Dear friends and neighbors,  

Can you believe we are already halfway through the 60-day legislative session? Time is moving fast, but the work has not slowed for a moment. In this newsletter, I want to share an update on what we have been working on, what is coming up next, and how you can stay engaged as the session enters its second half. 

Fixing an upside-down tax system  

One of the messages I hear most often when I talk with neighbors across the district is simple and clear: Our tax system is not fair. Right now, working families are carrying too much of the load, while those at the very top often contribute far less than their fair share. 

Senate Bill 6346, also referred to as the “millionaires’ tax,” would establish a 9.9% tax on income above $1 million, beginning in 2028. Revenue from this proposal would be reinvested directly into our communities to support K-12 education, higher education, health care and other essential public services we all rely on. 

The bill also includes meaningful relief for working families and small businesses, including:  

  • Expanding the Working Families Tax Credit to reach more adults  
  • Doubling the small business B&O tax credit and raising the filing threshold  
  • Creating a sales tax exemption for grooming and hygiene products  

There will be important conversations ahead with the governor’s office and legislative colleagues, but I believe we must continue moving toward a tax system that reflects our values, one where prosperity is shared and those with the greatest ability to contribute help sustain the services that keep our state strong. This legislation passed out of the Senate Ways & Means Committee and awaits a vote on the Senate floor. 

A critical deadline approaches  

We are now just days away from the house-of-origin cutoff, a major milestone in the legislative process. By this deadline, bills must pass their chamber of origin to remain alive for the rest of the session. 

  • SSB 5855: Prohibits law enforcement officers, including federal agents, from wearing face coverings during public interactions. This bill is about restoring public trust, preventing abuses of power and ensuring accountability. The bill passed the Senate and awaits a hearing in the House Community Safety Committee. 
  • E2SSB 5098: Restricts weapons in places where children and families gather, including parks, playgrounds, community centers and public buildings. These should be spaces for safety and community, not fear. The bill passed the Senate and awaits a hearing in the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee. 
  • SB 5973: Strengthens Washington’s initiative and referendum process by preventing paid-per-signature gathering and requiring a basic demonstration of public support. This helps protect the integrity of our democracy while preserving the people’s power. The bill is currently in the Senate Rules Committee waiting to be pulled to the Senate floor for a vote. 

Legislation that reflects our values  

I’m also proud to support legislation sponsored by my colleagues that advances fairness, dignity, and accountability, including:   

  • SB 5852: Protects workers’ rights by requiring notice of I-9 audits, preventing retaliation, limiting federal access to employment records and establishing strong enforcement mechanisms. 
  • SB 5906: Prevents ICE from entering nonpublic areas of child care facilities, schools, colleges, hospitals and similar spaces without a judicial warrant. 
  • SB 6286: Holds ICE detention facilities accountable by fining facilities that block state Department of Health inspections, with funds directed to support people and families harmed by detention practices. 
  • SB 5892: Strengthens protections for Washington’s voter registration database. 
  • SB 5993: Addresses the burden of medical debt by banning interest on medical debt and limiting lien renewals tied to medical judgments. 

These bills are about more than policy but protecting dignity, fairness, and safety for everyone who calls Washington home.  

Connecting With Our Community  

I recently had the opportunity to speak at Latino Legislative Day, where advocates, neighbors and friends from across Washington came together to share their stories, priorities and hopes for the future. I spoke about my legislation to stop ICE from hiding behind masks to intimidate and terrorize communities and the importance of standing up to an agenda rooted in fear rather than justice. 

Moments like these remind me why community engagement matters so deeply. Our laws are strongest when they are shaped by the people most impacted by them and when we lead with courage, transparency and compassion. 

You can watch a video of my remarks on my Facebook page here. 

Stay Engaged  

As legislation moves through the process, I encourage you to stay engaged and share your feedback with my office. Public input makes our laws better. Here are a few ways you can participate:    

  • Watch your democracy in action at tvw.org   
  • Stay informed by calling the Legislative Hotline at 800-562-6000.    

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with questions, ideas, or concerns. You can contact me by email at javier.valdez@gmail.com or by phone at (360) 786-7690. You can also stay informed about my work by visiting my website or following me on Facebook, Instagram or X.  

Thank you for the opportunity to serve our community.    

Sincerely,   

Sen. Javier Valdez 
46th Legislative District