Dear friends and neighbors,
With just eight days remaining in the 2026 legislative session, we are in the final stretch. This is the time of year when things move quickly. Bills that have passed one chamber are advancing through the other. Bills that were amended are returning for concurrence votes. Soon, many of them will head to Gov. Ferguson’s desk to be signed into law.
At the same time, we are hard at work negotiating the final versions of our state budgets. The House and Senate must reconcile their differences and reach agreement before sending those budgets forward. It is detailed, thoughtful work, and the decisions we make in these final days will shape Washington’s future in meaningful ways.
It has truly been an action-packed short session. I cannot thank you enough for your engagement – your emails and calls, your testimony, and your advocacy. Your voices guide this work. Public service is strongest when it is rooted in community, and I am grateful every day for the opportunity to represent you.
Update on Senate Bill 5855
I would also like to share an exciting update on Senate Bill 5855. This legislation 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 and the public.
I am pleased to report that Senate Bill 5855 passed the House yesterday. We are one step closer to getting this bill across the finish line. It now returns to the Senate for a final concurrence vote before heading to the governor’s desk for his signature. I want to thank everyone who supported and advocated for this legislation. Your engagement helped move this bill forward, and I look forward to sharing more updates soon.
Thank you team!
Before we adjourn next week, I also want to take a moment to recognize the incredible team that makes this work possible.
(From left to right: Stephanie Parra, session aide; Johana Guerrero, legislative aide; and Amandeep Kaur, intern.)
From answering your phone calls and responding to your emails to scheduling meetings and meeting with constituents, they are constantly working behind the scenes and out in the community. Their dedication, professionalism, and heart for service keep our office running. I am deeply grateful for each of them and I hope you will join me in thanking them for their tireless efforts on behalf of you and our district.
Stay in Touch
As we close out the session, please continue to stay in touch. Your involvement is the reason ideas become policies and policies become laws. You can contact me by email at javier.valdez@leg.wa.gov 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 trust you place in me and for the opportunity to serve our community.
Sincerely,
Sen. Javier Valdez
