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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
With less than three weeks remaining in this year’s legislative session, the focus in Olympia is on one critical question: Will Washington’s working families be forced to pay for a spending spree they didn’t ask for and can’t afford?
Just three years ago, Democratic budget writers were working with a $14 billion surplus. Today, that surplus is gone—replaced by a $10+ billion deficit caused by unchecked spending and unsustainable budgets.
House and Senate Democrats are now hoping you and your family will bail them out of this crisis. Last week, they passed budget proposals that rely on a record $15-20 billion in new taxes. When House Democrats brought their proposal to the floor for a vote, my colleagues and I pushed back for more than six hours—introducing amendment after amendment to protect you from higher costs and harmful new taxes. Although the budget was ultimately approved, I was incredibly proud of our effort.
Let me be clear: the tax hikes being proposed by the majority are neither responsible nor necessary. They are, however, a direct threat to Washington’s ability to grow jobs, attract investment, and keep daily life affordable at a time when we are already the third-most expensive state for residents.
Here are just some of the taxes Democrats are proposing this session (for the full list, click here):
- A job-killing B&O tax targeting hundreds of Washington-based employers;
- A wealth tax on unrealized capital gains;
- A payroll tax on companies that create good-paying jobs;
- A sharp increase in property taxes—tripling the growth limit;
- And a staggering list of new taxes on everyday items—from Zyn pouches and cell phones to Airbnb stays and even concert tickets.
As you can see, they’re not just targeting big businesses and the wealthy. They also want to tax your home, your hobbies, your weekend getaways—and so much more. These proposals don’t just risk taxing the jobs out of Washington; they risk taxing the joy out of being a Washingtonian. And they threaten to drive families and employers to states like Idaho, Florida, Nevada, and Texas.
I spoke about all of this and more on the House floor last week.
To his credit, Governor Ferguson has publicly stated he will not sign a final budget that includes a wealth tax. He’s drawn firm lines in the sand in other ways as well, urging Democratic budget writers to go back to the drawing board. I applaud him for that.
Throughout the session, I’ve met with the governor regularly for wide-ranging conversations. We’re not going to agree on everything, of course, but I appreciate his willingness to engage with me. His leadership style is a welcome change from the last 12 years under Jay Inslee.
Staying engaged
Until the final gavel falls this session, I’m going to keep doing everything I can to push for a budget that supports our families, our economy, and our future. I encourage you to stay in the fight with me and other House Republicans. Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, share our content, and help spread the word about what’s happening in Olympia to your family, friends, and neighbors.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
It is an honor to serve you.
Warmly,
Drew Stokesbary
