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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We are now in the third week of the 2026 legislative session, and I want to share an update on what’s happening in Olympia — and what I’m hearing directly from you.
Watch my Legislative Video Update
Affordability crisis confirmed
I recently conducted an affordability survey across our district, and the message was clear and consistent: rising costs are making life harder for Washington families. Food and fuel prices remain high, housing costs and property taxes are stretching household budgets, and health care expenses continue to rise. There is also strong opposition to recent tax increases that make everyday life more expensive.
The survey also showed something else — people want action, not inaction. They want real solutions that lower costs, not policies that add to the burden.
Democrats want to raise taxes; Republicans want to make life more affordable
Unfortunately, majority Democrat leaders this session continue to focus on raising taxes. Just months after passing more than $9 billion in new taxes — the largest tax increase in state history — Democrats have introduced as many as 65 new tax and fee bills, including a potential state income tax. At the same time, a few bills are moving that directly address affordability.
Republicans have introduced multiple bills aimed at lowering costs and helping families make ends meet, yet many of these proposals have not been given hearings. This is concerning and should matter to all of us.
Here’s a list of a few of the most egregious Democrat tax increase bills being considered:
- House Bill 1320 and House Bill 2045: Business and Occupation (B&O) tax increases: These bills would increase B&O tax rates and add new surcharges on employers. Because the B&O tax is applied to gross receipts—not profits, many employers would likely pass these costs on to consumers through higher prices.
- House Bill 1334 – Property tax increase: This proposal would allow local governments to increase their property tax revenue limit from the current 1% to up to 3% annually. Higher property taxes affect homeowners directly and often lead to higher rents for tenants.
- House Bill 1702 – Public utility tax expansion: This bill would expand or increase public utility taxes at the county level, raising monthly bills for electricity, water, sewer, and other essential services. Utility taxes disproportionately impact lower- and middle-income households.
- House Bill 2100 – Payroll tax: This bill proposes a 5% payroll tax on high-wage earners.
- House Bill 2275 – Wildfire liability fund: Would increase electric utility customer bills through surcharges across the state to cover financial payouts from lawsuits resulting from wildfires sparked by electric utility equipment.
In addition, Democratic leadership has promised to pursue a state income tax on “millionaires.” I am concerned that once an income tax is established in Washington, the threshold will be lowered so that everyone would have to pay it. And no other taxes would be reduced.
As your representative, I will continue to stand firmly against these tax increases and fight to stop policies that make it harder for families, workers, and small businesses to get ahead, because Washington needs greater affordability, not more government-driven cost increases.
My legislative priorities
I am working on legislation that directly impacts our community:
Adding a ninth Superior Court judge in Yakima County
Our courts are overwhelmed, and justice is being delayed. One of my priority bills would add a ninth Superior Court judge in Yakima County to reduce backlogs and improve public safety. A public hearing will be held Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 8 a.m. in the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee.
Learn more about this bill.
Heritage Orchard Program with Washington State University
I’ve also introduced legislation to create a Heritage Orchard Program in partnership with WSU. This program would help identify and preserve rare and historic apple varieties still growing on small farms, honoring our agricultural roots and protecting a unique part of Washington’s history. A public hearing will be held tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. in the House Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee.
Learn more about this bill.
You can find more information about these and other bills I’ve sponsored by visiting my website:
RepresentativeGloriaMendoza.com
Stay involved
Your voice matters in the legislative process. You can:
- Visit leg.wa.gov to call, write, or email legislators
- Call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000
- Testify in person or online, comment on bills, or watch proceedings at TVW.org
- Visit Olympia during session and observe committee hearings or floor action
Please contact my office if you plan to visit the Capitol or if you have questions, comments, or suggestions about legislation.
Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving and representing the 14th Legislative District.
Sincerely,
Gloria Mendoza
