Dear friends and neighbors, 

In moments like these, it’s more important than ever to make our voices heard and stand together. 

The Trump administration has brought a disturbing resurgence of fear and cruelty, especially for immigrant families, LGBTQ+ communities, and people of color. From expanded ICE raids and family separations to mass deportations and military-enforced camps, these actions are not just political — they are personal. They target our neighbors, our coworkers, our families. 

That’s why I’m committed to continuing my work to ensure Washington state remains a place that values every person, no matter where they were born, what language they speak, or how they identify. 

As a daughter and granddaughter of immigrants and a longtime advocate for worker and immigrant rights, I’ve seen firsthand how policies rooted in racism and fear can devastate lives. Over the last nine years, we have taken action to protect our communities and push back against federal overreach. 

We’ve passed dozens of state laws to shield our neighbors from inhumane deportation, protect reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights, expand access to health care and education, and ensure no worker is exploited because of their immigration status or identity. We’ve invested in community-based support, legal protections, and economic stability for those most at risk under this federal administration. 

Here’s what we’ve done — and will keep doing — to defend our communities: 

Protecting Immigrant Communities 

  • SB 5497 (2019): Established the Keep Washington Working Act to limit local cooperation with ICE and promote pro-immigrant policies. 
  • HB 1131 (2025): Allows courts to consider immigration consequences when reviewing sentences, helping prevent deportations. 
  • HB 1072 (2021): Restored access to civil legal aid for undocumented immigrants, including survivors of violence. 
  • SB 5104 (2025): Prohibits employers from using immigration status to threaten or retaliate against workers. 

Defending Health & Bodily Autonomy 

  • HB 1469 (2023): Shielded patients and providers of abortion and gender-affirming care from out-of-state prosecution. 
  • SB 5632 (2025): Strengthened protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care by safeguarding health data and providers. 
  • HB 1523 (2018): Codified key Affordable Care Act protections into state law, ensuring access regardless of federal rollbacks. 
  • SB 5602 (2019): Banned discrimination in reproductive health services based on gender identity. 

Upholding Civil Rights 

  • SB 5689 (2019): Required schools to adopt inclusive policies that support LGBTQ+ students. 
  • HB 2331 (2024): Prevents public entities from banning books based on the race, gender, or identity of authors or characters. 
  • SB 5900 (2020): Expanded services and benefits for LGBTQ+ veterans discharged under discriminatory policies. 

Investing in Climate & Justice 

  • SB 5126 (2021): Passed the Climate Commitment Act to cap carbon emissions and invest in overburdened communities. 
  • HB 1091 (2021): Created a Clean Fuel Standard to reduce pollution from transportation — the largest source of emissions. 
  • HB 1257 (2019): Advanced energy efficiency standards for large buildings and prioritized retrofits in frontline communities. 

Supporting Youth & DREAMers 

  • HB 1488 / SB 5074 (2018): Expanded college financial aid eligibility to undocumented and DACA students. 
  • SB 5044 (2021): Required cultural competency and anti-bias training for educators. 
  • SB 5225 (2023): Removed immigration status as a barrier to accessing Working Connections Child Care. 

These times are hard, but we are not alone. We keep each other safe. We organize. We fight, and we celebrate our diversity as our strength. 

And I will keep showing up every day to build a future rooted in dignity and justice. 

What I’ve been doing this interim 

During the interim, I’ve been out in our communities, learning, listening, and working with partners to move our priorities forward. Here are a few highlights: 

  • I joined the Wildfire Mitigation and Resiliency Standards work group convened by our state insurance commissioner to help prepare our communities for a safer future.
  • Participated in the Farm Policy Forum and conversations on long-term trust services to strengthen care and support for our elders.
  • Visited the Harriet Tubman Center’s Healing Center and met with The Silent Task Force to hear directly about their work addressing violence and healing in our communities.
  • Took part in the Senate Housing Tour in Battle Ground, where we saw Washington-built modular housing that could help address our housing shortage.
  • Met with the Employment Security Department to discuss ways to better support workers and job seekers.
  • Celebrated Dolores Sibonga — a trailblazing leader we honored in the 2025 session with Senate and House resolutions.
  • Rolled up my sleeves for a deep dive into worker compensation with the Department of Labor and Industries to ensure our systems are fair and accessible. 

Stay 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.    

Thank you for the opportunity to serve the 37th. Let’s keep building a Washington that works for all of us.  

In solidarity,

 

 

Sen. Rebecca Saldaña
37th Legislative District