Dear friends and neighbors, 

We’ve officially reached the three-quarter mark of this year’s legislative session. Time is moving quickly, and we’re continuing to make meaningful progress on issues that matter to our communities. I want to share an update on the work happening in Olympia, the challenges we’re navigating, and what comes next. 

Prohibiting ICE agents from hiding behind masks 

My top priority this session is Senate Bill 5855, legislation focused on transparency and accountability in law enforcement. 

This bill ensures that law enforcement officers, including federal immigration agents operating in Washington, cannot conceal their identities by wearing masks while carrying out official duties. People deserve to know who is exercising authority in their neighborhoods and interacting with their families. 

I’m proud to share that SB 5855 passed the Senate and advanced out of the House Community Safety Committee. The bill now awaits a vote on the House floor, and I remain committed and excited to seeing it cross the finish line. 

Navigating a Challenging Budget Year 

As many of you know, the Legislature began preparing last year for a tighter financial outlook, and those challenges continue this session. Revenue growth in Washington has slowed while the cost of essential services continues to rise. With these pressures, the Legislature is carefully reviewing how to fund the services our communities depend on while keeping our state fiscally stable. Below is a look at the budgets currently under discussion and what they mean for our communities. 

Investing in the 46th Legislative District 

I’m very excited and proud to share that the Senate capital budget proposal includes funding for an exciting project in the 46th Legislative District: the Lake City Community Center & Affordable Housing redevelopment. 

This transformative project will rebuild the Lake City Community Center following its loss to a 2023 fire while creating 112 new affordable homes for families at risk of displacement. Developed in partnership with the city of Seattle and Mercy Housing Northwest, the project will provide family-sized housing serving low- and very low-income households, alongside on-site resident services focused on supporting families and children. 

The new development will sit above a modern community center featuring a gymnasium, fitness spaces, child care and multipurpose community areas, creating a vibrant civic hub connected to nearby parks, the library and public gathering spaces. 

Capital Budget Overview 

The Senate’s 2026 supplemental capital budget proposal is a $723 million plan focused on construction, infrastructure, housing and environmental projects across the state. 

Key investments include: 

  • $150 million for affordable housing 
  • $93.6 million for K–12 school construction and modernization, including small and tribal districts 
  • $50 million for flood recovery and preparedness following recent Western Washington floods 
  • $20 million for water infrastructure and conservation 
  • Funding for clean energy upgrades, environmental protection and tribal climate resilience 

This is the Senate’s proposal. The House has released its own capital budget, and both chambers must reconcile differences before sending a final budget to the governor for approval before the session adjourns.  

Operating Budget Overview 

The Senate’s 2025–27 supplemental operating budget proposal updates the current budget to meet rising demand for essential services. 

Key priorities include: 

  • Maintaining access to health care, behavioral health, long-term care and food assistance 
  • $1.7 billion in maintenance-level funding to continue services already approved 
  • A $750 million transfer from the Budget Stabilization Account to preserve supports for seniors, people with disabilities and low-income families 
  • The proposal also maintains about $1 billion in ending fund balance and $3 billion in total reserves while avoiding broad-based tax increases. 

Like the capital budget, this is the Senate’s proposal. The House released its own version, and the chambers will negotiate differences before sending a final budget to the governor for approval by March 12. 

Transportation Budget Update 

The Senate also recently released its bipartisan 2025–2027 supplemental transportation budget proposal, focused on maintaining infrastructure, improving safety, and strengthening our ferry system. Key investments include: 

Maintaining Roads & Bridges 

  • $1.7 billion for preservation and maintenance over six years 
  • Supports up to 34,000 jobs statewide 
  • Repairs to aging infrastructure and flood recovery projects 

Strengthening Ferry Service 

  • Continued funding for three new ferry vessels 
  • Electrification of three ferry terminals 

Improving Traffic Safety 

  • New pedestrian safety grants for illuminated crosswalks 
  • Programs targeting high-risk corridors and communities 
  • Safety awareness initiatives for older drivers 

Climate & Mobility Investments 

  • Free transit and ferry fares for youth under 18 
  • Tribal Transit Mobility Grants 
  • Safe Routes to School funding 
  • $40 million for electric vehicle charging infrastructure 

The budget balances transportation accounts through 2031 while addressing declining fuel tax revenue. 

House Bills Moving Forward in the Senate 

As we enter the later stages of session, many House bills are advancing through Senate committees. Here are a few important bills currently under consideration: 

  • HB 2464 – Accountability in Private Detention Facilities: This bill requires private detention facilities, including the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, to report serious incidents such as allegations of abuse, injuries, deaths, and medical emergencies. The goal is greater oversight and transparency. 
  • HB 2165 – Preventing False Identification as a Peace Officer: This bill makes it a crime to falsely claim to be a law enforcement officer or use items (badges, uniforms, vehicles) that suggest you are. It protects the public from impersonation while allowing retired officers, commemorative items, and educational or cultural uses. 
  • HB 2105 – Protections for Immigrant Workers: This bill requires employers to notify workers quickly when federal agencies inspect employment eligibility records (I-9 forms). It protects workers from retaliation, allows them to correct errors, and gives the Attorney General the authority to enforce these rights.
  • HB 1710 – Voting Rights Preclearance: This bill updates the Washington Voting Rights Act to make sure certain local governments and districts get approval from the attorney general before making changes to their election systems. This includes things like how elections are run, redrawing district lines, or changing voting access. The goal is to make sure these changes don’t limit the voting power of protected communities and that everyone has a fair say in local elections.
  • HB 2294 – Expanding Access to Grocery Stores & Pharmacies: Sponsored by my seatmate Rep. Darya Farivar, this bill removes outdated property restrictions that prevent grocery stores or pharmacies from opening in vacant buildings. These restrictive covenants can create artificial food deserts and limit opportunities for local businesses. The bill helps ensure communities retain access to fresh food and essential medications. 

Looking Ahead 

As legislation moves through the process, I encourage you to stay engaged. As always, 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