) 

I also secured funding in the operating budget to help students navigate applying for financial aid, so they have access to support specialists to achieve their postsecondary dreams.  

Other important legislation that passed included: 

  • A balanced budget that invests in K-12 education, protects core services and leaves a responsible, robust ending fund balance. (SB 5167) 
  • A record investment in affordable housing, historic rent stabilization legislation, and key reforms that will build additional housing and help people stay in their homes. (SB 5195, HB 1217) 
  • Ensuring all Washington classrooms are safe and welcoming. (HB 1296) 
  • It was also amended to include my bill, SB 5123, to protect students from discrimination and ensuring inclusivity in our schools. 
  • Expanding down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers from economically disadvantaged backgrounds through the Covenant Homeownership Program. (HB 1696) 
  • Increasing support and services for veterans to ensure they connected to the benefits they’ve earned. (HB 1102) 

 

 

During the interim, I spent time across the 28th District and around the state meeting with local leaders and community partners to stay grounded in the issues facing our communities. 

Here are just some highlights from the interim: 

Community conversations and leadership 

  • Legislative briefing with the Lakewood City Council and fellow legislators 
  • Fireside chat in University Place with Rep. Mari Leavitt and Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen on schools, mental and behavioral health, and childcare affordability 
  • Emcee for the Legislative Black Caucus’s State of Black Washington Town Hall at Highline College, bringing together lawmakers, advocates, and community members 

Education, workforce, and youth 

  • Visits with students, educators, and leaders at K–12 schools and colleges across the district and state, including Clover Park Technical College and regional universities 
  • Groundbreaking for a new outside lineworker training lab at Clover Park Technical College, expanding hands-on workforce training pathways 

Community investments and site visits 

  • Ribbon cutting at the newly renovated American Lake Park in Lakewood, made possible through state funding we secured together 
  • Tour of the Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center in Tacoma, supporting early learning and wraparound services for families 
  • Visits to childcare and early learning centers serving military families, including Children’s Courtyard of DuPont 
  • Celebration of the opening of Shiloh New Life Apartments, creating new homes for veterans, people with disabilities, and neighbors exiting homelessness 

These conversations and site visits help shape my work as we head into the 2026 legislative session. You can find more updates from the interim on my official Facebook and X pages. 

 

 

Page Program 

Want to learn more about your state government? Apply to be a page! 

Open to students 14-16 years old, this fun, week-long experience includes page school, assisting senators, and learning about the legislative process — all while getting paid. Scholarships and host family housing are available too.  

 

Ways to Get Involved 

  

Other Ways to Stay Connected 

  • Check out the Legislative Black Caucus by following @WALegBlackCaucus on Facebook. The caucus shares updates on policy priorities, community events, and work focused on advancing equity and opportunity across Washington. 
  • Learn more about the state’s work to advance equity, access, and inclusion through the Office of Equity at equity.wa.gov, which offers information on initiatives, programs, and resources available to communities statewide.

 

I look forward to keeping in touch as we head into the 2026 legislative session! 

 

Warmly, 

  

Sen. T’wina Nobles