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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The Legislature reached the halfway point of the 60-day session this week, and most bills that remain alive after the initial committee cutoffs have now moved to the floor. Attention now turns to extended House floor sessions as we debate and vote on bills before the Feb. 17 floor deadline.
Another taxing session
In my recent affordability survey, , many families across the 14th District said rising costs and higher taxes are making it harder to get by. With a large state budget shortfall, majority Democrats are advancing a wave of tax proposals instead of focusing on spending restraint. Here are several proposals still moving forward:
Income tax – The ‘pie-crust promise’
One proposal, Senate Bill 6346, would impose a 9.9 percent income tax on earnings over $1 million. However, Democrat leaders have already called that threshold a “pie-crust promise,” meaning it could easily be lowered in future years if the courts allow the tax to stand. More than 64,000 people signed in to oppose the bill when it was heard in the Senate, yet it continues to move forward.
Other Democrat tax increases
- House Bill 2073 – Health insurance tax: Could increase premiums for families and employers.
- House Bill 2089 – Mortgage tax exemption removal: Could increase home loan costs for buyers and homeowners.
- House Bill 2382 – Tobacco and vape taxes: Raises prices for consumers and impacts small retailers.
- House Bill 2442 – Property tax increases: Allows higher property, sales, and real estate transaction taxes, raising housing and consumer costs.
- House Bill 2487 – Insurance B&O tax changes: Could lead to higher insurance premiums.
- House Bill 2559 – Short-term rental tax: Allows a new local tax that could hurt tourism and property owners.
- House Bill 2626 – Insurance company taxes: Higher business costs likely passed on to consumers.
- House Bill 2734 – Beverage tax: Could raise grocery and restaurant prices for families.
None of these proposals would make Washington more affordable. I will keep fighting tax increases and working to lower costs for working families.
‘Leadership matters!’ Watch my video!
The tax-and-spend policies from the majority party reflect what I believe are misplaced legislative priorities this session. In my latest video update, I call for stronger, results-driven leadership and a renewed focus on affordability, public safety, education, and fiscal responsibility. I encourage you to take a few minutes to watch.
Apple Heritage bill moves forward, Yakima judge bill on hold until next year
House Bill 2525, my legislation to preserve rare and historic apple varieties through a Heritage Orchard Registry Program at Washington State University, is now scheduled for a House floor vote before next week’s deadline. The program would establish and maintain a statewide registry to help protect Washington’s agricultural history.
Another bill I sponsored, House Bill 2412, would have added a ninth judge to Yakima County Superior Court to help reduce case backlogs. Although the bill passed committee unanimously, it stalled in Appropriations due to state budget costs. Because this remains a critical need for our region, I plan to reintroduce the proposal next session.
Staying engaged in the legislative process
I appreciate hearing from many of you during session, and your input helps guide my work in Olympia. You can stay engaged by:
- Watching committee hearings and floor debates live on TVW.
- Call the toll-free Legislative Hotline: 1-800-562-6000.
- Visiting the Legislature’s website or my website: RepresentativeGloriaMendoza.com
Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving as your state representative!
Sincerely,
Gloria Mendoza
