In February 2026, our community members from across the Lower Yakima Valley traveled west — over the mountains and into the heart of state government — for Central Washington’s Lobby Day in Olympia.
We gathered at the Capitol not just to visit, but to advocate.
The day began with a rally filled with powerful voices from our region. Community members, youth leaders, organizers, and advocates stood together to speak about what matters most in Yakima County — from voting rights to environmental protection to immigrant and farmworker support. The energy was strong, grounded in lived experience, and rooted in a shared understanding: if we do not speak for our communities, no one else will. There was time too, to celebrate Latinx culture.
After the rally, we met directly with our legislators to discuss key priorities impacting families in the Lower Yakima Valley.
One major issue we raised was the FLOCK bill. This legislation focuses on automated license plate reader cameras and ensuring that the data they collect is not misused or accessed by unauthorized agencies. Surveillance technology is expanding rapidly, and without strong safeguards, communities — particularly immigrant communities — are left vulnerable. We are advocating for clear guardrails to ensure privacy protections remain intact and that these systems are not weaponized against immigrant communities.
Another priority is holding data centers accountable. As large-scale data centers continue expanding across Washington State, rural communities like ours often bear the environmental and infrastructure impacts. These facilities consume significant amounts of electricity and water. We are asking lawmakers to ensure data centers are not overburdening our power grid or draining natural resources without accountability. Growth cannot come at the expense of community stability or environmental sustainability.
We also emphasized the importance of protecting Climate Commitment Act (CCA) funds. These funds are designed to support climate resilience, environmental justice, and community investment. There are ongoing discussions about diverting these funds into other programs. For communities like ours — which experience wildfire smoke, agricultural pollution, and environmental health disparities — those dollars are critical. We need those resources directed back into the communities most impacted.
Another key focus of our Lobby Day was House Bill 1710. This bill addresses changes to local voting systems. Across the state, there is concern that city councils or school districts could alter voting structures in ways that shift representation toward one group over another. HB 1710 would require court or Attorney General approval before those changes take effect. In communities like ours, where voting systems have historically impacted representation, this safeguard is essential. Voting structures should not be changed without oversight and accountability.
During our time in Olympia, we had the opportunity to meet with Representative Gloria Mendoza, Representative Deb Manjarrez, Representative Jeremy DuFault, and Senator Nikki Torres. These conversations were not symbolic. They were substantive.
Community members shared testimonies about the real impacts policies have on farmworkers and immigrant families — about gaps in support, about barriers to healthcare and housing, and about the everyday realities often overlooked in policy debates. Without direct engagement, many legislators would not fully understand what is happening in the communities they represent.
Youth voices are critical in shaping the future of our region. Too often, young people feel disconnected from the government or assume their voices do not matter. But that is not true. Advocacy does not require being an expert. It requires showing up. Democracy is not passive.
For communities in Central Washington, especially those historically underrepresented, participation is power. When we advocate together, we make sure the Lower Yakima Valley is not an afterthought — but a voice at the table.
Lobby Day was not just a visit to the Capitol.
It was a reminder that our stories belong there.
If you are looking for a way to get involved, reach out to ELLA, and we can help. You can attend community meetings. You can testify on bills. You can travel to Olympia. Or you can simply start by staying informed and having conversations with neighbors and family members.
Posted May 11, 2026
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. By browsing this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy.
x