Dear friends and neighbors, 

We’re already more than halfway through the 2025 legislative session, and time is flying. It has been a whirlwind of activity — from meeting with many of you and attending committee hearings to debating and voting on key legislation on the Senate floor. This session is particularly important, bringing both challenges and opportunities as we work to pass meaningful policies for our communities’ benefit. 

Join me for a mid-session town hall 

Listening to you is one of the most important parts of my job as your senator. That’s why I’m excited to invite you to a mid-session town hall on Saturday, March 22, from 10-11:30 a.m. at Asian Counseling and Referral Services (ACRS). I’ll be joined by Reps. Chipalo Street and Sharon Tomiko Santos to provide a legislative update, answer your questions, and discuss the issues that matter most to you. 

  • ACRS is at 3639 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S. in Seattle, just south of downtown. The main entrance is on the south side of the building, facing the guest parking lot. Here’s how to get there: 
  • By car: ACRS is four blocks south of the MLK Jr. Way S. and Rainier Ave. S. intersection. Limited two-hour free parking is available in the ACRS lot during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.). 
  • By bus: Route 106 stops on MLK Jr. Way S., right outside ACRS. Route 7 stops at MLK and Rainier; from there, walk south on MLK for half a mile. 
  • By light rail: Take the Link light rail to the Mount Baker Station. Walk south on MLK Jr. Way S. for 0.5 miles. 

The 37th Legislative District is one of the most diverse in Washington, and I take great pride in representing such a vibrant community. To ensure inclusivity, this announcement has been translated into 11 languages in addition to English. The decisions we make in Olympia affect everyone, regardless of language, background, or ethnicity. Each of us has a voice, and it’s crucial that your voice is heard — especially when decisions are being made that directly impact our communities. I encourage you to be at the table and help shape the future of our state. 

These are challenging times at both the national and state levels and staying connected and informed is more important than ever. I hope to see you at 10 a.m. this Saturday 

Addressing our budget crisis 

Washington state is facing a critical budget shortfall, and we must have a difficult and honest conversation. Without new revenue, we risk deep cuts to essential programs families rely on — programs that keep our communities healthy, educated, and economically stable. We cannot accept this without exploring every solution. 

Our tax system is among the most regressive in the nation, relying heavily on sales tax. While consumer spending helped sustain our budget during the pandemic, that surge has slowed, leaving us with a significant deficit. Meanwhile, we’ve made critical investments in education, health care, and working families — investments we must protect to keep Washington strong. 

Equity has been at the heart of our budget decisions, but disparities persist. Too many still lack access to the resources they need, and we must do more to close that gap. A just budget means putting people first — especially those historically left behind — while ensuring long-term economic stability for all. 

While some cuts may be necessary, they are not the sole solution. Rising costs continue to strain working families, and we must balance responsible reductions with fair revenue options to keep our state moving forward. We cannot afford to weaken the very programs providing opportunity and security to so many. 

No single person, party, or branch of government can solve this alone. I am committed to working with my colleagues to craft a budget that reflects our values, prioritizes people, and builds a sustainable future for all Washingtonians. 

Latino Legislative Day 

I recently had the privilege of speaking at Latino Legislative Day, which marked its 20th anniversary this year. It was a tremendous honor to be recognized with the Latino Civic Award, which celebrates the contributions of our state’s Latino leaders. 

It was a powerful moment to reflect on our collective efforts and continue striving for greater inclusion, opportunity, and justice for Latinos across Washington. 

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.  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. I look forward to seeing you at the town hall on March 22! 

Warmly,  

 

 

Rebecca Saldaña
State Senator, 37th Legislative District