Dear friends and neighbors, 

The 2025 legislative session is officially underway, and I’m excited to be back in Olympia, advocating for our communities. This session presents opportunities for meaningful progress, and I’m ready to tackle the issues that matter most to you. 

Session priorities 

This year, we’re focusing on critical issues that have affect Washingtonians. First and foremost, we are committed to ensuring that every child in Washington has access to a high-quality education because the future of our state depends on it. We will take bold action to address the growing housing crisis so every Washingtonian has a place to call home. We’re also making our communities safer by passing strong gun safety measures to protect our families from gun violence. And, as we face the growing threat of climate change, we’ll continue pushing for a clean, affordable energy future that leaves a healthier planet for generations to come. This is the work that will shape our future, and we’re ready to make it happen. 

Protecting our schools 

As someone who is a proud product of public education, I know firsthand how transformative our schools can be. They shape our future, provide opportunities, and serve as the foundation for success in life. That’s why it’s so important to ensure our public schools remain strong and fully supported. 

Washington state’s budget challenges are threatening the programs our students depend on, and education is no exception. Proposed school closures and concerns over funding are putting our children’s futures at risk. Schools are the heart of our communities, and we must protect them. I stand with parents, educators, and students to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed. 

This year, I will support policies that: 

  • Lift the cap on special education funding to ensure every child receives the support they need. 
  • Secure sustainable, fully funded public education to guarantee a bright future for all students. 
  • Protect schools from closures and address enrollment declines with smart, long-term solutions. 
  • Ensure safe, high-quality learning environments for every child, regardless of background or ability. 

Education is the foundation of our children’s futures and the strength of our communities. We must ensure our schools remain resilient, supported, and ready to nurture the leaders of tomorrow. 

My legislative agenda 

I’ve already introduced several bills this session, including: 

  • SB 5098: Prohibits weapons in specific public spaces, including government buildings, parks, playgrounds and fairgrounds, to enhance public safety and reduce gun violence in family-friendly areas. 
  • SB 5080: Requires Washington high school students to complete financial education, ensuring they gain essential personal finance skills for future success. 
  • SB 5115: Establishes the Washington Dream Act Service Incentive Program, providing grants to students ineligible for federal aid due to immigration status for completing community or volunteer service to support educational access and community engagement. 
  • SB 5118: Updates the requirements for the clinical experience license for international medical graduates (IMGs), allowing supervised practice in Washington to help address physician shortages and improve health care access. 
  • SB 5069: Requires the secretary of state to distribute a voters’ pamphlet for primaries in even-numbered years and general elections annually, ensuring every household has access to accurate election information. 
  • SB 5101: Expands workplace leave and safety accommodations for victims of hate crimes and bias incidents, ensuring time off for safety, legal, or recovery needs without fear of discrimination. 

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, I encourage you to stay engaged and share your thoughts. Please feel free to reach out to me via email at javier.valdez@leg.wa.gov or by calling my office at (360) 786-7690. You can also stay informed about my activities by visiting my website or following me on Facebook, X and Instagram for regular updates.   

Sincerely,   

  

 

 

Sen. Javier Valdez