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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It’s been just over a month since the 2025 session ended on April 27. It’s nice to be back home in Grandview. However, my work for you did not end when the session finished. I am honored to represent you year-round.
May has been a busy month as I have traveled the 14th District talking with people about my experiences in the legislative session. Here’s an update on my legislative activities.
Today’s newsletter is 599 words, a three-minute read.
Join us for a 14th District Virtual Town Hall Meeting on June 12!
Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, and Rep. Deb Manjarrez, R-Wapato, will be joining me for an online Zoom 14th District town hall meeting on June 12 to discuss the 2025 legislative session and answer your questions. The meeting will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can participate from the comfort of your home. Preregistration is required at https://tinyurl.com/14LD-Town-Hall. I hope to see you there!
Gov. Ferguson signs the largest tax increases in Washington’s history
We had hoped Gov. Ferguson would have stayed true to his word against contemplating tax increases until all efforts were exhausted to improve efficiency in the state operating budget. We were prepared to return in a special session to work out a budget that prioritized spending and did not rely on tax increases. Unfortunately, in the end, the governor caved to the leadership of his Democratic legislative party. He signed a record $78 billion operating budget on May 20 that relies on the largest tax increases ever implemented in Washington’s history. See the list of tax increases here.
Rep. Manjarrez and I are worried about how these tax increases will impact families, businesses, and you and your neighbors. We expressed our deep disappointment in this press statement.
Media tour provides opportunity to reflect on 2025 session
Recently, Rep. Manjarrez and I spent two days meeting with newspaper editors, talk show hosts, and television and radio reporters to discuss the 2025 session and answer their questions.
Our travels began at KDNA Radio in Granger, where we were interviewed in Spanish. I translated for Rep. Manjarrez. We also visited with the Sunnyside Sun, the Grandview Herald, KVEW-TV, KEPR-TV, and KONA Radio in the Tri-Cities. You can watch our KEPR interview here.
The following day, we were on KIT Radio in Yakima. Listen to that interview here. We then met with the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board.
During the meetings, we presented the newspapers with a joint opinion editorial that we had written about the 2025 session. I invite you to read it:
- OP-ED: Despite a contentious 2025 legislative session, we remain fighting for you and will not be silenced! By Rep. Gloria Mendoza and Rep. Deb Manjarrez
What’s next?
I have been chosen to deliver the keynote commencement speech to the 2025 graduating class at Yakima Valley College on June 13. As a former YVC student, this is truly an honor. I plan to discuss how I have been blessed with opportunities that have helped me become part of the Great American Dream. I hope to inspire our graduating students to embrace opportunities that will help them achieve their goals. The commencement ceremony begins at 6 p.m. in the Yakima Valley SunDome.
Working for you
If you have a question about state government or an issue with a state agency, I may be able to help. Please get in touch with my office by phone, mail, or email. You can find my contact information at the end of this email update. Thank you for the honor of allowing me to serve and represent you!
Sincerely,
Gloria Mendoza
