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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As 2025 comes to a close and we prepare for the upcoming legislative session, which begins on January 12, I want to take a moment to reflect – not just on what I worked on this year, but on why it mattered, what I heard from you along the way, and how that work is shaping the priorities I’m carrying into 2026.
Serving the people of the 8th District is both an honor and a responsibility I take seriously. Every vote I cast on the House floor, every bill I sponsor and cosponsor, and every conversation I have at the Capitol is guided by the same goal: making sure Washington is a place where families can afford to live, businesses can thrive and grow, veterans are honored through action, and opportunity exists for the next generation.
That perspective shaped my work throughout 2025, and it’s the lens through which I’m approaching the year ahead.
A look back on 2025 | Strengthening Washington’s economic future
One of the most transparent and most consistent messages I heard this year – from employers, educators, workers, and families – was concern about Washington’s long-term economic direction. People want opportunity here at home, not somewhere else. They want good jobs, stable careers, and an economy that works for the next generation, not just the next budget cycle. Those conversations are what prompted me to speak more directly – and more often – about the importance of strengthening Washington’s innovation economy.
Washington has extraordinary assets. We are home to world-class research institutions, cutting-edge technology, and a highly skilled workforce. But those strengths don’t automatically translate into opportunity unless the state has a clear, intentional strategy to support them. Other states aren’t waiting. They are aligning education, workforce development, and research investments, and aggressively competing for high-wage jobs, federal research dollars, and private investment. If we want to lead, and not follow, we must be just as focused and strategic.
That belief led me to write a recent op-ed outlining why innovation, accountability, and wise investment must be central to our economic conversation moving forward. It was not simply a reflection on where we are today, but a call to think longer term about how we keep talent here, expand opportunity across all regions of the state, and remain competitive without overburdening taxpayers. This work didn’t begin – and won’t end – with my op-ed. The conversation I started in 2025 will continue in 2026 as I advance policies that encourage innovation, support job creation, and strengthen Washington’s economy responsibly and sustainably.
A look back on 2025 | Legislative leadership rooted in results
My focus on economic growth and opportunity was reinforced through my role as the lead Republican on the House Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee. This position allowed me to help shape discussions at the intersection of innovation, workforce development, and public service.
In this role, I worked on policies that directly affect our region and our state’s future, including supporting small businesses and expanding broadband access, strengthening workforce pathways, improving services for veterans, and addressing the realities of emerging technologies. I also help advance policies designed to help Washington better leverage federal, private, and philanthropic resources, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently, and communities see real returns on investment.
Committee leadership isn’t just about advancing bills. It’s about asking tough questions, challenging assumptions, and ensuring policy decisions reflect the needs of all regions of the state – not just those with the loudest voices. Throughout the year, I worked to make sure rural communities, regional economies, and local priorities were part of the conversation as statewide decisions were made.
That responsibility shaped much of my work in 2025, and it continues to inform how I approach legislation heading into 2026 – with a focus on practical solutions, measurable outcomes, and policies that truly move Washington forward.
Turning policy into action | Legislative wins in 2025
Strong ideas matter, but results matter even more. In the 2025 legislative session, I focused on advancing solutions that didn’t stop at good intentions but made it all the way across the finish line and were signed into law.
One of the bills – House Bill 1106 – I’m most proud to see become law expanded property tax relief for disabled veterans. This legislation lowered eligibility thresholds so more veterans can qualify for relief, helping those who served our country remain in their homes with greater financial security. This was about more than policy. It was about honoring service in a tangible, meaningful way.
I also worked with my colleagues across the aisle to pass legislation – House Bill 1824 – that supported accredited birthing centers by eliminating duplicative inspections. These facilities already meet rigorous national standards, and by streamlining unnecessary regulatory hurdles, we improved access to quality maternal care – particularly for families in rural and underserved communities – without compromising safety.
In addition to these policies, I partnered with local partners, lawmakers, and stakeholders to help secure nearly $100 million in capital funding for projects across the Tri-Cities and the broader 8th District. These investments support infrastructure, public safety facilities, and community projects that will serve our region for years to come.
Each of these successes represents work that began with listening – often to constituents like you – and moved through committee hearings, floor votes, negotiations, and final signatures into law. That process isn’t easy, but it’s proof that focused, pragmatic leadership can deliver results.
Fiscal responsibility and accountability
One of the defining issues of the 2025 legislative session was tax policy – and not in a way many families and businesses would welcome. This year, Washington passed the largest tax increase in state history, a sweeping package that will affect working families and small businesses across our state for years to come. This was not incremental. It was historic, and for households that are feeling the pressure of inflation and rising costs, it represents a significant new burden.
Throughout session, I consistently opposed these tax increases because I believe government should stretch every dollar, not ask taxpayers to stretch further. I stood firmly against proposals that would raise taxes on small businesses already navigating economic uncertainty and increase costs on families at a time when household budgets are already tight.
My opposition wasn’t just philosophical. It was grounded in what I heard from you. Families in the 8th District make careful budgeting decisions every day, balancing housing, groceries, fuel, child care, and savings – without the ability to raise their income through higher taxes or off the backs of your neighbors. State government should operate under that same standard of care and restraint.
In addition to opposing tax hikes, I pushed for greater accountability in state spending, particularly in education and workforce development. Investment must be paired with results, transparency, and measurable outcomes so taxpayers can see real value for every dollar spent.
The bottom line is simple: tax increases should not be the default solution when families are struggling. As your representative, I will continue to fight for fiscal discipline and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
Looking ahead to 2026
The progress we made in 2025 sets the stage for a fast-paced and high-stakes 2026 legislative session. With just 60 days to act, lawmakers will be tasked with making significant decisions quickly — particularly around the state’s supplemental operating, transportation, and capital budgets, all while navigating renewed discussions about additional taxes, including proposals for a state income tax.
Even before session begins, I’ve been hard at work preparing. I’ve already prefiled several bills that reflect my continued focus on innovation, energy reliability, and responsible governance, including:
• House Bill 2090 advances a forward-thinking approach to Washington’s energy future by integrating advanced nuclear energy into the state’s energy strategy — supporting clean, reliable, and affordable power while strengthening economic opportunity.
• House Bill 2133 focuses on improving and modernizing state policy to better align with innovation, accountability, and long-term economic competitiveness.
• House Bill 2135 builds on those efforts by addressing key regulatory and policy challenges to ensure state government supports growth, efficiency, and measurable outcomes.
Many bills are already being introduced ahead of session, and I encourage you to stay informed by reviewing what’s been prefiled so far. These early proposals offer a clear preview of the debates and priorities that will shape the weeks ahead.
While the session will be short, the issues before us are significant. I’m ready to engage fully — asking tough questions, pushing back where needed, and advancing practical solutions that reflect the values and priorities of the 8th District.
And in a short session like this, your voice matters more than ever.
Stay involved. Stay connected.
With limited time and major decisions on the table, constituent engagement is critical. When lawmakers hear directly from the people they represent, it brings clarity, accountability, and real-world perspective to the legislative process.
There are many ways to stay involved during session — from tracking legislation and submitting public testimony to watching committee hearings or visiting the Capitol. You can find helpful resources on how to participate through the House Republicans’ Get Involved page.
I also encourage you to stay connected year-round by bookmarking my legislative website and regularly checking my News & Media page for updates on my work and district priorities. For real-time insights from Olympia, please follow my legislative Facebook page, where I share updates, videos, and behind-the-scenes looks at the work we’re doing on your behalf.
Your engagement helps shape better policy — and ensures the voices of the 8th District are heard loud and clear as decisions are made.
A Christmas message
As we head into the Christmas and holiday season, I want to wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a joyful close to 2025. Thank you for the trust you place in me to serve the 8th District. I’m honored to represent you — and I look forward to continuing this work together in the year ahead.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Barnard
