Speaker Laurie Jinkins

My legislative page is taking a break, for now.

During an election year, there are certain restrictions on my communications to prevent the use of state resources for election purposes. One of these restrictions is a freeze on this Facebook account, meaning the page will not be updated beginning May 4, 2026, until after the general election in November. Per the Legislative Ethics Board, this page is unable to accept comments during this same time period. If you have questions or comments about legislative issues, please feel free to continue to contact me using the link below. Thank you!
https://housedemocrats.wa.gov/jinkins/contact/

Today, my last e-newsletter (at least, for a little while) to constituents went out. During election years, there are increased restrictions on legislative communications to ensure that state resources aren't being used for campaign purposes. While my page and legislative website will be temporarily frozen, I'll still be responding directly to constituents who reach out with questions, comments, or concerns. Please do so through my legislative contact information, which is linked in the newsletter. I hope you see many of you in the community this summer! Link to newsletter: https://housedemocrats.wa.gov/jinkins/2026/04/30/legislative-update-goodbye-for-now/

From standing up for immigrant workers, to protecting LGBTQ+ privacy and safety, to ensuring accountability and transparency in law enforcement, we took important steps to defend our communities and our Washington values.

There’s more in this update, including new protections, public safety measures, and investments in safer, more accessible transportation.

Read more here: https://housedemocrats.wa.gov/jinkins/2026/04/23/legislative-update-protecting-washingtonians/

Save the date: April 25, 2026
Bike Swap at Tacoma Community College
10 AM – 2 PM
Buy, sell, and swap bikes + gear

Honoring Dolores Huerta today and every day. Her fight for workers, dignity, and justice still moves us forward.

April 10th is Dolores Huerta Day here in WA! In 2019, we passed legislation to designate the day and honor the legacy of this incredible civil rights activist, organizer, and labor leader.

Dolores Huerta, a mother and teacher, began her fight aiming to improve the living conditions of her students - many of whom were the children of farmworkers. She went on to co-found what would eventually become the United Farm Workers union, expanding her fight to address working conditions for farmworkers and to advocate for women's equality. She is an inspiring American icon whose strength, leadership, and legacy will be honored in Washington state for years to come!

Spring is here and session has wrapped, which means I’m excited to share a closer look at what we got done for Washington families this year ☀️

In my latest e-newsletter, I’m digging into one of our biggest priorities: affordability.

One of the most impactful steps we took is the millionaires tax. It’s about making our tax code fairer and delivering real relief where it’s needed most.

Here’s what that means for you:

🛒 Eliminating sales tax on everyday essentials like diapers, over-the-counter medications, and hygiene products
👨‍👩‍👧 Expanding the Working Families Tax Credit to reach 460,000 more Washingtonians
🧒 Investing in childcare for low-income families
🍎 Providing free school meals for every public school student in our state

This is what affordability looks like in action, lowering costs, supporting working families, and making sure every child has what they need to thrive.

📬 Read more in my latest e-newsletter and let me know what you think.

https://housedemocrats.wa.gov/jinkins/2026/04/09/legislative-update-affordability/

Powerful day, thankful to my colleagues for making this happen!

Celebrating with a little color and a lot of equity in policy for our state 💕

Equal Pay Day is a reminder that fairness at work still hasn’t caught up to reality.

I’m proud Washington has taken steps to strengthen pay equity protections, including passing SHB 1905 to expand protections under the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act. We still have work to do, and we’re not done yet.