Survey Responses – Rep. Gloria Mendoza

Rep. Gloria Mendoza, R-Grandview, recently conducted an online survey, questioning respondents about affordability in Washington state. The survey, which began in November, was closed Jan. 19. Results showed that respondents are clearly concerned about an affordability crisis in Washington.

Families are struggling with the rising cost of living. Food and fuel prices remain too high. Housing costs and property taxes are putting real pressure on household budgets. Health care expenses continue to be a serious concern. And there is strong opposition to recent tax increases that make everyday life more expensive.

The results of the survey are posted below. You may also download the report here.


Question 1

In the past year, how have rising costs affected you and/or your family the most?
(Select all that apply)

Top cost pressures (by percentage):

  • Groceries and household essentials: 69.52%
  • Gas and transportation costs: 68.57%
  • Housing (property taxes, rent, insurance): 58.10%
  • Health care costs: 46.67%
  • All of the above: 24.76%
  • Outdoor recreation costs: 22.86%
  • Small business costs, taxes, and fees: 21.90%
  • Other: 16.19%
  • Education costs: 8.57%
  • Child care costs: 3.81%
  • None of the above: 1.90%

Analysis:
Rising everyday expenses dominate affordability concerns. Nearly seven in ten respondents cite groceries and fuel, signaling that inflation in basic necessities is the most immediate pressure. Housing costs remain a major issue for the majority, reinforcing concerns about property taxes and rent. The relatively low percentage for child care and education suggests these costs, while important, are less universally felt in this district than food, fuel, and housing.

Question 2

Views on the largest tax increase in Washington state history (2025):

  • Make Washington less affordable: 80.95%
  • Necessary to fund government priorities: 5.71%
  • Unsure/need more information: 1.90%
  • Other: 11.43%

Analysis:
There is overwhelming opposition to recent tax increases, with more than four in five respondents saying they worsen affordability. Very little support exists for the argument that the increases were necessary, indicating strong skepticism toward the Legislature’s fiscal approach and heightened sensitivity to tax burdens amid rising costs.

Question 3

Housing affordability – what should the Legislature do?

  • Address all issues (property taxes, regulations, rent): 60.19%
  • Limit or eliminate property tax increases: 22.33%
  • Reduce building regulations: 5.83%
  • Make rent more affordable (only): 1.94%
  • Do nothing: 0.97%
  • Unsure/need more information: 1.94%
  • Other: 6.80%

Analysis:
A clear majority favors a comprehensive housing strategy rather than piecemeal solutions. Property taxes stand out as the single most important specific concern, but respondents largely want lawmakers to tackle taxes, regulations, and rent together. Virtually no support exists for inaction, underscoring housing affordability as a priority issue.

Question 4

Health care premiums and Medicaid cuts – how should lawmakers respond?

  • Do both: restore Medicaid funding and lower premiums: 45.19%
  • Lower health insurance premiums: 30.77%
  • Restore Medicaid funding only: 5.77%
  • Do nothing: 2.88%
  • Other: 15.38%

Analysis:
Voters strongly favor action on health care affordability. Nearly half want lawmakers to both restore Medicaid funding and reduce premiums, while an additional third prioritize premium relief alone. Very few respondents believe health care costs are not a concern, suggesting health care remains a significant affordability and access issue.

Question 5

Affordability priorities for the 2026 Legislature (ranked importance)

Across rankings, the issues most frequently placed at the highest priority levels were:

  • Gas and transportation costs
  • Groceries and household essentials
  • Housing affordability and property taxes
  • Health care costs and access
  • State spending and taxes overall

Issues more consistently ranked lower included:

  • Outdoor recreation costs
  • Hidden fees
  • Education and child care costs
  • “None — Washington state is in good shape” (very low support)

Analysis:
The rankings reinforce earlier questions: voters are focused on core cost-of-living pressures and overall state fiscal policy. Transportation, food, housing, health care, and taxes form a clear affordability cluster. Minimal support for the idea that Washington is “in good shape” suggests broad dissatisfaction with current economic conditions.

Overall Summary

The survey results show strong, consistent concern about affordability, driven primarily by:

  • Rising food and fuel costs
  • Housing affordability and property taxes
  • Health care costs
  • Opposition to recent tax increases

Respondents overwhelmingly want legislative action, not inaction, and favor comprehensive solutions over narrow fixes. The data reflects a district highly sensitive to cost-of-living increases and skeptical of policies that raise taxes or fail to directly address household expenses.

For questions about this survey, please contact Rep. Mendoza at (360) 786-7960. Or email her at: gloria.mendoza@leg.wa.gov.