Dear friends and neighbors, 

As the legislative session moves forward, we’re reaching an important point where decisions about priorities, resources, and the path ahead come into sharper focus. In this newsletter, I’m sharing updates on early learning investments, upcoming legislative deadlines, and the work underway to respond to concerns I’ve heard from our community, along with information about resources available to working families. As always, I value your input and appreciate staying connected as this work continues. 

 

INVESTING IN EARLY LEARNING 

Early learning is one of the most effective ways to support children, families, and long-term community stability. Programs like the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) help children enter kindergarten ready to learn while supporting working families across Snohomish County and the state. 

This session, Washington has the opportunity to build on that work through a significant philanthropic partnership with the Ballmer Group. Their long-term commitment will help expand access to school-day preschool for children who need it most, strengthening early learning capacity statewide. 

I am co-sponsoring legislation to establish the Pre-K Promise Account, which allows the state to accept these philanthropic funds and direct them exclusively to ECEAP. This bill ensures the partnership is structured responsibly, maintains the state’s existing investment in early learning, and supports providers as they expand services. While challenges remain, this approach brings new resources into a proven program and helps more families in our district and Washington access high-quality early learning opportunities. 

AN UPCOMING DEADLINE 

This Monday, Feb. 9, is what’s known as “fiscal cutoff” in the Legislature. This means all bills with a significant fiscal impact must move out of the Senate Ways & Means Committee by the end of the day in order to continue moving through the process. It also means we will start spending more of our time on the Senate floor passing the bills still in play.    

The Ways & Means Committee has spent the last several days, including today, hearing dozens of bills and deciding which ones to advance. Each decision reflects careful consideration of the bill’s impact, priorities, and the resources available to move Washington forward. 

 

WHAT WE’RE HEARING FROM YOU 

In Snohomish County and across Washington, many people have shared concerns about immigration enforcement and the impact it can have on families, workers, and entire communities — concerns I share. When fear and uncertainty keep people from going to school, seeking health care, or showing up for work, it affects everyone. 

This session, the Legislature is advancing several bills aimed at supporting communities by setting clear boundaries and strengthening accountability at the state level, including: 

  • Senate Bill 6002 creates statewide standards for automatic license plate reader cameras, clarifying how data can be collected, stored, and shared so these tools support public safety without compromising privacy or being used for immigration enforcement. 
  • Senate Bill 5906 protects sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, and child care centers by requiring a court order before immigration enforcement can enter, helping ensure people can access essential services without fear. 
  • Senate Bill 5852 strengthens worker protections by requiring advance notice of federal employment audits, limiting access to employment records, and protecting workers from retaliation. 
  • Senate Bill 5876 prevents the unauthorized possession or use of law enforcement badges or insignia, reducing the risk of impersonation and confusion during enforcement encounters. 
  • Senate Bill 6286 strengthens oversight of private detention facilities by expanding inspection authority and accountability measures. 
  • I also want to share an update on Senate Bill 5855, which I’ve written about previously and co-sponsored. That bill has now passed the Senate, and I was proud to vote in support. SB 5855 requires law enforcement officers to be clearly identifiable when interacting with the public, with limited exceptions. Clear identification is essential to trust, transparency, and safety. 

While the state cannot control federal immigration policy, we can act to support our communities and respond to what we are hearing. I remain committed to listening, engaging, and advancing policies that help people feel safe, respected, and supported in their daily lives. 

WORKING FAMILIES TAX CREDIT 

In early 2023, we launched the Working Families Tax Credit. Since then, it has provided refunds to hundreds of thousands of Washington households statewide. Applications for the 2025 cycle opened Feb. 1 and are available through the end of the calendar year. To check if you are eligible for the rebate of up to $1,330, click here. Plus, you can still apply for the 2022, 2023, or 2024 tax year. 

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