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Happy Independence Day!
Today, July 2, marks a pivotal point in our nation’s history. It was 249 years ago that the General Congress met behind closed doors in Philadelphia and began to discuss what John Adams described as “the greatest question ever debated in America, and as great as ever was or will be debated among men.”
For two days, 56 honorable men, hard pressed by an abusive ruler, debated whether they should take the irreversible step of declaring their independence from that king. On July 4, 1776, they signed the Declaration of Independence, pledging their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to give birth to a nation of freedom.
Adams said this event “ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance… solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forth forevermore.”
How you choose to celebrate, let us remember and honor these people who sacrificed all for our freedom.
Happy Independence Day to all of you!
Today’s email update is 775 words, a four-minute read. Please read on for legislative-related news.
New taxes and laws are taking effect
Many of the new laws and tax increases passed by the Legislature during the 2025 session, which took place earlier this year, are set to take effect this month.
Gas and diesel taxes
On July 1, the state’s gasoline tax increased by six cents a gallon, bringing the overall state rate from 49.4 cents to 55.4 cents a gallon. California has the highest state gas tax rate at 61.2 cents per gallon. We are just behind Pennsylvania, which charges 57.6 cents per gallon, making Washington the third-highest in the nation for state gas taxes.
I voted against these higher taxes because we are already paying some of the highest prices in the nation for gas, approximately $1.25 more than the national average. Many of the people I represent cannot afford higher taxes. I am also concerned with a provision in the new law that automatically increases the state gas tax, starting July 1, 2026, by 2% each year to account for inflation.
Additionally, if you operate a vehicle with a diesel engine, the state tax on diesel has increased by an additional three cents (to a total of 9 cents) to 58.4 cents. In two years, it will increase by another three cents per gallon.
These tax increases hurt all of us, but especially lower-income families, as the costs are passed on in the form of higher prices for groceries and everyday essentials.
License fees
Here’s another way majority Democrats decided to tax the joy out of Washingtonians. Fee hikes for hunting and fishing licenses also took effect July 1. Senate Bill 5583, which passed the Legislature, and I voted against, raises hunting and fishing license fees by 38%. A combination freshwater and saltwater fishing license has increased from $45.50 to $62.79. The big game deer license has jumped from $39 to $53.82. Additionally, visiting state parks will cost you more. The Discover Pass has increased from $30 to $45 annually.
Dozens more new laws will take effect on July 27, which is 90 days after the legislative session adjourned.
To learn my stance on these new taxes and fees, please watch my video, which I recorded earlier this year.
YVC Commencement
One of the greatest honors of my life was the opportunity to give the keynote commencement speech to the 2025 graduating class of Yakima Valley College on June 13. I shared my story of the “Great American Dream,” coming to the United States from Mexico as a young child, working in the Yakima Valley asparagus fields into my late teenage years, attending YVC, and advancing into a career of business and public service.
The other great honor is serving as your state representative for the 14th District. I truly appreciate your faith in me.
I invite you to watch my YVC Commencement Speech here.
Working for you
Thank you for reading my email update. I hope they are helpful and informative.
Please be assured that I work on your behalf throughout the year and look forward to hearing from you. I appreciate all who participated in our recent 14th District virtual town hall, along with Sen. Curtis King and Rep. Deb Manjarrez. Your input is valuable to us.
If you have a question or concern about state government, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Additionally, if you would like me to speak to your group or event, my office can arrange that as well.
Enjoy the summer. And again, Happy Independence Day!
Sincerely,
Gloria Mendoza
