Dear friends and neighbors,
As we enter session’s final weeks, things are moving quickly. We’re working long hours, meeting with colleagues and community members, and making tough decisions to finalize the state budgets and advance legislation that reflects our shared values.
I’m eager to update you on some of the critical work we’re doing — and the issues that have been top of mind for me, both in Olympia and throughout our district.
Thank you for joining our town hall
To those who joined us in person at our recent town hall, thank you! It was a true honor to see and meet so many of you, hear your stories, and witness your engagement in the democratic process. Your voice matters and directly informs our priorities in Olympia.
If you weren’t able to attend, please don’t hesitate to reach out directly. I’m always happy to connect.
Honoring César Chávez and Dolores Huerta
March 31 marked César Chávez Day, and on April 10, we’ll celebrate Dolores Huerta Day — two powerful reminders of the enduring legacies of these civil rights and labor icons. Their fight for farmworkers’ rights and unwavering commitment to justice laid the foundation for many of today’s worker protections. But as we know, their work is not yet finished.
As chair of the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee, I carry their vision with me every day. I’m fighting for policies that ensure every worker — no matter their job, immigration status or background — is treated with dignity, respect and fairness.
For me, honoring César and Dolores means not just remembering their words but continuing their work — organizing, standing in solidarity, and advancing racial and economic justice here in Washington.
Recognizing Trans Day of Visibility
March 31 also marked Trans Day of Visibility — a moment to celebrate the trans community and reaffirm our commitment to equity and inclusion.
Everyone deserves to live with safety, joy and opportunity — no matter who they are or how they identify. The resilience, courage and leadership of our trans neighbors inspire me to keep pushing for a world where all people are seen, valued and protected.
Responding to harmful federal actions
In recent weeks, we’ve seen a disturbing increase in ICE enforcement across our state, including the arrest of longtime farmworker and labor rights advocate Alfredo Juarez and the detention of 37 workers in Bellingham.
These actions harm individuals, tear families apart and sow fear throughout our communities. I’ve joined my colleagues in the Senate Members of Color Caucus in speaking out against these harmful policies and reaffirming our commitment to immigrant and refugee communities.
We need a just, humane immigration system — one that respects the dignity of every person and recognizes the vital contributions of immigrant workers to our state.
Read the full statement from the Members of Color Caucus here.
Budget work
Right now, we’re beginning negotiations to finalize the state’s operating, transportation and capital budgets. Both the House and Senate have passed their proposals, and we’re working to reconcile the differences before the final budgets head to the governor’s desk.
This work isn’t just about numbers. It’s about values. It’s about who pays, who benefits, and whether we’re building a state where everyone has a fair shot.
We face a significant budget shortfall, and once again, working families are being asked to carry the load. Meanwhile, the wealthiest corporations in our state are still getting away with paying far less than their fair share.
That’s why I introduced Senate Bill 5796, which would require large corporations — those with annual payrolls over $7 million — to step up and contribute more to the public good.
This is about fairness and stopping a system that’s rigged to protect the ultra-wealthy while working families struggle to afford housing, childcare and health care. We need a tax code that actually works for the people, not just for those at the top.
Stay tuned for more updates in the weeks ahead about how we’re investing directly in our district.
Keep in Touch
As always, please reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or ideas. Your input and feedback are invaluable to my work. 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
