Radio Report: Legislative Republican leaders say Democrats are ignoring affordability concerns

January 20, 2026

House and Senate Republicans say affordability remains the top concern for Washington families, but they argue Democrats are moving in the opposite direction. John Sattgast reports from Olympia.

SATTGAST: Republican leaders say Democrats are talking about affordability but failing to act on it.
During a joint media availability Tuesday, House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary criticized the lack of movement on bills aimed at lowering costs for Washington families.

STOKESBARY: “Nine days in a session and there still aren’t any Democrat bills moving that address the affordability crisis. And there are lots of Republican bills that would address the affordability crisis that Democrats are refusing to give hearings to.”

SATTGAST: Stokesbary also pointed to proposed new taxes and fees from Democrats, including a draft income tax and a bill that would add a new tire fee, saying those policies would raise everyday costs.

He warned that a proposed income tax would especially hurt small businesses and housing development.

STOKESBARY: “We’re in the middle of a housing crisis and Democrats want to impose an income tax on the folks who are deploying capital to build the housing we desperately need.”

SATTGAST: Republicans say they’re urging Democratic leaders and the governor to focus on budget discipline and cost-of-living relief.

John Sattgast, the state Capitol.