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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It is already Christmas Eve, and the 2026 legislative session is rapidly approaching on Jan. 12. I wanted to take a moment to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and to provide a brief legislative news update.
Affordability Crisis Survey
Your input directly informs my work in Olympia, and I genuinely value your perspective. Please complete my Affordability Crisis Survey. I will be closing the survey when the session begins. This is your last opportunity to have a voice in it. Please go to my survey now and make your voice heard. It will only take a few minutes of your time and will be very helpful as I share it with other lawmakers in a couple of weeks.
2026 session expectations
As the Legislature prepares to convene on Jan. 12 for a 60‑day session, debate in Olympia is centering on a new round of tax proposals amid what I would say is a statewide affordability crisis. Several proposals under consideration could increase costs for families and employers in the 14th District. I will be focused on lower taxes while protecting essential services.
Despite recent record tax increases, the state is facing a projected $1.52 billion budget deficit this biennium and additional shortfalls in future years. Majority Democrats are expected to introduce several new tax measures, including a state income tax on high earners, a wealth tax, a payroll tax increase, higher property tax growth limits, and additional excise taxes. I believe this approach places further strain on families, seniors, and small businesses.
House Republicans are offering an alternative “Affordability First” budget plan that identifies nearly $4 billion in savings over four years through agency streamlining and reductions in lower‑priority spending. We believe the plan would protect K–12 classrooms, preserve essential benefits, and restore funding for key services such as Medicaid, food assistance, and law enforcement hiring—without raising taxes. This is a more responsible budget plan than the burdensome tax-and-spend proposals Democrats are expected to roll out. Read more details here.
The upcoming session is also expected to feature debate over several policy proposals, including changes to juvenile justice, a statewide bottle‑deposit program, higher Paid Family and Medical Leave premiums, and a new wildfire recovery fund that could increase utility costs.
Read more about the coming 2026 session from my opinion-editorial: Expectations for the upcoming 2026 legislative session.
Listen to my podcast interview
I recently had the opportunity to be interviewed by House Republican Caucus Chairman Rep. Peter Abbarno on the Fix Washington Podcast. I spoke about how Olympia’s taxes and regulations are hurting farmers, families, and small businesses in Eastern Washington, and my efforts to protect the 14th District. Listen to my podcast here.
Keep in touch!
Your input is essential to our legislative process! There are several ways you can participate.
Go to leg.wa.gov, where you can call, write, or email legislators. Use the toll‑free hotline at 1‑800‑562‑6000. Testify in person or online. Comment on bills at leg.wa.gov/learn-and-participate. Watch proceedings at TVW.org.
I welcome your comments, ideas, and suggestions. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office at (360) 786-7960 or email me at gloria.mendoza@leg.wa.gov.
Sincerely,
Gloria Mendoza
