Dear friends and neighbors, 

The 2025 legislative session is in full swing, and things are moving fast! Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the chance to meet many of you, hear your concerns, and talk about the challenges we face together. I’ve been listening closely, and your voices are at the heart of everything I do. I’m fighting for our working families, students striving to build a brighter future, and workers’ rights to ensure dignity and fairness for everyone. I’m committed to creating opportunities and building a stronger, more equitable future for us all. 

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the tough national political climate we’re in. The fear, racism, and division that’s rising cannot go unchecked. But I promise you this: We will not be silent. We will not back down. 

Here in Washington state, we value every person — regardless of perceived immigration status, skin color, gender, language, or who you love or worship. In these uncertain times, I want you to know that I see you, I hear you, and I stand with you. We are a community, and I’m committed to protecting the values that keep us connected. As your state senator for the 37th Legislative District — the most diverse district in our state — I will work tirelessly to ensure our communities remain safe, our rights are protected, and our future stays bright. 

Updates on my bills 

I’m pleased to share the bills I’ve introduced so far are making good progress. Here are updates on some of them: 

  • SB 5023 — Extends essential workplace protections to domestic workers — those caring for children, the elderly, and so many others who support our families. They deserve the same basic rights we all rely on, like meal breaks, paid sick leave, and discrimination protection. This bill had a public hearing in the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee and awaits further action. 
  • SB 5005 — Creates a statewide board to improve conditions, transparency, and accountability in Washington’s jails. With one of the highest jail death rates in the country, it’s time we ensure safer conditions and stronger protections for those who speak out against mistreatment. This bill passed out of the Senate Human Services Committee and was referred to the Senate Ways & Means Committee. 
  • SB 5626 — Creates a wage replacement program to provide financial assistance to workers who are ineligible for traditional unemployment insurance, including undocumented workers. The program ensures all workers contributing to our economy have support when they lose their jobs through no fault of their own. This bill had a public hearing in the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee and awaits further action. 
  • SB 5138 — Helps communities thrive, preventing displacement, and funding projects that matter to the people who live here. It clarifies that current tax revenue from short-term rentals for affordable housing can also include equitable development projects led by and for the community. This bill passed out of the Senate Local Government Committee and was sent to the Senate Rules Committee for further action. 
  • SB 5377 and SB 5592 — Both bills focus on fairness, consumer protection, and a level playing field in Washington’s auto market. SB 5377 closes a loophole that allows Tesla to bypass franchise laws, ensuring all automakers follow the same rules and protecting local dealerships that provide jobs and essential services. SB 5592, on the other hand, asserts that if Tesla is allowed to sell directly, all EV manufacturers should have the same opportunity, increasing competition and access to clean-energy vehicles. While they take different approaches — one reinforcing the dealership model, the other expanding direct sales — both bills address the future of Washington’s auto market and how to create a system that benefits consumers, local businesses, and the economy while maintaining fairness in the industry. Both bills had a public hearing in the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee and await further action. 

How can you participate? 

  • Stay in touch: I always want to hear from you! Reach out by phone, email, or let me know if you’d like to meet in person. 
  • Testify on bills: Want to share your thoughts on a bill? You can testify in person at the Capitol or remotely from anywhere with internet access. You can even submit written testimony to be included in the official record. Learn more here.   
  • Tune in from anywhere: If you can’t make it to the Capitol, you can still stay in the loop by tuning in to live coverage or past hearings at tvw.org. 

For more information on how to participate in the legislative process, click here.   

Apply to be a page 

Do you know a young person interested in state government? The Senate Page Program is still accepting applications for 2025! 

Open to students 14-16 years old, this fun, week-long experience includes page school, assisting senators, and learning about the legislative process — all while getting paid. Scholarships and host family housing are available too. The deadline is March 27. 

Click here to learn more and apply! 

Stay in touch 

As always, please reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or ideas. Your input and feedback are invaluable for me to do the work I do. I want to hear what your hopes are for the next legislative session. You can reach me at rebecca.saldana@leg.wa.gov or 360-786-7688. Stay informed about my activities by visiting my website and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for regular updates.  

Warmly, 

 

 

Rebecca Saldaña
State Senator, 37th Legislative District