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February 3, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Serving you in the Washington State House is both an honor and a responsibility I take seriously. Each legislative session, my focus remains the same: listening to your concerns, bringing your priorities to Olympia, and working with anyone willing to help move our state in a better direction. I have always believed that good ideas deserve consideration no matter where they come from, and I remain open and ready to work with the majority party to deliver real results for our communities.

The House Republican Caucus is united around a clear goal: making Washington more affordable for the people who live and work here. Prices are rising across the board, including housing, fuel, child care, and groceries, and we know families and small businesses are feeling the squeeze. Republicans have introduced thoughtful, responsible legislation to lower costs, encourage economic growth, and ensure state government lives within its means.

At the same time, it’s important to be transparent about how the legislative process works. While Republicans continue to propose strong policies and advocate for common-sense solutions, the majority party ultimately controls which bills move forward and which do not. Even so, that reality does not deter our efforts. We will continue to show up, offer solutions, and fight for policies that make Washington a place where families can thrive and future generations can succeed.

Legislative Survey Results

My colleague, Rep. John Ley of the 18th District, and I recently asked for your input through a legislative survey. There were hundreds of respondents, and many of you took the time to add your personal comments. I appreciate the input and feedback. Here is an overview of your responses, andbelow are several graphs showing the results. You can also click here to see the graphs.

1. Washington already taxes enough

• Many believe Washington is already one of the highest-taxed states when sales tax, property tax, gas tax, fees, and levies are combined.
• A state income tax is seen as “just another tax,” not a replacement.
• Strong skepticism that any existing taxes would be reduced if an income tax were adopted.
• Widespread belief that an income tax would start with “the wealthy” or “millionaires,” and eventually expand to middle- and working-class earners.

2. Distrust of government spending and accountability

• Repeated claim that the state has a spending problem, not a revenue problem.
• Perception of waste, fraud, abuse, and lack of transparency.
• People want lawmakers to prove they can manage current revenues responsibly before asking for more.
• Many explicitly say they do not trust Olympia to use income tax revenue wisely.

4. Cost-of-living pressures

• Commenters cite rising housing costs, groceries, gas, property taxes, and stagnant wages.
• Fixed-income seniors and families feel especially vulnerable.
• Many say Washingtonians cannot absorb another financial hit.

6. Mobility and outmigration concerns

• A significant number say no income tax is “why they moved to Washington, and implementing an income tax would push them to Idaho, Oregon, or other states
• Fear that high earners and businesses would leave, shrinking the tax base.

7. Wealth and inequality concerns

• Some support the idea of the wealthy paying more but that support is mostly for narrowly targeted taxes:
  • High thresholds (e.g., $1.5M+ income)
  • Investment or capital gains taxes
• However, even supporters often do not trust the legislature to implement this fairly.

The overall sentiment is that most commenters believe a state income tax would increase costs, expand government spending, violate voter intent, and eventually burden everyone, without delivering meaningful benefits or accountability.

Despite opposition from most Washingtonians, the majority party in Olympia introduced a bill this week to impose an income tax in Washington state, despite the fact that Washington voters have rejected similar unconstitutional income taxes 10 times. Here’s a summary of Senate Bill 6346:

• Levies a 9.9% rate on individuals with Washington taxable income over $1 million, which also captures many small businesses.
• Also applies to married couples who earn $1 million combined — not $1 million each.
• Projected to raise $4 billion per year.
• Amends the I-2111 law passed in Olympia in 2024 (Prohibition on Income Tax) to say the state income-tax prohibition does not apply to this act.
• Applies to income from public pensions (current law prohibits state and local taxation of such funds.)
• Begins in January 2028.

I appreciate your input. I will continue to show up, offer solutions, and fight for policies that make Washington a place where families can thrive and future generations can succeed.

Survey Results

Thank You for Your Support

Thank you for staying engaged and for allowing me the privilege of representing you. Please continue reaching out to share your input.

It’s an honor to serve you!

Stephanie McClintock