As we quickly approach the end of the 2025 legislative session, the pace is picking up. We’re putting in long hours to finalize budgets, pass critical legislation, and ensure Washington’s policies reflect our shared values. I’m excited to share an update on the important work we’re doing in these final three weeks. 

Defending Our Democracy 

When our democracy is under threat, Washington state doesn’t stay silent — we fight back. The Trump administration recently issued an executive order directly attacking our election system and your right to vote. This order seeks to undermine the integrity of our elections by limiting access to voting, empowering partisan groups to control elections, and weakening protections against voter manipulation. This is not just a policy issue but a direct challenge to the fair, transparent, and secure elections foundational to our democracy. 

That’s why Attorney General Nick Brown is suing to block this harmful order, and I stand in full solidarity with him. As chair of the State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee, I am committed to ensuring Washington state’s elections remain fair, accessible, and secure for all voters. We must continue to protect every Washingtonians’ voting rights.  

Read the AG’s press release here.  

Harmful Federal Policies and Actions 

In recent weeks, we’ve seen a rise in ICE enforcement activity here in Washington state, including the detention of 37 workers at Mount Baker Roofing in Bellingham and the arrest of long-time farmworker and labor rights advocate Alfredo Juarez in Sedro-Woolley. These mass deportations don’t just impact the individuals detained — they disrupt entire neighborhoods, separate families, and create a climate of fear. The consequences are far-reaching, making our schools, workplaces, and communities less safe. 

As vice chair of the Washington State Senate Members of Color Caucus (MOCC), I join my colleagues in denouncing these actions. Our statement calls for a more humane and just immigration system, which upholds the rights and dignity of immigrant and refugee communities. Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported in the place they call home.

Read the full MOCC statement here. 

First Bill Signed into Law 

In the midst of this busy session, I’m proud to share some good news: Gov. Bob Ferguson signed his first bill into law last week — a bill I sponsored.

Senate Bill 5118 addresses Washington’s critical doctor shortage by removing outdated barriers preventing internationally trained physicians from practicing in our state. Since 2021, more than 40 internationally trained doctors have provided care to over 35,000 patients, especially in rural and underserved communities. With SB 5118, we’re clearing the path for more doctors to do the same while maintaining high medical standards. 

Investments Coming to the 46th Legislative District 

As we approach the end of session, all three budgets — operating, transportation, and capital — have been introduced and passed in both the Senate and the House. But we’re not done yet. 

Here’s how the process works: the Senate and House each pass their versions of the budgets. Now comes reconciliation, where we negotiate and agree on a final version both chambers can support. Once that’s done, the budget will go to the governor’s desk for approval. 

I’m proud of the investments we’re fighting for in the 46th Legislative District. Here’s a preview of projects included in the Senate’s proposed 2025–27 capital budget:

Total proposed funding for the 46th LD: $11.375 million 

  • U District Transit-Oriented Development: $7.05 million 
    • Funding would support a 10-story high-rise with at least 150 affordable housing units for individuals, couples, and families. The building would include community amenities, 1,500 sq. ft. of ground-floor retail on NE 45th Street, and a public Urban Rest Stop with restrooms along Roosevelt Way NE. 
  • WELD Seattle Recovery Housing: $2.05 million 
    • This project would expand supportive housing for individuals reentering the community after incarceration or recovering from substance use disorders. WELD Seattle offers wraparound services like workforce development, counseling, and peer support. Funding through the Housing Trust Fund would support construction or renovation of recovery-focused housing units. 
  • Multicultural Resilience Center (Lake City Collective): $1.545 million 
    • This state-of-the-art, energy-efficient hub would serve as a space for climate emergency response, cultural programming, and economic development. The project would include business support services (supporting ~150 businesses/year), green jobs training (50 people/year), and drop-in childcare to remove barriers to employment and education. 
  •  Lake City Natural Area – New Park Development: $500,000 
    • This grant would fund the development of a new public park in northeast Seattle, expanding green space in a diverse and underserved area. Features would include ADA access, walking paths, site furnishings, and scenic viewpoints along Thornton Creek. The project would enhance community well-being and support environmental restoration efforts benefiting salmon habitat. 
  • Building for the Arts Grant Program: $230,000 
    • Funding would strengthen local arts organizations by improving access to cultural spaces and supporting community-centered arts programming in the 46th District. 

These investments reflect our values. I will continue working to ensure these and other priorities make it into the final capital budget. 

Meet the Team 

(From left to right: Hope Swenland, session aide; Johana Guerrero, legislative assistant; Javier Valdez, state senator 46th LD; Daniella Roys-Romero, legislative intern) 

As I continue serving you, I want to take a moment to introduce the incredible team behind the scenes. Whether you reach out by email, phone, or in person, these are the people who help make everything possible. Their dedication and hard work keep us moving forward, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything they do. 

I-5 Summer Closures 

If you travel on I-5 through north Seattle, here’s something to keep on your radar: starting Friday, July 25, through Monday, August 25, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will do major repair work on the northbound Ship Canal Bridge. That means we’ll see lane reductions for four weeks and two full weekend closures at the project’s beginning and end. To help with the traffic squeeze, northbound express lanes will stay open 24/7 during the lane reduction. Still, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for some delays and explore alternate routes if you can. 

For the latest updates and real-time traffic information, you can visit WSDOT’s Revive I-5 Project page. 

Looking Ahead 

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. 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