Dear friends and neighbors,
We’re officially past the halfway point of the 2025 legislative session, and it’s hard to believe how quickly time has passed! I want to take a moment to update you on our progress and share some important updates and events.
Community Town Hall
I’m excited to invite you to a virtual town hall hosted by my colleagues, Reps. Darya Farivar and Gerry Pollet, and me. This event is a great opportunity to hear directly from us about what’s happening in the Legislature, ask questions, and share your thoughts. Your input is invaluable and helps guide our work in Olympia.
To ensure we cover the topics that matter most to you, please submit your questions in advance using this survey.
Join the town hall live on Facebook or YouTube using the links below:
We look forward to discussing how we can work together to create positive change in our communities.
Honoring the Legacy of UW President Ana Mari Cauce
One of the most meaningful moments this session was sponsoring a Senate resolution honoring Ana Mari Cauce, my constituent and the first Latina president of the University of Washington. Ana Mari’s leadership, dedication to higher education, and unwavering commitment to our community have left a lasting impact on our state. She has inspired countless students, and her legacy will continue to shape the future for generations to come.
It was truly an honor to sponsor this resolution and recognize her extraordinary contributions to education and Washington. I encourage you to read the full resolution and learn more about Ana Mari’s incredible legacy here.
Navigating Budget Challenges
Washington state faces a major budget challenge, and it’s time to have an honest discussion about how we’re going to move forward. Without new revenue, we risk deep cuts to essential services that families rely on — something we should not accept without exploring every solution.
Our tax system is one of the most regressive in the country, heavily reliant on sales tax. While the pandemic temporarily boosted consumer spending, that surge has slowed, leaving a significant shortfall. At the same time, we’ve expanded critical programs and services, which now need sustainable funding. We need a balanced approach, making thoughtful reductions while pursuing fair, responsible revenue options for long-term stability. With rising costs hitting working families in our communities, our budget must reflect fairness and equity.
This is not a decision for one person, party, or branch of government. It requires collaboration and thoughtful planning. I’m committed to working with my colleagues to craft a budget that meets the needs of all Washingtonians and secures our state’s future.
What’s Next?
This Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. is the house of origin cutoff — the last day for bills to be considered in their original chamber.
Click here to view the current status of my bills and stay tuned for additional updates as we continue to make progress.
Stay in Touch
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
