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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
While the Legislature is technically part-time, I view serving you as a full-time responsibility. That’s why I spend most of the year in our communities—visiting schools, meeting with small business owners, and listening to your concerns. Your voices keep me grounded and guide my work in Olympia. Keep the ideas coming—I’m listening.
Leading on energy innovation
One of the most exciting parts of my legislative work has been co-founding the bipartisan Legislative Nuclear Energy Caucus, which I proudly co-chair alongside Sen. Sharon Shewmake, Sen. Jeff Holy, and Rep. Chris Stearns. Our region is a hub of energy expertise, and nuclear power will play an important role in Washington’s clean, reliable energy future. This caucus is helping move the conversation forward, ensuring that local innovation leads the way. Later this month, we’ll continue that work with a tour of the Idaho National Laboratory, an opportunity to bring lessons back home to strengthen energy policy here.
Representing the 8th District at home and abroad
Beyond the Legislature, I’ve been working to make sure your priorities are represented across the state and beyond. In May, I joined the Tech Alliance State of Technology luncheon, hosted by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), where innovators highlighted breakthroughs happening right here in our backyard. I also traveled to Brussels, Belgium, to connect with international partners about clean energy and economic growth strategies that can shape Washington’s competitiveness.
In June, I attended the Clean Air Task Force conference with experts from MIT and across the nation for in-depth discussions on nuclear and renewable energy. I also had the honor of speaking at the USS Triton Veterans Commemorative Wall dedication in Richland—recognizing the sacrifice and service of those who built the foundation for the freedoms we enjoy.
Honoring service and supporting local leaders
I met with city leaders during the Association of Washington Cities conference, hosted right here in Kennewick, where we worked on priorities that affect families, schools, and infrastructure across our state. And at the WRECA conference in Cle Elum, I joined a panel on Washington’s energy policy landscape—because energy doesn’t just happen in Olympia; it touches every farm, business, and household in the 8th District.
Tackling infrastructure and energy costs
This summer, I joined the PSE Transmission Tour to better understand how we can increase grid capacity while balancing land use and community impacts. I also participated in the Environment and Energy Committee tour at Flagler State Park, where we examined how to balance stewardship with economic growth.
In July, I spoke at a Tri-Cities regional roundtable—“Behind the Bill: How Policy Shapes Your Energy Costs,” because policy debates in Olympia eventually show up on your monthly bills. I also attended a briefing on preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where we toured construction sites and discussed how to maximize economic benefits statewide.
Building coalitions for the future
In August, I hosted the Legislative Nuclear Energy Caucus’s Advanced Industry Tour. I later co-hosted a call with lawmakers from seven western states to form a nuclear energy consortium. The support was overwhelming, and we’re now scheduling our next meetings.
I also attended the ETEBA Business Exchange Conference to learn about upcoming federal opportunities and projects in the region and beyond. A few days later, I worked with child safety advocates and spoke at a memorial honoring Soo Jin in connection with House Bill 1227. At the PNWER summit, I moderated a panel on “Powering the Future of AI,” linking our district’s energy expertise with emerging technologies. And at the NCSL conference in Boston, I joined legislators from across the country to share and learn about practical policy solutions.
Looking ahead: the fight against rising costs
Many of you have reached out with concerns about the majority party’s decision to push through massive tax increases this year—raising property taxes, expanding the business and occupation (B&O) tax, and adding a six-cent gas tax increase on top of one of the highest fuel taxes in the nation. As a single mom who knows what it’s like to stretch a paycheck, I do not support this approach to raising revenue. These policies make life more expensive for working families, small businesses, and farmers—and they fail to solve the state’s underlying budget challenges.
In my next update, I’ll take a closer look at what these tax increases mean for Washington’s future, share data on the impacts to our state, and outline some of the proposals I’m preparing for the 2026 session.
Staying connected with you
My door is always open, and I welcome your thoughts. Whether you have ideas to share, concerns about legislation, or want to talk about the challenges facing our region, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can also follow me on Facebook or visit my website, where I share regular updates, news, videos, and opportunities to connect.
Together, let’s preserve what we love most about life in the 8th District while ensuring our families, businesses, and communities have every opportunity to thrive. Thank you for your trust, your ideas, and the privilege of continuing this work on your behalf.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Barnard
