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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Every November, our nation pauses to honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar — it’s a time to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and devotion that define those who’ve served. It’s also a reminder that our freedom was bought at a cost, and our gratitude must be shown through both words and actions.
This year, the holiday carries special meaning for me. I was deeply humbled to receive the 2025 Legislator of the Year Award from the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs and the Governor’s Veterans Advisory Committee this past weekend. The recognition isn’t just an honor — it’s a reflection of our shared commitment to “serve those who served.”
Earlier this year, I sponsored House Bill 1106, which passed the Legislature unanimously and was signed into law to expand property tax relief for disabled veterans. It’s a small but meaningful way to help those who’ve already given so much to our state and nation.
As the proud mom of a U.S. Navy sailor, I hold this work close to my heart. Our veterans represent the best of us — and as long as I’m serving you in Olympia, I’ll keep fighting to ensure every Washington veteran feels valued, supported, and seen.
Making life more affordable in Washington
Now that it’s November, we’re getting closer to the 2026 legislative session, which begins in January. As groceries, gas, and housing costs continue to climb across our state, affordability is on everyone’s mind. Trust me — as a single mom of six children — affordability is a priority for me and my household too. While it’s easy to blame national trends or new tariffs, that’s not the whole story behind why Washington families are paying more. Many of the price increases we’re seeing today are the direct result of state policies passed right here in Olympia.
One example is Senate Bill 5284, the 2025 law on solid waste management outcomes — a sweeping measure that changes how nearly every product sold in Washington must be packaged, labeled, and recycled. Supporters refer to it as an “extended producer responsibility” program, or EPR, designed to enhance recycling rates and minimize waste. However, in practice, it creates costly new mandates for packaging and labeling, which will raise expenses for farmers, food processors, and distributors — costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers.
Other states are beginning to recognize these challenges. California recently delayed implementation of its own packaging EPR program after businesses and local governments raised concerns about the program’s costs, complexity, and the risk of higher consumer prices. Yet instead of slowing down, Washington is moving full speed ahead — adding new regulatory costs at a time when families and small businesses can least afford them.
Under the new law, producers must meet complex recycling and reporting standards, redesign their packaging, and pay new state fees based on the amount and type of materials they use. For agricultural producers and processors, that means new labeling requirements, higher packaging costs, and limited flexibility in the materials they can use to store and ship their products safely. Those costs don’t disappear — they move down the supply chain and end up in the price tag for everyday items like cereal boxes, milk jugs, and canned goods.
Then there’s Senate Bill 5323, the 2020 law banning thin plastic grocery bags. Starting in January 2026, the fee for a plastic bag will increase from eight cents to twelve cents, accompanied by new penalties for thicker bags. Even though the goal was to cut plastic waste, the result has been higher costs for shoppers and small businesses alike — and recent studies from Washington State University show the law actually increased the total amount of plastic being used.
On top of that, Washington’s carbon-reduction programs — including the state’s cap-and-trade system — have driven up the price of fuel for farmers, truckers, and anyone who drives to work each day. When fuel and transportation costs rise, so does the price of everything that depends on moving goods — from produce to groceries to heating oil. Families are paying more at the pump, and those higher shipping costs ripple through every sector of our economy.
I believe we can protect our environment and protect household budgets. In the upcoming session, I’ll continue to work to bring balance and common sense back to Olympia — pushing for solutions that reduce waste and emissions without making it harder for families to put food on the table or fill up their gas tanks.
Working for the 8th District
As I mentioned in my previous update a few weeks ago, even when the Legislature isn’t in session, my work for the 8th District never stops. I’ve spent the past several months touring facilities, hosting industry visits, and speaking at regional and national events to make sure our district’s priorities are heard — and our innovative industries are supported. Some highlights from this fall include:
- Speaking on stage at the Northwest Renewable Hydrogen Conference (Sept. 16, Portland, OR), hosted by the Renewable Hydrogen Alliance. I joined Mary Moerlins (Northwest Natural), Rep. Virgie Osborne (Oregon), Matt Morrison (PNWER), and Neil Hartman (Washington State Association of UA Plumbers and Pipefitters) to discuss innovation and energy partnerships in the Pacific Northwest.
- Hosting the Legislative Nuclear Energy Caucus tour of the Idaho National Laboratory (Sept. 22) – focusing on advanced reactor technologies, workforce development, and new opportunities for the Tri-Cities to lead in clean-energy innovation.
- Along with Sen. Perry Dozier, I spoke at the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers meeting (Sept. 24) – thanking members for the family-wage jobs they provide and discussing the importance of balanced environmental policy that keeps Washington mills competitive.
- Participating as a panelist at the Western Governors Association’s “Energy Superabundance” workshop (Sept. 23) – joining leaders from across the West to discuss how energy innovation can power regional prosperity.
- Speaking at the 2025 Washington Nuclear Energy Policy Retreat (Sept. 26) – highlighting Tri-Cities’ leadership in advanced nuclear energy and the strong partnerships forming between public, private, and educational sectors.
- Attending the AWB Policy Summit (Sept. 17), AWB Energy Summit (Oct. 30), and the Tri-City Regional Chamber’s Elected Leaders Reception (Oct. 2) – staying engaged with local business leaders and energy innovators.
- Attending Seattle Fusion Week (Sept. 29, Seattle) – joined industry and research leaders to discuss the future of fusion energy and Washington’s growing role in advancing clean, reliable power.
- Joining the House Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee tour of IONQ in Bothell (Oct. 8) – learning how quantum computing is driving the next generation of technology jobs right here in Washington.
- Attending the Cascadia Innovation Corridor conference (Oct. 28–29) – advancing regional collaboration on trade, transportation, and clean energy across the Pacific Northwest.
- Meeting with industry and community leaders at the Port of Benton (Oct. 14) for a legislator roundtable with the Energy Communities Alliance – discussing what our region needs to attract and sustain new nuclear-energy missions.
- Touring Nucor Steel in Seattle (Oct. 31) – learning more about sustainable steel production and the skilled trades workforce driving Washington’s manufacturing sector.
Representing you means being out in the community — listening, learning, and advocating for policies that strengthen families, support local employers, and create opportunities here at home.
I’ve added a few photos from these visits and tours below. I’m grateful to every organization, employer, and community leader who took the time to share their work and perspectives with me.
Staying connected
Serving you in Olympia is an incredible honor — and the best ideas always come from home. I learn the most from the people I represent, whether it’s through emails, community events, or quick conversations at the grocery store.
If something’s on your mind — an idea, a concern, or a local issue you want me to know about — I’d love to hear from you. You can always reach out to my office, follow me on Facebook, or visit my legislative website for updates, photos, and information on how to stay involved.
Together, let’s keep building a stronger, more affordable, and more hopeful future for every individual and family in the 8th District!
Sincerely,
Stephanie Barnard
