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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We are nearing the end of the 2026 legislative session, but there is still much work to be done, including finalizing the state’s three budgets (operating, capital, and transportation) and stopping the Democrat majority party’s state income tax proposal. My priority continues to be advocating for policies that strengthen public safety, protect taxpayers, support local families, and keep our communities affordable.
Speaking of our communities, the Washington State House of Representatives recently released its proposed 2026 supplemental capital budget. House Bill 2295 includes $910.6 million in spending, of which $399.4 million is in bonds.
The supplemental capital budget makes changes to the state’s long-term investments in the biennial capital budget. It allows lawmakers to adjust funding for construction and infrastructure projects such as schools, housing, water systems, parks, and public buildings. The spending plan may also address emerging issues and respond to feedback from administering agencies.
As part of the budget, I worked to secure more than $6.2 million in funding for the 18th District. To be clear, this is still just a proposal, and everything is subject to change. However, as the assistant ranking Republican on the House Capital Budget Committee, I’ve pressed hard to secure these funds, and I’m happy to see these projects currently included in the House budget. I’ll do everything I can to ensure they remain in the final version.
Funding for Projects in the 18th includes:
- $4,050,000 for the Hidden Village Mobile Home Park through the Housing Trust Fund.
- $228,000 for Madrona Youth Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Facility tenant improvements that will enable them to open to capacity.
- $400,000 for the city of Battle Ground Remy Park, inclusive play equipment for disabled children.
- $1,000,000 for the city of Battle Ground 92nd Avenue Pump Station.
- $600,000 for Salmon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant aeration equipment replacement.
The capital budget is funded through a variety of funding sources, including general obligation bonds, dedicated cash accounts, federal funds, and alternative financing contracts.
Highlights of the capital spending plan statewide include:
Nearly $80 million for K-12 school construction, including modernization projects, and safety upgrades, with $29 million of that going to the Small District and Tribal Compact Schools Modernization program for small school districts—those with fewer than 1,000 students and significant building deficiencies. Another $28.4 million is earmarked for School Seismic Safety Grants, and $20.4 million is allocated to fully fund the School Construction Assistance Program.
Nearly $250 million for housing projects, including affordable housing supply and preservation, Weatherization Plus Health grants, and funding for the Mobile and Manufactured Homes Assistance program.
About $43 million for energy projects, including funding for the Clean Energy Fund program and the community EV charging program.
About $65 million for natural resources, including additional floodplains projects in the Floodplains by Design program, additional Trust Land Transfers from DNR to local agencies, and funding for salmon restoration projects through the Salmon Recovery Funding Board.
This budget is a great example of bipartisan collaboration and effort. Members from both parties worked together to allocate these vital funds to improve infrastructure and community services in the 18th District and across Washington.
Operating Budget Update
Last Saturday, the House majority party approved an $80 billion supplemental operating budget, the largest in state history. If enacted, it would increase spending by more than $2 billion beyond what lawmakers approved last year.
House Republicans offered more than 20 amendments to provide real relief for Washingtonians and keep essential services, including protections for classrooms, SNAP benefits, and Medicaid, and providing property tax relief, gas tax rebates, and a sales tax holiday, but those proposals were rejected.
Our state does not have a revenue problem. Over the past decade, Washington’s tax collections have grown significantly. The real problem is that government spending has increased even faster.
Rather than slowing spending growth and living within its means, the Democrat majority assumes new money from a proposed state income tax that has not yet passed and would likely face legal challenges.
That approach is risky. At a time when Washington is already one of the most expensive states in the country, raising taxes would only add more pressure on families, workers, and small businesses already struggling with rising costs. We need fiscal responsibility, not more reckless spending.
I will keep you posted on the final budgets and the vote on the proposed state income tax that is still looming.
Save the Date – In-District Town Hall
Lastly, be sure to save the date for our 18th district in-person town hall meeting. Join Rep. John Ley and me on Saturday, Mar. 28, at 10:00 a.m. at the Battle Ground City Hall, 109 SW 1st Street, Battle Ground, WA 98604.
Stay Engaged and Continue Reaching Out
Thank you for allowing me to serve. Please continue reaching out with your comments, questions, and concerns. I also encourage you to stay informed on House Republicans’ efforts to fix Washington by following us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
Stephanie McClintock
