Dear friends and neighbors, 

The 2025 legislative session is officially underway, and I am honored to return to Olympia to protect all the hard work we have done together for the past eight years and continue to legislate for a brighter future for our communities. 

In these times of political division and daily uncertainty, fear and instability weigh heavily on many of us. I am committed to fostering an inclusive Washington state — one that uplifts working families, protects our children, and ensures dignity and security for our elders. Now more than ever, it is crucial to stand against division and build a future of progress and unity. 

As the new chair of the Labor & Commerce Committee, my mission is to champion policies that reflect real experiences, amplify underrepresented voices, and create economic opportunities for all. By supporting workers, consumers, and businesses alike, we can build a just and thriving economy that benefits everyone. Every bill I introduce is rooted in this vision of balance and sustainability. This session is a call to action, and I am ready to meet it with determination, focus, and hope.  

Session priorities

This session, Washington Senate Democrats are focused on key issues that directly impact Washingtonians. Together, we are: 

  • Addressing the housing affordability crisis by limiting rent increases, promoting transit-oriented development to build sustainable, vibrant communities. 
  • Prioritizing access to affordable child care to relieve the financial burden on working families and help them thrive. 
  • Strengthening public safety by advancing measures to reduce gun violence and enhance community security. 
  • Leading on climate action by working toward a clean and affordable energy future that protects our environment for future generations. 

These are just a few of the priorities we’re tackling this year. Our goal is clear: to build a more just, safe, equitable, and affordable Washington for all.  

My legislative agenda 

I’ve already introduced five bills so far, including: 

  • SB 5005: Washington’s jails face serious issues — unsanitary conditions, inadequate health care, and a troubling jail death rate, the fourth highest in the nation. That’s why I’ve introduced this bill, creating an independent jail oversight board to ensure transparency, accountability, and safer conditions. The board would investigate complaints, review fatalities, and recommend reforms, while protecting whistleblowers and providing data to inform better policies.  
  • SB 5023: Domestic workers — those who provide child and elder care, cleaning, and other essential services — are the backbone of our economy. Yet, they’ve been historically excluded from basic workplace protections. That’s why I’ve introduced this bill, also known as the domestic workers bill of rights, to ensure these workers receive the dignity, rights, and protections they deserve. This bill guarantees rights like meal and rest breaks, access to sick leave, and protections against discrimination and harassment.  
  • SB 5070: This bill prohibits interchange fees on tips and gratuities in electronic payments, ensuring workers receive their full tips and reducing costs businesses. 
  • SB 5138: This bill clarifies that revenue from taxes on hotel and short-term rental stays, already collected by public facilities districts, can also be used to support equitable development projects. These community-led initiatives aim to prevent displacement and foster growth aligned with local priorities. 
  • SB 5185: This bill establishes pathways for international medical graduates (IMGs) to qualify for licensure in Washington, addressing the health care professional shortage by providing more opportunities for qualified IMGs. 

How can you participate? 

  • Stay in touch: Share your thoughts on important bills. You can reach me by phone, email, or request an in-person meeting.    
  • Testify on bills: Voice your opinion by testifying on bills in committee. You can testify in person at the Capitol or remotely from any location with internet access. You can also submit written testimony to be included in the official legislative record. Learn more here.    
  • Tune in from anywhere: Watch live coverage or catch past committee hearings, floor sessions, and more online at tvw.org.   

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

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, Facebook and X for regular updates. 

Warmly, 

 

 

Rebecca Saldaña
State Senator, 37th Legislative District