Dear friends and neighbors – 

It’s hard to believe it’s already the sixth week of the 2026 legislative session. We’re over halfway through the session, and I’m working nonstop to deliver results for the 48th District and our state. I want to take a moment to share with you an update on our work this year.  

During these troubling times when we are experiencing continued uncertainty from the federal government in Washington, D.C., it’s critical we protect our values and communities in this Washington. That’s why Senate Democrats have pushed for policy proposals that protect and expand access to health care, lower the tax burden on working families, and mitigate harmful federal immigration policies. 

Expanding access to health care 

I spoke with constituents, health care professionals, and advocates who are deeply concerned with the federal policies limiting health care access. I’ve brought my background as a pharmacist and clinical scientist to the Senate, and I’ve focused on legislation this session that helps our state safeguard access to reliable care.  Below is a snapshot of bills I’ve introduced this session related to health care.  

  • Senate Bill 5924 would expand the prescriptive authority of pharmacists. Pharmacists are highly educated health care professionals and uniquely qualified to prescribe medications and devices, and this bill would enable us to expand care options for Washingtonians. This is about improving access to care for Washingtonians during a time when there is a severe shortage of providers, especially in rural communities. Pharmacists are ready to serve our communities, and this bill would ensure they have the tools necessary to be a resource for patients. 
  • Senate Bill 5845 would modernize and clarifying timely payment requirements for health carriers. Hospitals across Washington state are facing severe financial strain due to rising costs and recent federal Medicaid cuts. Currently, health carriers must pay 95% of clean claims within 30 days of receipt to providers. Often the remaining 5% of clean claims are the highest cost hospital bills. This bill updates this payment standard by requiring health carriers pay 100% of these claims within 30 days, rather than 95%. It’s critical we ensure hospitals receive payments from health carriers in a timely manner, so they can focus on providing care to Washingtonians. 
  • Senate Bill 6161 would direct the state Department of Health to consider including information about dementia risk reduction in new or updated materials for the public or health professionals. Research shows that healthy behaviors can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. That’s why it’s so important we inform the public about how they can protect their brain health.  
  • Senate Bill 6210 would ensure Health Benefit Exchange customers across the state are able to obtain the care they need when they need it, without being forced to choose between their health and their financial security. The cost of health care is rising, and many families are losing the financial protections they rely on under the Affordable Care Act. The Health Benefit Exchange market is already reacting to unprecedented federal policy changes, which are impacting Washingtonians’ ability to access affordable health coverage. This bill would help stabilize the market by allowing the Exchange Board to add access and affordability criteria to their health plan certification process. You can watch my remarks on the Senate floor regarding this bill here. 

 

Reforming our tax code and reducing the tax burden on working families 

Family budgets are being stretched thin because of federal cuts to health care and education, combined with inflation driving up the cost of everything from food to housing. Washington state’s upside-down tax code has also hurt family budgets because it disproportionately impacts working families, while also hindering our state’s ability to fund key services. I’m proud to co-sponsor the Millionaires Tax, which passed off the Senate floor this week. You can watch my remarks on the Senate floor regarding this bill here.  

This bill will help fix the state’s broken tax code, provide sustainable funding for schools and health care, and reduce taxes for working families and small businesses. These reductions in taxes include: 

  • Eliminating sales tax on personal products, such as shampoo and deodorant.  
  • Exempting every small business grossing less than $300,000 — approximately 65% of all businesses in the state — from the business and occupation tax (B&O) starting in 2029.  
  • Eliminating the B&O surcharge beginning in 2029, which would lower taxes for many leading Washington businesses. 
  • Expanding the Working Families Tax Credit, a sales tax rebate for Washington families with low to moderate income levels struggling to make ends meet. 

Limiting federal overreach and ensuring accountability and transparency in law enforcement 

Federal policies targeting our immigrant and refugee neighbors have instilled fear and eroded trust between communities and law enforcement. The disturbing trend of ICE agents using aggressive enforcement tactics combined with a shocking lack of accountability is unacceptable. I’m deeply concerned with the harmful rhetoric and actions used by the Trump administration to attempt to strip our nation of the qualities that make us strong — our liberty and diversity. Washington state will not be complicit in these policies that weaponize law enforcement and criminalize immigrants and free speech. Below is a list of bills the Senate has introduced related to immigration and federal overreach.  

  • Senate Bill 5855 is sponsored by Sen. Valdez and would prohibit local, state, and federal law enforcement officers — including ICE agents — from wearing face coverings while interacting with the public. Masked interactions between the public and law enforcement erode accountability. It’s critical we ensure transparency, accountability, and improve public trust by requiring officers’ faces to be visible. 
  • Senate Bill 6080 is sponsored by Sen. Annette Cleveland and gives jails the option to turn away people wrongfully detained or otherwise not appropriate for local jails to house. This bill also ensures that local jails are compensated when they house federal detainees. 
  • Senate Bill 5852 is sponsored by Sen. Rebecca Saldaña and strengthens protections for immigrant workers by requiring employers to notify workers when federal immigration inspections occur and by limiting cooperation with ICE unless legally required. 
  • Senate Bill 6286 is sponsored by Sen. Tina Orwall and allows the state Department of Health to fine private ICE detention facilities that block required health and safety inspections. Any funds collected would support individuals and families harmed by ICE through housing assistance, legal aid, food support, and other essential services. 
  • Senate Bill 5876 is sponsored by Sen. Adrian Cortes and makes it a crime to impersonate a peace officer by creating, possessing, or displaying fake law enforcement or ICE badges, insignia, or vehicles. 

Resources 

As an immigrant and the daughter of immigrants, I know how important it is that we support our communities and share resources with one another during these tumultuous times. Immigration-related resources can be found below, including the Rapid Response Hub developed by the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs:   

Food assistance and health care resources: 

  • For culturally and linguistically appropriate health and wellness services, please visit the International Community Health Services: https://www.ichs.com 

Coffee Chat 

Please join me for my first coffee chat this year at 9:30 a.m. THIS Saturday, Feb. 21, at SoulFood Coffee in Redmond. We will have an in-depth conversation about this legislative session, bills that made it through the House of Origin cutoff and are continuing to move through the legislative process, and other issues that matter to our district. Here are the details: 

Lattes with Slatter
Saturday, Feb. 21
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Soulfood Coffee
15748 Redmond Wy,
Redmond, WA 98052

Learning more about your experience and perspective is critical to my work and helps me better represent you as your state senator. That’s why I hope you will join me on Saturday! 

My office is here to support you and listen to your concerns and feedback! Mary Ann is our office’s legislative assistant, Kaleb is our session aide, Braydon is our intern, and Bridget is our communications manager. Please feel free to reach out to our office if you have any questions or concerns by calling 360-786-7694 or emailing vandana.slatter@leg.wa.gov.  

As always, it’s a privilege to serve the 48th! 

Sincerely,     

Sen. Vandana Slatter