Dear friends and neighbors, 

As we move through the 2026 legislative session, I want to share a quick update on the work I am focused on in Olympia, including protecting patient care, leading the Senate’s supplemental budget process as Ways & Means chair, and staying engaged on issues you are reaching out about.  

Thank you for staying involved and for continuing to share your perspective with me. 

PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST 

One of my top priorities is expanding access to affordable health care while also improving patient care and supporting the medical professionals who deliver it every day. 

That is why I am sponsoring Senate Bill 5387. 

This bill updates Washington’s long-standing “corporate practice of medicine” protections by putting clear guardrails on corporate involvement in health care. It strengthens transparency around financial arrangements and helps ensure providers can make independent clinical decisions based on what is best for the patient, not what is best for a business model.  

SB 5387 also protects providers working in licensed facilities by reinforcing that clinical judgment belongs with licensed professionals instead of non-clinical corporate actors.  

When we protect clinical decision-making and strengthen workplaces for health care workers, we improve care for patients and build a system Washingtonians can trust. 

A SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET YEAR 

As I said in my last e-newsletter update, one of my biggest responsibilities this session is helping lead the work on Washington’s supplemental budget. 

So, what does “supplemental budget” actually mean? 

Every two years, the Legislature adopts a full operating budget that funds core services across Washington — things like K-12 schools, health care, behavioral health, public safety, housing supports, and services for seniors and people with disabilities. 

In the “off” year, we pass a supplemental budget to make updates and adjustments. This is not a complete rebuild of the budget but a chance to respond to what has changed since the last budget was adopted. 

That can include: 

  • Covering unexpected cost increases 
  • Making targeted investments where needs are growing 
  • Adjusting programs based on new caseloads or demand 
  • Addressing emergencies or urgent gaps 
  • Making sure agencies can keep delivering services people rely on 

This work is especially important in a challenging fiscal environment like we are in right now. I, alongside our budget writers, am focused on making thoughtful decisions, protecting essential services, and keeping Washington on stable financial footing. 

WHAT WE’RE HEARING FROM YOU 

Many of you have shared your thoughts on Senate Bill 5855 and its companion, House Bill 2173, sponsored by my seatmate, Rep. Julio Cortes. Both bills received public hearings last week, and I appreciate everyone who took the time to weigh in. 

Across the country, we have seen people approached at their homes, workplaces, schools, courthouses, and other public spaces by masked government agents. These bills are intended to strengthen transparency and build trust between law enforcement and the public by ensuring people can clearly identify who is engaging with them and under what authority. 

Washington has long worked to be a safe, inclusive, and welcoming state. That is why I chose to co-sponsor SB 5855. Safety and transparency are essential to a just society. As this legislation moves forward, I encourage you to continue sharing your perspective. 

SHARE YOUR PRIORITIES 

If you live in the 38th Legislative District, I invite you to share your priorities for the 2026 legislation session by filling out this constituent survey here. 

STAY IN TOUCH  

Staying connected with the people I represent is one of the most important parts of this job. Your insights and feedback help shape the work we do in Olympia, and I value the conversations we have — whether it’s over email, on the phone, or in person. I encourage you to reach out, follow along for updates, and stay engaged in the legislative process. 

Sincerely,   

Sen. June Robinson