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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Until a few minutes after midnight on Tuesday, April 1, House Republicans stood united against a state budget proposal built on the largest tax increase in Washington state history. While the majority party pushed to expand government, we stood our ground—to protect your paycheck and preserve the future of our state. Watch some of the floor debate here.

Meanwhile, Senate Democrats passed their own operating budget spending plan more than a week ago—and it’s not much better. Even Senate Republican Leader John Braun called it what it is: a missed opportunity to pass a sustainable, no-new-tax budget.

I recently recorded a short legislative update where I break down the latest House and Senate tax proposals, explain what’s at stake, and share where a few of my bills currently stand:


What’s the damage?

More than $24 billion in new taxes. That’s what’s baked into the House and Senate budget proposals. And no, that’s not a typo. That’s billion—with a “B.”

The House passed its $77.8 billion two-year operating budget by a vote of 54–44. Notably, five Democrats joined Republicans in voting no. That’s how divisive this budget is.

Let’s break it down. Here’s what the majority party is proposing:

  • A new payroll tax—because apparently, driving job creators out of Washington is now part of the our state’s tax plan.
  • A B&O tax hike—making it harder for local businesses to grow, hire, or thrive.
  • Wealth taxes, which signal more hostility toward investment and innovation.
  • And a suite of property tax increases that would:
    • Let cities raise property taxes anytime they declare a “substantial need” (SB 5798)
    • Increase annual limits up to 3% (HB 1334)
    • Undo the protections voters demanded through Initiative 747.

Higher property taxes don’t just affect homeowners—they drive up rents and hurt small businesses. These proposals ignore years of voter intent and target affordability at its core.

Other proposed taxes and fees would hit:

  • Sporting events
  • Vacation rentals
  • Bottled drinks
  • Cell phones
  • Outdoor recreation like hunting, fishing, and hiking

The proposed house operating budget would also shift healthcare costs to working families, increasing out-of-pocket costs by about $1,400 per year for a family of four.

So how did we get here?

Just a few years ago, Washington had a $14 billion surplus. Now, we’re staring down a budget deficit—thanks to overspending and overly rosy revenue assumptions. The result? A proposed budget that raises taxes, cuts services, and still doesn’t balance. Meanwhile, essential services like Medicaid, child support for low-income families, and special education programs are being cut or frozen.

Even Governor Bob Ferguson has criticized these proposals, holding a press conference to call the wealth tax “novel, untested, difficult to implement,” and likely to be immediately challenged in court.

And he’s not alone. Editorial boards across the state—from Spokane to Seattle—have raised serious concerns.

  • From The Seattle Times editorial board: “Raising taxes on innovative employers risks pushing their operations out of Washington—a move that could diminish the very revenue Democrats are attempting to raise.” Read the full editorial.

  • Here’s a list of editorials criticizing these tax proposals from across the state.

And the transportation budget proposal? Also loaded with tax hikes:

If you drive, commute, travel—or just want to enjoy your weekend without getting taxed at every turn—these tax proposals aren’t for you.

Along with working hard on defense regarding the budget and taxes, I’m also pushing forward with real, common-sense solutions for the 8th District and our state. Four of my bills are still making their way through the Senate, and I’m excited to keep that momentum going!

  • House Bill 1106 – Expands property tax relief for disabled veterans. It had a public hearing in the Senate Ways and Means Committee and is awaiting a vote.
  • House Bill 1819 – Speeds up upgrades to existing power lines while respecting tribal and environmental concerns. This proposal is now waiting on a committee vote.
  • House Bill 1210 – Supports economic growth in the Tri-Cities by expanding tax exemptions for nuclear fuel manufacturers. In the Rules Committee awaiting scheduling on the Senate floor.
  • House Bill 1824 – Streamlines the inspection process for accredited birthing centers by removing redundant state surveys. It’s now on second reading in the Senate.

And one last highlight—on energy.

I recently helped lead a Legislative Nuclear Energy Caucus meeting where we welcomed Dr. Rian Bahran, the Department of Energy’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Reactors. His presentation on the future of nuclear energy was powerful, timely, and directly relevant to how we strengthen our grid and meet growing energy demands.

The 8th District is a great place to live, work, and raise a family—but it only stays that way if we push back on reckless spending and stand up for policies that make sense.

As your state representative, I’ll keep fighting for a better path for the 8th District and the state. But I need your help.

Thanks for staying informed and engaged. Together, we are making a difference.

It is an honor to serve you in Olympia.

Sincerely,


Stephanie Barnard

State Representative Stephanie Barnard, 8th Legislative District
RepresentativeStephanieBarnard.com
431 John L. O'Brien Building | P.O. Box 40600 | Olympia, WA 98504-0600
stephanie.barnard@leg.wa.gov
(360) 786-7986 | Toll-free: (800) 562-6000