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Affordability crisis worsening
In last month’s email update, I shared how new taxes and laws that took effect in July stemmed from actions by majority Democrats during the 2025 legislative session. I warned that Washington’s affordability crisis is already squeezing families, and the new tax hikes imposed by majority Democrats will only make things worse for businesses and working people.
Sadly, my predictions are coming true. For the first time in half a century, new ferries for Washington will be built outside of our state, because a Florida shipbuilder was able to outbid a Washington shipbuilder. That’s because the cost of doing business has soared — driven by burdensome regulations and new taxes imposed on employers and families by the majority Democrats in the state Legislature.
In 2017, CNBC listed the Evergreen State as No. 1 among states to do business. No longer. CNBC now ranks Washington 48th overall in the cost of doing business. The Puget Sound Business Journal reports Washington lost 11,300 construction jobs from June 2024 to June 2025, the most profound loss of any state in the nation. We are heading in the WRONG direction!
In an opinion-editorial I wrote that was published in the Yakima Herald-Republic this past weekend, I said, “These indicators should serve as a wake-up call to lawmakers in Olympia. Our state is sinking under government-imposed burdens and tax increases. If we don’t reverse course, it won’t be contracts leaving Washington; it will be people as well. It will be workers, businesses, jobs, and families.”
Quite frankly, we need to fix Washington! My House Republican colleagues and I are committed to restoring affordability by offering better and less burdensome policy solutions.
To learn more, please read my opinion-editorial in full and watch my legislative update video:
- Opinion-editorial: Ferry contract award to Florida shipbuilder should serve as wake-up call about Washington’s struggling business economy
- Video: New Democrat tax increases worsen Washington’s struggling business economy
- Washington House Republicans: The Affordability Crisis
Working for you!
Although the Legislature is not in session, I work for you and the 14th District throughout the year. I am pleased that Lupita Michel from Grandview has joined our team as my new legislative assistant.
If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions about state government or legislation, please get in touch with my office. We will be happy to help you. My contact information is below.
Thank you for the honor of allowing me to serve and represent you!
Sincerely,
Gloria Mendoza
