Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos

05/04/2026

During an election year, there are certain restrictions on my communications to prevent the use of public, state resources for campaign 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/santos/contact/

05/04/2026

Representative Chipalo Street and I sent out our 2026 Session Report to the 37th District earlier this week. They should be arriving in the mail any day now. However, if you don't receive it or wish to read it online, it is posted on my legislative website here:https://housedemocrats.wa.gov/tmp/sites/35/2026/05/45319_37th-LD-Session-Review_2026-web.pdf

05/04/2026

Happy Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! I am proud to be part of a dedicated cohort of AANHPI legislators representing this community in Olympia. This May, let's celebrate the rich tapestry of this diverse and resilient community and the contributions of these Americans across Washington state and the nation.

Did you know our state has a commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs? CAPAA is a valuable resource. Here is their website: https://capaa.wa.gov/.

05/03/2026

I want to share the following resources that may be helpful to you or someone you may know. Use your smart phone to scan the QR code or visit this link to access all of the resources below: https://bit.ly/4blWSbC

05/03/2026

Your 37th District delegation worked diligently to ensure we delivered meaningful investments to our community over the last two years. Here are a few highlights from the 2025-2027 Capital and Transportation budgets. To learn more about any of these investments visit: https://fiscal.wa.gov/.

05/03/2026

I know there are folks in our community – and many across the state – who remain fearful and deeply concerned about the escalating tensions we’ve seen with immigration enforcement over the last year. That’s why I want to share this resource from the Washington State Attorney General. No matter your status, it’s important we are all aware of our rights should we encounter civil immigration enforcement at some point in Washington state.

Below is a partial screenshot. Follow this link to view the full one-pager: https://bit.ly/AGKYRICE.

Also: If you or a loved one is confronted by ICE, or witnesses suspected ICE activity, you can call the statewide rapid-response phone number 1-844-724-3737 to report the encounter. This hotline is operated by the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network. It was created in 2017 and has received state funding since 2020.

Please do share this with anyone who may benefit.

05/03/2026

As Chair of the House Education Committee, I am committed to advancing legislation that centers students, supports their success, and creates the conditions for both teaching and learning to thrive.

In 2025, we passed Senate Bill 5263, eliminating the cap on the number of students with disabilities who can receive state funding for special education services. This year, we continued working to improve school-based supports for K-12 students—because when every student, no matter their circumstance, background, or ability, has what they need to learn, our entire community benefits.

Here are my priority bills from this biennium that have been signed into law:

05/03/2026

In 2007, I championed legislation to authorize the first-ever state Community Preservation and Development Authority (CPDA) in Washington. After nineteen years of patient and persistent community advocacy, I am pleased that the Pioneer Square - International District CPDA can finally count on dedicated public funding thanks to the passage of House Bill 1408.

This measure directs a small portion of state sales tax revenue collected at certain large facilities – like T-Mobile Park and Lumen Field – to be deposited into the CPDA account. The revenue will support housing stability projects, safety improvements, small businesses, and neighborhood revitalization efforts where state and local policies have historically contributed to intractable social and economic inequities.

In effect, HB 1408 affirms that Washington state does not value growth alone, but belonging, opportunity and dignity for the communities that reinforce the strength and uniqueness of our state.

Here is a photo from the bill signing in Olympia:

05/03/2026

For those who may have missed it, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved nearly $21 million in federal aid to support flood mitigation efforts in Washington and Oregon. If you sustained losses from the December flooding event, you can apply for FEMA disaster assistance by clicking on the red “APPLY NOW” button here: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/.

04/19/2026

Do you or someone you know have a child enrolled in special education programs? Navigating disagreements with your IEP team can be challenging. Consider attending the Washington State Office of Education Ombuds virtual workshop THIS Monday April 20 from 9 A.M. - 1 P.M. to learn about the four formal special education dispute resolution options available in the K-12 public education system so you have all the tools necessary to advocate for the child in your life. Register for free here https://bit.ly/4cQba62 or scan the QR code with your smart phone below.

Still time to register for the OEO Special Education Formal Complaints Summit on April 20th!
Registration link: https://ofm-wa-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Hg3Kb0pGQQK5cnEd0rVIeA?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery #/registration

While navigating special education, ongoing disagreements with your IEP team can impact your student’s education. Some problems may be resolved informally, but others may require formal dispute resolution options. Please join us with Sound Options, OSPI, and Disability Rights of Washington to discuss the four formal special education dispute resolution options in the K-12 public school system. After their presentations, there will be a panel of community members to share their lived experience.