Home | About Stephanie | News & Media | Email Updates | The Ledger | Contact
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We are nearing the finish line of the 2025 legislative session, but we still have important, unfinished business, namely passing the state’s three spending budgets. As I shared in my last update, the majority party’s proposals include major tax increases. To that end, I asked for your input by completing a survey about these new tax proposals, and the results are in.
Save the Date for a Joint District Town Hall
First, I want to invite you to join me and my seatmate, Rep. John Ley, for a special town hall meeting on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Battle Ground City Hall, 109 SW 1st Street. 20th District lawmakers, Rep. Ed Orcutt and Rep. Peter Abbarno will join us.
We will review the 2025 legislative session, which concludes on Sunday, April 27. We’ll discuss some new laws passed, including the budgets and taxes, and review a few bills that didn’t make it to the governor’s desk. We’ll also answer your questions, address your concerns, and share our future legislative priorities. We look forward to seeing you there.
Survey Results: “No” to New Taxes
Now, let’s move on to the results of my tax survey. There were hundreds of respondents and most of you took the time to add your personal comments. I appreciate the input and feedback. At least 85% of you oppose every new tax proposal, including 90% that said “no” to a property tax increase.
Additionally, at least 70% of you said three of the proposals would negatively affect you, with 65% saying a payroll tax would negatively affect them, and 88% said a property tax increase would hurt you in some way. Click on the image below to see all the results.
Comments and Feedback
Thank you for all the comments. I appreciate you sharing your input and opinions. The overwhelming majority of you expressed frustration with these new tax proposals and want state government to live within its means, control its spending, and better manage the revenue it already has. Many of you shared concerns about the high cost of living going up further, and several people said they are worried they might have to move if these tax proposals pass, especially property taxes. Here is a small sample of the comments you shared that best express what most of you had to say:
- “All of my utilities and grocery bills have gone up. We already have some of the most expensive gas in the nation. We can’t afford any new taxes!”
- “The State needs to balance the budget by cutting expenses, not by increasing taxes.”
- “A fairly large portion of the Washington population is made up of retirees who live on fixed incomes. Any tax increases would impact that group more than others.”
Again, thank you to everyone who shared their input. Although I can’t include every answer here, I value every comment and will use them as I continue to fight against overspending and taxes in Olympia.
Republicans have offered an alternative budget proposal. I included a link to that proposal in my previous update, but for those who missed it, you can click here. This proposal balances the budget without tax increases or service cuts. The $ave Washingtonapproach is a better way to support the priorities of all Washingtonians, including full funding for K-12 and services for our most vulnerable neighbors, without asking working families to pay more.
Governor Says “No” to Current Budgets
Meanwhile, last week, Gov. Bob Ferguson held a news conference regarding the operating budget passed by the Legislature. Click here to watch his press conference.
The governor said these budgets rely too heavily on taxes, especially the wealth tax. He said relying on a legally untested and difficult-to-implement wealth tax to fund essential services is not a good idea. Ferguson made it clear he needs to see these five things included for him to sign a budget:
- Must protect every penny of our rainy-day fund/BSA.
- Must base budget on realistic revenue projections – not the 4.5% allowed by law.
- Must minimize new investments.
- Must demonstrate billions in efficiencies and savings.
- Can’t rely on taxes that could be overturned in court.
According to a report in The Center Square, Ferguson is willing to work with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle. He will consider all input, including the Senate Republicans’ proposal for a no-new-taxes budget. He said, “We cannot adopt a budget with anywhere near the level of taxes currently proposed by the House and Senate.”
That means there is a lot of work to be done and many negotiations still to come. I will keep you posted.
Thank You, and Continue Reaching Out
Thank you again for your support and for filling out my survey. I appreciate your time and will continue to fight against these taxes. It’s an honor to serve you.
Sincerely,
Stephanie McClintock
