Dear friends and neighbors, 

Since the 2026 legislative session started earlier this month, our team has hit the ground running. From bill hearings to constituent meetings and more, we’ve been working nonstop on your behalf! I can’t tell you how grateful I am to continue championing our communities’ priorities here in Olympia and want to thank you for the opportunity to serve — it’s a privilege and an honor. 

Scroll down for a few updates I want to share, ways to get involved in the Legislature, a snapshot of the bills I’m sponsoring, and so much more: 

Please join Reps. Dan Bronoske and Mari Leavitt and me for our telephone town hall from 7-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3! We will share an update on our work here in Olympia and answer any questions you might have about the 2026 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 130080#. 

I hope to connect with you then! 

 

On Monday, Jan. 19, the Senate celebrated the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. My office was able to help coordinate a performance recognizing this incredible leader, whose vision of justice and equality continues to inspire us. I also brought forth a resolution honoring his enduring impact, which you can read here. Thank you to the Jones family for making this celebration even more special — I’m just so grateful to you all for your help.  

I was proud to sponsor another Senate resolution — this time recognizing the power of youth sports in our communities, which you can read here. Youth sports help young people build confidence, teamwork, and lifelong friendships, and they bring families and neighbors together in a way that strengthens the 28th Legislative District. I was honored to celebrate the young athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families who make these programs possible every day. 

 

Protecting Access to College and Workforce Training 

Quality post-secondary education and workforce training are essential to lifting Washingtonians out of poverty and building an economy that works in every corner of our state. At a time when federal policies are threatening access to health care, housing, and food assistance, Washington cannot afford to make those challenges worse by cutting proven programs that help students stay in school and earn credentials for living-wage jobs. 

That is why members of the Higher Education Caucus are calling for a budget that protects and restores financial aid, safeguards colleges and workforce programs from further cuts, and preserves long-term funding for higher education. This includes protecting the Workforce Education Investment Account, which was created to expand access to education and training — not to backfill budget shortfalls. Even in a difficult budget year, we must continue investing in the students and workers who power our state’s future. 

The pace in Olympia picked up fast this year, and the first month of our 60-day session has already been full. I have spent long days in committee hearing bills, asking tough questions, and working side-by-side with advocates, local leaders, and stakeholders to make sure the policies we move forward are practical, effective, and rooted in what communities actually need. 

Between hearings, I have been meeting with constituents from the 28th Legislative District and across Washington — listening, problem-solving, and bringing their stories into the room as decisions get made. I also had the honor of sitting at the rostrum for the governor’s State of the State address, which helped set the tone for the work ahead. With key deadlines approaching, I am staying focused on moving bills forward and delivering real progress for Pierce County families. 

 

Behind the scenes, I am lucky to have an incredible team helping serve the 28th Legislative District every day. Maxine (who you may already recognize!) is my executive legislative assistant and keeps our office running smoothly while helping coordinate schedules, meetings, and constituent support. Erin is my session aide and helps manage the fast pace of session, from tracking bills and hearings to making sure we stay connected with our community. Daniel is our intern and has jumped right in to support our work, from research and policy support to helping respond to constituent questions. I am grateful for each of them and the care they bring to this work. 

 

African American Legislative Day 

African American Legislative Day is coming up on Feb. 16, and I hope you will join us at the Capitol. It is an important chance to show up, connect with the Legislative Black Caucus (LBC), and make sure the voices and priorities of Black Washingtonians are heard loud and clear in Olympia. 

Learn how to contact the LBC and view our 2026 priorities here. 

What I Heard from You 

Thank you to everyone in the 28th Legislative District who took the time to share your priorities with me! You were clear about what matters most heading into the 2026 session, including housing affordability, community safety, access to affordable health care, environmental protection, and early learning and child care. 

You also shared how rising costs are affecting your day-to-day lives, especially when it comes to food, health care, housing and rent, transportation, utilities, and education or student debt. I take this feedback seriously. Your input helps guide my work in Olympia and keeps me focused on practical, people-first solutions that make life more affordable and strengthen our communities. 

 

Senate 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.  

Get your application in today! 

 

Ways to Stay Connected 

 

Caucus Priorities 

This session, Senate Democrats are focused on protecting Washington and delivering real results for families. That means standing up for our state’s values, defending essential services, and pushing back against harmful federal chaos that is driving up costs and creating uncertainty for communities.  

We are also working toward a responsible supplemental budget that protects core investments like education, behavioral health, housing, and public safety, while keeping Washington on stable financial footing for the long term.  

And with the cost of living still top of mind for so many people, we are focused on making Washington more affordable, from housing and child care to utility bills and everyday expenses. 

 

My Committees 

In the Senate, I remain chair of the Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee — a role I truly cherish as it allows me to work alongside students and stakeholders and lead our efforts to help every Washingtonian achieve their postsecondary goals. 

I also continue to serve as vice chair of the Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee and am a member of the Transportation Committee. 

 

2026 Legislation 

This year, I continue to be focused on addressing the issues important to you and our district.    

Protecting Kids and Families 

  • Updates how children’s statements can be used in court and expands protections to help young witnesses testify safely in serious cases. (SSB 5169) 
  • Expands ECEAP access for military families when space is available, helping more kids get a strong start. (SB 5907) 
  • Requires school districts to have cardiac emergency response plans for every school and athletic facility starting in the 2026-27 school year. (SB 6118) 

Reproductive Health and Patient Access 

  • Expands access to medication abortion for students at Washington’s public colleges and universities through student health centers and telehealth partnerships. (SB 5826) 

Diverse, Honest Education 

  • Ensures Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Latino American, and Black American history is included in required social studies courses as districts update curriculum. (SB 5574) 

Education and Workforce Opportunity 

  • Updates Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship award calculations for students attending private four-year nonprofit colleges in Washington. (SB 5828) 
  • Ensures more vulnerable youth can automatically qualify as income-eligible for the Washington College Grant through Passport to Careers eligibility. (SB 5963) 
  • Protects Workforce Education Investment Account funding so it supplements, not supplants, other higher education support. (SB 6276) 
  • Fixes long-standing funding inequities for public colleges and universities and ensures state funding keeps pace with compensation and essential student services. (SB 6325) 

Stronger, Healthier Communities 

  • Prioritizes Washington nonprofit providers for medically tailored meals and strengthens nutrition standards for clients and enrollees. (SB 5966) 
  • Strengthens Washington’s Community Reinvestment Program to better support community-led solutions and long-term accountability. (SB 6275) 

Safer, Fairer Schools 

  • Sets clear guardrails for AI-driven discipline tools and surveillance in K-12 schools to protect student privacy and prevent bias. (SB 5956) 
  • Strengthens school district financial stability by setting minimum fund balance requirements and improving transparency and reporting. (SB 6326) 

Supporting Workers and Trades 

  • Requires registered building and construction trade apprenticeships to include behavioral health and wellness training starting in 2027. (SB 6282) 
  • Directs L&I to clarify the scope of work for HVAC/refrigeration specialty electricians installing ductless mini-split systems. (SB 6112) 

Public Safety and Accountability 

  • Updates Washington’s centralized firearms background check system to strengthen efficiency, security, and accountability. (SB 6055) 
  • Authorizes confidential driver’s licenses and identicards for Attorney General investigators during undercover or covert operations. (SB 5829) 
  • Updates Washington law around spring blade knives. (SB 5962) 

Workplace Protections 

  • Refines pregnancy-related workplace accommodations by clarifying certification requirements and protecting private identifying information. (SB 6014) 

Stay tuned for further updates as these policies and others still to come progress through the legislative process! You can track all of my legislation here. 

Community Reinvestment Program 

Washington’s Community Reinvestment Program is about investing back into communities and expanding opportunity. If you are a small business owner or looking for career training and support, there are resources available right now. 

Through the Small Business Resiliency Network, small businesses can get help with business planning, workforce support, equipment purchases, and more. Constituents can also connect with workforce development services like career navigation, occupational training, monthly incentive payments, and other supports through their local Workforce Development Council. 

 

Financial Aid 

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. 

Our communities in Pierce County continue to recover from the heavy December flooding.  

If your home, business, or property was 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:  

One of the best parts of this work is getting to see our community show up. This month, I was grateful to meet with constituents and stakeholders from across the 28th Legislative District and Washington state — and to see so many people come to Olympia to share their stories and testify in committee (many seen above!). Thank you to everyone who took the time to be heard and help shape the work we are doing this session. We couldn’t do it without YOU! 

 

Sincerely,  

Sen. T’wina Nobles