Dear friends and neighbors,
Fall is here, and I have continued spending the interim listening, learning and working alongside people throughout the 28th Legislative District and across Washington.
Over the past several weeks, I have joined conversations about financial health, spent time with students and educators, and remained focused on developments affecting access to education and healthcare.
Each of these experiences helps inform the work I will bring back to Olympia. Whether I am hearing from students, families, educators, community advocates or local leaders, I am reminded that our strongest policies begin with the people they are intended to serve.
As we move closer to the next legislative session, I remain focused on affordability, educational opportunity and making sure Washingtonians have the support they need to build secure futures.
Scroll down for interim highlights, new updates, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved:
Building Bridges to Financial Security
I was honored to join Bank On Washington’s Bridges Over Barriers Economic Justice Forum for a conversation about the role public policy can play in helping people build financial security.
Too many Washingtonians still face barriers to safe banking services, affordable credit, homeownership and other tools that can help families build stability and generational wealth. Addressing those barriers requires collaboration among community advocates, financial institutions and policymakers.
The people closest to these challenges must be part of shaping the solutions. I am grateful for the advocates and organizations working to expand financial opportunity, and I will continue carrying their experiences and ideas into my work in Olympia.
Learning Alongside Students at Saltar’s Point
It was wonderful to visit Saltar’s Point Elementary and spend time with students and educators in Steilacoom.
As vice chair of the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee — and as a former educator — visits like this help me see firsthand what is working in our schools and hear what students, teachers and staff need to thrive.
Those perspectives matter as we consider policies and investments affecting classrooms across Washington. I am grateful to the Saltar’s Point community for welcoming me and for the care, creativity and commitment they bring to students each day.
As always, you can visit my official Facebook page to learn even more about what I’ve been up to throughout our wonderful community and state!
Standing Up for Washington Students
The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit challenging Washington’s longstanding policy allowing eligible undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. Washington’s policy is based on requirements such as attending and graduating from a high school in the state — not solely on immigration status.
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown’s office is defending our state’s law in court. Similar federal challenges have been brought against other states, threatening to place higher education out of reach for students who have grown up, attended school and built their lives in our communities.
In Washington, students do not have to be U.S. citizens to qualify for resident tuition or state financial aid. Eligible students who cannot complete the FAFSA may apply for state aid through the Washington Application for State Financial Aid, or WASFA.
As chair of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, I remain committed to protecting accessible pathways to college and career training. Students who have attended our schools and worked hard deserve the chance to continue their education and contribute to the communities they call home.
Learn more HERE.
Protecting Access to Healthcare
Nearly 2 million Washingtonians rely on Apple Health for essential care, including children, seniors, people with disabilities and working families. Federal changes threaten that coverage and will create new requirements for some enrollees.
Changes will begin rolling out Oct. 1, 2026, when new eligibility restrictions take effect for some noncitizen adults. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, many people enrolled in Apple Health (Medicaid) for Adults will be required to work, train or participate in another qualifying activity for at least 80 hours per month, unless they qualify for an exemption. Enrollees will also need to renew their coverage every six months instead of annually.
Gov. Bob Ferguson has directed state agencies to prepare for and mitigate the effects of these federal changes, including helping eligible Washingtonians remain enrolled and preparing our healthcare system for the challenges ahead.
Healthcare should not depend on a person’s income, age, disability or ZIP code. I will continue working with my colleagues to protect access to affordable care. If you or someone you know receives Apple Health, please stay informed, watch for notices about your coverage and make sure your contact information is current.
Learn more HERE.
Coffee & Cowork Is Coming to Lakewood
I launched Coffee & Cowork earlier this year as a relaxed way to connect with neighbors, hear what is on their minds and support small businesses across our district.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Fircrest and Steilacoom. Our next stop will be in Lakewood, and I would love to see you there. Bring your laptop, a favorite book or simply yourself and spend part of the morning working and connecting with neighbors.
🗓️ Wednesday, Oct. 14
⏰ 10 a.m. to noon
📍 Lakewood
Please RSVP to receive the location HERE.
Final FAFSA Tour Stop at Curtis Senior High School
This October, I will complete my FAFSA Completion Tour with a final stop at Curtis Senior High School in University Place.
Throughout the tour, I have visited students in Lakewood and Steilacoom to discuss financial aid, college and workforce pathways, and the importance of completing the FAFSA or WASFA (both are now open — apply today by clicking the hyperlink!).
As chair of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, I know that students cannot access financial aid they do not know is available. Completing an application can open the door to federal, state and institutional grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities and other support.
I am grateful to the students, educators, school leaders and statewide partners who have helped make these conversations possible. I look forward to concluding the tour in the community where I currently serve as a school board member.
🗓️ Wednesday, Oct. 21
📍 Curtis Senior High School
Learn more about the financial aid process and available programs HERE.
Apply for the 2027 Legislative Internship Program
Applications are open for the Washington State Legislature’s 2027 Internship Program.
This paid, full-time program gives college students the opportunity to work as nonpartisan legislative staff in Olympia, earn academic credit and gain firsthand experience with the policymaking process. Interns work with legislators and staff, assist constituents, conduct research and develop valuable professional skills.
Students of all majors are encouraged to apply, and previous political experience is not required. Applicants must be undergraduate juniors or seniors in good academic standing, attend a four-year college or university in Washington — or be a Washington resident attending college out of state — and be able to receive academic credit.
The internship runs from Jan. 5 through April 25, 2027, and interns will receive a stipend of $2,400 per month.
📌 Priority deadline: Oct. 21 at 11:59 p.m.
📌 Final deadline: Oct. 28 at 11:59 p.m.
Learn more and apply HERE.
Young Women: Help Shape Washington’s Future
The Washington State Women’s Commission is accepting applications for its inaugural Youth Advisory Council.
The council will give girls and young women ages 14–22 from across Washington an opportunity to share their experiences, identify issues affecting their communities and help inform the commission’s work.
Young people should not have to wait until adulthood to participate in decisions affecting their lives. Their leadership, ideas and lived experiences belong in conversations about education, economic opportunity, health, safety and the future of our state.
I encourage interested young women in the 28th Legislative District and across Washington to apply and bring their voices to the table.
📌 Deadline: Oct. 25 at 11:59 a.m.
Learn more and apply HERE.
Again, the interim is such an important time for me to hear directly from the people I serve. Your experiences, ideas and concerns help shape the priorities I bring back to Olympia.
If you need help navigating a state agency, accessing benefits or finding the right point of contact, my office may be able to assist. You can also follow my official Facebook page for community updates, resources and upcoming events.
Thank you to everyone who continues to share their time, stories and ideas with me — I am grateful for the opportunity to listen, learn and serve our community.
Sincerely,
Sen. T’wina Nobles
