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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
A record-breaking taxing legislative session
The 105-day legislative session came to an end Sunday, April 27, after majority Democrats passed a record-setting $77.9 billion 2025-27 operating budget proposal, which relies on the most extensive set of tax increases in state history ($3.86 billion in the next two-year budget cycle and more than $9.5 billion over the next four years). Combined with federal funds, state spending has reached an all-time high of more than $150 billion. My fellow Republicans and I opposed the tax increases and reckless, unsustainable expenditures in the budget. Unfortunately, we were outvoted by the Democrats.
Read on for more details.
Today’s newsletter is 847 words, a four-minute read.
Operating budget – The new 77.9 billion two-year operating budget represents an increase of $6 billion over current spending levels. That’s an 8% increase, and it’s the fourth straight budget that overspends revenue projections. It spends all but $2.3 billion, about half of the State Treasurer’s recommended reserve level.
As I noted in my April 7 video, I didn’t come to Olympia to raise your taxes and grow state government. I came here to represent the hard-working families struggling to make ends meet, many of whom live paycheck to paycheck. The citizens of Washington are suffering through an affordability crisis. We didn’t need to ask our taxpayers for more money.
Republicans proposed an operating budget plan that would have prioritized funding for essential services without raising taxes. We fought hard for the working families of our state to keep state government out of their pockets. Unfortunately, Democrats ignored our voices, and the 3 million people Republicans represent in Eastern Washington. Republicans were completely shut out of the budget process as Democrats negotiated the level of taxes and spending in the final bills. We were given only 24 hours to review the Democrats’ 1,366-page budget document before taking a vote. I voted no.
Yakima Valley School saved from closure – One bright note in the final hours of the 2025 session is that we were able to save the Yakima Valley School in Selah from closure. Senate Bill 5393 sought to close the residential habilitation center for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as another RHC facility, the Rainier School in Buckley, on the west side of the state, by June 30, 2027. The final compromise saves the Yakima Valley School, but halts further long-term admissions to Rainier, allowing it to close once there are no more residents to care for.
The list of tax increases Democrats passed this year is exhausting. This is my first year in the Legislature, and staff with 30-plus years say they’ve never seen so many taxes increased in one legislative session. I’m very concerned about how these tax increases will affect every Washington family and every business in our state. See the list of tax increases here.
The tax increase bills still must be approved by the governor to become law. In an interview with TVW, Gov. Bob Ferguson stated that he would review each bill closely, but did not indicate whether he would sign them into law. Watch Gov. Ferguson’s response to the operating budget/tax increases.
Transportation budget – The final 2025-27 transportation budget is $15.5 billion. It includes $1.3 billion from the Climate Commitment Act and $3.2 billion in new taxes. I remain concerned about the tax increases the majority party passed through Senate Bill 5801. More than a dozen fees and taxes have been increased, including a six-cent increase in the gas tax and a 12-cent increase in the diesel tax, which takes effect on July 1. The tax is designed to be indexed to inflation, with a 2% annual increase thereafter. Vehicle registration fees and weight fees are also going up. I voted against these tax increases.
Capital budget – This budget makes appropriations for projects such as schools, other public buildings, behavioral and mental health facilities, parks, low-income housing, water infrastructure, and habitat conservation. Within the final capital budget, just over $68 million is allocated for projects within the 14th District, including funding for Capitol Theatre improvements in Yakima, the community pool, gazebo rebuild, and soccer field developments in Sunnyside, as well as money for the Grandview Splash Pad, the Grandview Police Center, and for a police station in Toppenish. A comprehensive list of projects can be found in this Yakima Herald-Republic article.
I work for you throughout the year!
Although the 2025 session is now in the history books, I continue to serve as your state representative throughout the year. Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions, comments, or suggestions regarding legislation or state government. You’ll find my contact information below.
Additionally, I will continue to send you email updates periodically throughout the remainder of this year, focusing on other issues we covered during the 2025 session, including an attack from Olympia on parental rights and families. I welcome your input and comments.
Thank you for the honor of allowing me to serve you and your neighbors throughout the 14th District!
Sincerely,
Gloria Mendoza
