Dear friends and neighbors,
As the new school year approaches, I want to take a moment to wish families, students and educators in our community a strong and healthy start to the year — and to share how the recent work I was part of in Olympia connects to our shared goals.
Prioritizing students, supporting educators, strengthening schools
Education is the heart of our community. It shapes the future of our children and strengthens the foundation of our neighborhoods. I’m proud that this past session we made historic commitments to support Washington’s students, teachers and schools despite a challenging budget year. These aren’t just policy changes — they are real resources that will make a difference in classrooms across the state.
Here are a few highlights:
Expanding support for students with disabilities (SB 5263): Reduces caseloads for special education teachers and improves services for students.
Investing in classrooms and teachers (SB 5192): Provides more funding for materials, supplies and operating costs to lessen the burden on educators who often spend their own money to equip classrooms.
Protecting vital programs (SB 5412): Creates an emergency interfund loan to help financially distressed school districts keep their doors open for student learning.
Strengthening standards (SB 5189): Advances Washington’s move toward competency-based education, empowering students to make decisions about their learning, apply knowledge and demonstrate mastery. The bill directs the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to create rules allowing school districts to receive full funding for students in CBE programs.
Opening the door to new teachers (HB 1651): Establishes residency and apprenticeship pathways to address the educator shortage and diversify the workforce to better reflect students.
Fostering safe, inclusive schools (HB 1296): Strengthens policies to prevent bullying and discrimination, creating respectful environments where all students can thrive.
Protecting student health and safety (SB 5804): Requires all schools, including tribal and charter schools, to stock opioid overdose reversal medication and establish clear protocols.
Major budget commitments included:
$750 million for special education services
$213 million for classroom materials and operating costs
$200 million for low-income school districts through Local Effort Assistance
These investments reflect our belief that every child deserves a safe, supportive and high-quality education, no matter their ZIP code.
Protecting public health in schools
As families prepare for the year ahead, health and learning go hand in hand. Washington has seen a rise in preventable illnesses like measles, along with a surge in COVID-19 cases. Federal funding for COVID-19 vaccination clinics ended June 30, 2025, but there are still many places to get vaccinations at little or no cost.
At a recent National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators gathering, I met with representatives from Vaccinate Your Family and pledged to make sure my family is up to date on all vaccinations.
Standing strong for Washington’s values
Recently, the Trump administration threatened to penalize Washington and other “sanctuary” states that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Let me be clear: Washington will not be intimidated or bullied into abandoning our values.
The Keep Washington Working Act reflects our belief that law enforcement and local government resources should focus on protecting public safety — not separating families. Immigrant families contribute to our neighborhoods, economy and culture every day, and they should never live in fear of being torn apart simply for going to work, dropping their kids off at school or seeking medical care.
I stand with communities across the state, and with all Washingtonians who believe in dignity, fairness and justice. Our state will remain a place of refuge, opportunity and respect for everyone who calls it home.
Staying connected
If you have questions or ideas to share, I encourage you to reach out to my office. 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.
Wishing you and your family a safe, healthy and successful school year.
In solidarity,
Sen. Rebecca Saldaña
37th Legislative District
