Dear friends and neighbors, 

This October, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and Filipino American History Month — a time to honor the rich cultural contributions and resilience of our Latinx and Filipino communities. I’m proud to represent a district that reflects such incredible diversity. I’d also like to acknowledge Yom Kippur, which occurred earlier this month — a solemn and sacred time of reflection and atonement for our Jewish neighbors. May this season bring peace, strength, and renewal to all who observe. 

As we approach the 2025 legislative session, I want to take a moment to reflect on the work we’ve done and share updates on the critical issues ahead. 

Investing in Safe Transportation 

I know firsthand the frustration many of you feel with the current state of I-5 and other roads in our district, where accidents, speeding, and even homes being hit by vehicles have created dangerous conditions. That’s why we’re focusing on improving traffic flow with new ramp designs and technology to ease congestion and make our roads safer. 

But this isn’t just about fixing infrastructure — it’s about how we come together as a community. At different times in our lives, we are all drivers, walkers, or rollers. We need to build a transportation system that reflects this reality, one that prioritizes safety for everyone, no matter how we move through our neighborhoods. This means going beyond traditional engineering by integrating education and community-building into our projects. This will be one of my priorities during the next legislative session. 

Serving the People 

As Washington state continues to grow, so must our government. By expanding strategically and thoughtfully, we can ensure government serves the people more effectively. One example is the work we’re doing through the Office of Equity to improve customer service for all. We need public servants who can help Washingtonians access services and resources, especially as our population grows and diversifies. 

When we pass big policies at the state level, it’s crucial to maintain partnerships between local communities and public servants to ensure these initiatives are implemented properly. Growth should come with smarter, more efficient services that truly connect people to the support they need. 

Legislative Priorities for 2025 

Looking ahead, my priorities for the 2025 legislative session are centered on ensuring Washington is a state that puts people first. I’ll focus on key issues to ensure we have the protections, programs, and resources to support our workers and communities. 

  • Worker Protections: We must strengthen and sustain programs like WA Cares, Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), and Unemployment Insurance (UI) to ensure they remain solvent and continue supporting workers in times of need. Washington has led the way in creating forward-thinking programs that safeguard working families, and we’ll keep building on that legacy. 
  • Expanding Workers’ Rights: This session, I’ll push for a domestic worker bill of rights to protect our most vulnerable workers. We’ll also work to expand unemployment insurance to undocumented workers, ensuring everyone, regardless of immigration status, has access to essential safety nets. 
  • Ensuring Sustainable Public Schools: Our children are our future, and we must protect and sustain the funding that keeps our public schools strong. I’ll fight to ensure schools have the resources needed to provide a high-quality education for every child, while addressing the need for more equitable funding across the state. 
  • Responsible Revenue Generation: Growth requires investment, and that means examining how we generate revenue to support these essential programs. We must ensure our state budget reflects our values by putting people first, while keeping Washington financially healthy. 

These are just a few of the high-level topics and priorities I’m focused on for the upcoming session. In a future e-newsletter, I’ll dive deeper into the details of our plan and the specific legislation we’ll advance. 

Honoring and Welcoming Team Members 

(From left: Raman Khanna, Teresa Arciniega, and Sen. Rebecca Saldaña during the 2024 legislative session.) 

As always, my work is made possible by an incredible team. That was even more true this past year, as I continued to serve during my year of cancer and chemotherapy. I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to Raman Khanna, who graciously served as my legislative assistant since January 2023. It was such a gift to have a constituent serve alongside me, who loves and cares for the 37th district as much as I do. From the chai tea and hospitality he shared with all who visited our office to the detailed support he provided for every budget proviso and capital request, his impact will not be forgotten. We will miss him, but we are happy for him as he moves on to another career opportunity. 

Our office will have staff continuity because our past intern and recent legislative session aide, Teresa Arciniega, has agreed to come back as our legislative assistant. She brings a passion for policy and a deep commitment to the values of equity and justice that drive our work. Teresa’s dedication, combined with her firsthand experience in our office, ensures a smooth transition as we continue serving the people of the 37th district. 

Stay in Touch 

Thank you for the privilege of representing you. In the months ahead, I look forward to continuing our work together, strengthening the connections between local communities and state government. These partnerships are vital to ensuring the policies we create reflect the needs of those they impact. 

Please reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or ideas. Your input and feedback are invaluable to me to do the work I do. You can reach me via email at rebecca.saldana@leg.wa.gov or by calling my office at 360-786-7688. Stay informed about my activities by visiting my website and follow me on Instagram, Facebook and X for regular updates. 

Warmly, 

 

 

Rebecca Saldaña 

State Senator, 37th Legislative District