Last night, Economic Justice advocates Steve Clagett and others joined the 46th District Townhall. Sen. Valdez will be working hard on a bill to ban masks on law enforcement officers. Hear about other important developments from Kristin Ang below about crucial bills on our agenda to sign-in pro on this weekend. You will be able to find our detailed legislative priorities for 2026 on the FAN website, Advocacy drop-down menu on Monday, January 12.

2026 Washington Legislative Session:
Faith, Justice, and a Moral Budget

The 2026 Washington State Legislative Session begins this January 12 as a 60-day supplemental budget year, shaped by both opportunity and urgency. Democrats continue to hold strong majorities in Olympia–30–19 in the Senate and 59–39 in the House—with a Legislature that is younger and more progressive than in years past. At the same time, this session unfolds amid a multi-billion-dollar budget shortfall, slowing revenue growth, and increasing pressure on programs that support our most vulnerable neighbors.

Compounding these challenges is the impact of HR1, the federal “Big Beautiful Bill,” which has already begun pushing tens of thousands of people nationwide off SNAP and has significant impacts on healthcare affordability. Meanwhile, Governor Bob Ferguson has proposed a cuts-only budget, with no new revenue options this year. This places essential services like food assistance, housing stability, healthcare, and immigrant support at risk.

This moment echoes the stakes of 2025, when FAN advocates helped push back against austerity and secured historic wins: record investments in affordable housing, food security, immigrant health equity, behavioral health, and climate solutions. Those victories were made possible because people of faith and conscience spoke clearly and consistently for a moral budget—one that protected human dignity and ensured those with the least were not asked to bear the greatest burden. In 2026, FAN is once again committed to defending those gains and continuing the work toward a more just and equitable tax system, including progressive revenue solutions that ask the wealthiest to contribute fairly to the common good.

As this session unfolds, FAN will continue advocating for policies that protect immigrant and refugee neighbors, preserve access to healthcare and legal aid, resist harmful budget cuts, and invest in housing, climate resilience, and community safety. Guided by our shared faith values, we will show up in Olympia to remind lawmakers that budgets are moral documents—and that justice, compassion, and belonging must remain at the center of Washington’s decisions in the year ahead.

Take Action for Next Week’s Hearings
Next week includes several important hearings focused on tribal sovereignty and cultural protection, law enforcement accountability, affordable housing, and immigrant worker protections. Please be sure to sign in at least one hour before each hearing to make your voice heard.

SB 5855 / HB 2173 – Concerning the Use of Face Coverings by Law Enforcement Officers (“No Masks”)
Increases transparency and accountability by limiting when law enforcement officers may use face coverings while performing official duties.

HB 2281 – Tribal Traditional Places and Practices Protection
Protects tribal traditional places and cultural practices by strengthening consultation and safeguarding access and use of culturally significant sites.

  • January 13 @ 1:30 PM in the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee. Sign in PRO here

HB 1859 / SB 5855 – Expand Opportunities for Affordable Housing Developments
Enables increased density bonuses and sales tax exemptions for housing developments located on property owned or controlled by religious organizations, helping unlock land for affordable housing.

SB 5974 – Law Enforcement Leaders Professional Standards, Duties & Eligibility
Establishes professional standards for law enforcement leaders, including a requirement to uphold the U.S. and Washington State Constitutions and ensuring that only certified officers assist with law enforcement actions.

HB 2105 – Immigrant Worker Protection Act
Requires employers to notify workers when federal officials request employment eligibility information and prevents employers from allowing immigration agents access to non-public workspaces without a warrant.

  • January 16 @ 10:30 AM in the House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee. Sign in PRO here

Register Now for interfaith Advocacy Day (IFAD) February 12th, 2026. Put your faith in action in Olympia!

register for ifad 2026 here button

Register for IFAD 2026 & Upcoming FAN Meetings

Please also save the date for these upcoming FAN events.

Tuesday, January 13, 6:30-7:30 pm Housing and Homelessness Working Group (Zoom)

Join us for our first Housing & Homelessness Working Group meeting. Together, we will discuss housing bills in the state legislature –including HB 1859, which supports the development of affordable housing on land owned by faith communities — how they impact our communities, and how we can support them! Our working group will focus on housing and homelessness legislation and advocacy at the state legislature. At this meeting, we will hear from Representative Osman Salahuddin, sponsor for HB 1859, and Rev. Drew Peterson from Spokane. For any questions, email housingwg@fanwa.org

Wednesday, January 14, 6:00-7:30 pm Advocacy 101 Workshop (Zoom)

Join us for this virtual training with other advocates across the state to learn how to advocate during the legislative session. Both new advocates and returning ones seeking to refresh their knowledge are welcome. FAN staff will present some of the tools we use throughout the session, with a chance for Q&A. FAN’s legislative agenda and policies will not be discussed in depth, though we will share with you how to find more information.

Thursday, January 15, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm, Advocating for Environmental Justice Conversation:

See poster below; RSVP to Elizabeth: dickinson@fanwa.org for Zoom link

Yakima Advocacy Day 2026 poster: Justice for the health and wholeness of our valley

2026 Yakima Advocacy Day: Justice for the Health & Wholeness of our Valley

Join Between the Ridges, FAN, and Yakima Valley advocacy groups on Saturday, January 24 (9 AM – 3 PM) at Englewood Christian Church (511 N 44th Ave.) to learn how community members are advancing environmental justice, healthcare equity, immigration solidarity, food security, and solutions to homelessness. FAN’s Policy & Engagement Director, Kritin Ang, will be presenting FAN’s legislative agenda and it will be a great opportunity to connect and organize with local advocates. Learn more here and register here!

Consider Joining our FAN Environmental Justice Working Group

Advocating for Environmental Justice poster

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