Dear friends and neighbors,
The 2026 legislative session is here, and I’m excited to be back in Olympia as your state senator. I’m also honored to have been selected as caucus vice chair by my Senate Democratic colleagues. I’m proud to join my caucus’ leadership in delivering solutions that put people first.
We only have a 60-day session this year, but I’m going to make the most of it before we adjourn in March. I have 16 priority bills that tackle the tough issues affecting our district. Some highlights include:
- Mitigating the health and environmental impacts on people living near SeaTac airport. SB 5652 a critical bill for our community, and I’m thrilled it’s getting heard in the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee at 8 a.m. on Jan. 21. You can sign up to show your support or testify here.
- Supporting residents and small businesses affected by this winter’s floods. I’m proud to chair the Flood Caucus that will work on legislative actions for this session to help those impacted in our district and state.
- Holding businesses accountable for engaging in human trafficking
- Increasing support for homeless youth
- Strengthening courtroom protections for survivors of sexual assault
- Creating an online resource center for Washingtonians with information about endometriosis, a disease affecting up to 10% of women
- Strengthening our state’s 988 suicide and crisis lifeline
- Restricting the use of artificial intelligence in making prior authorization determinations in health care
Over the coming weeks, I’ll send updates about the progress of my bills, upcoming town hall events, important resources, and more. My top priority is representing all of you, and I hope you’ll make your voice heard this session. Our democracy works best when people are empowered to engage, and we have many tools that make it easy to participate in the legislative process.
You can track specific bills, get updates from committees of interest, follow your favorite legislators, or look up bills by topic. If there’s a bill that matters to you, you have the chance to testify during its public hearing, either in person and remotely, or submit a written testimony online. And my inbox is always open, and my phone is always on. I hope to hear from you about your concerns and suggestions. Send me an email at Tina.Orwall@leg.wa.gov or call my office at 360-786-7664.
Sen. Tina Orwall getting sworn into office Jan. 12 by Washington State Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra L. Stephens.
Flood recovery resources
The historic flooding that occurred late last year has been nothing short of devastating. Thankfully, floodwaters have receded, but we’re only just starting to deal with the damage that’s disrupted people’s lives and businesses. Recovery will be a long and difficult journey, but our state is working tirelessly to ensure people have the assistance they need. As part of that effort, I wanted to share some resources to help folks in our district who’ve been affected. I hope you’ll find them useful.
This resource hub includes information about getting cash assistance, housing and property assistance, livestock assistance, medication and medical equipment replacement, flood cleanup tips, and more.
The Red Cross may be able to help if your home was destroyed or sustained major structural damage by the flooding. They’ve completed a damage assessment of impact areas across the region, and they’re actively contacting people whose homes they’ve confirmed were affected. If you or someone you know has been invited to apply for financial assistance, call 1-800-RED-CROSS to open a case.
Our county’s flood recovery website has post-flood health and safety information translated into 26 languages. It also has resources for renters, property owners, and business owners affected by the flooding, including how to document and file an insurance claim.
WA Insurance Commissioner’s flood insurance tips
Our state’s insurance commissioner has issued guidance and tips on starting a flood insurance claim, what to know about making repairs, and answers to other questions.
King County Emergency News has the latest news on the flooding emergency and recover efforts. This is a great website to bookmark for the most up-to-date information on new resources, road closures, and more.
Meet senate page Emmanuel Mwangi
Federal Way High School student Emmanuel Mwangi served as a Senate page for Sen. Tina Orwall during the first week of the 2026 legislative session.
Federal Way High School student Emmanuel Mwangi served as my Senate page for the first week of session! I was so impressed by his ambition and passion for government, as well as the depth of his involvement in his school community.
Emmanuel wants to eventually serve in Congress, and I have no doubt he’ll do it. Thanks for all your work, Emmanuel!
Go Hawks!
Sen. Tina Orwall with Blitz the Seahawk and Reps. Janice Zahn, Melanie Morgan, and Osman Salahuddin at the Seahawks ‘12’ flag raising Jan. 14.
I had an awesome time helping raise the ‘12 ‘ flag at the Capitol this week to kick off the playoffs. Go Hawks!
Sincerely,
