Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This past week in Olympia made one thing very clear: while Senate Republicans are working to deliver a responsible, no-new-tax budget, the majority party has taken a sharp turn toward higher taxes, without public notice or debate.
Saturday morning, the Senate convened to take up the largest tax increase in state history – over $18 billion dollars. The four proposals include steep increases in sales taxes on all kinds of services, excise taxes, real estate taxes, and budget gimmicks.
While the majority continues to say that the wealthy need to pay what the owe, the reality about the taxes being passed will hit main street hard.
A Responsible Path Forward
I’m proud to support the Senate Republicans’ $ave Washington budget, a $75.6 billion proposal that boosts education funding, strengthens behavioral health, and maintains vital services all without new taxes or draining our rainy-day fund. We’ve shown it’s entirely possible to meet our state’s needs by respecting your tax dollars and focusing on outcomes, not just spending.
Sounding the Alarm: A Tax Tsunami
While we worked on that responsible plan, the majority party rushed through hearings on five new tax proposals with less than a day’s notice. These include:
- A targeted tax on electric vehicle credits aimed squarely at one company that did exactly what the state asked.
- Increases to property, capital gains income taxes, and business taxes, which will ultimately be passed along to you, the consumer.
- A gimmicky change to sales tax collection timing that only masks budget shortfalls while straining small businesses, that is in effect a net increase on the state sales tax.
They call it progressive policy, but the reality is, it’s regressive, inflationary, and hurts rural and working families the most.
Enhancing Penalties for Theft from First Responders Heads to Governor
Legislation that I sponsored to strengthen penalties for theft and possession of stolen property belonging to first responders is one step closer to becoming law. The Washington State Senate voted to concur with House amendments to Senate Bill 5323, sending the bipartisan measure to the governor’s desk for consideration.
Warnick’s bill targets individuals who steal or possess property used by firefighters or emergency medical service providers, classifying such crimes as a Class B felony under certain circumstances. The legislation is intended to deter thefts that can hinder the effectiveness and safety of emergency response teams.
Remembering Sen. Bill Ramos
This past Saturday, my colleague, Senator Bill Ramos suddenly passed away. Bill and I spoke on Friday about working together on several issues that affect both of our districts; rural economic development, forest health, and ensuring our communities have a voice in Olympia. That conversation, like many I had with him over the years, was productive, respectful, and focused on finding real solutions for the people we serve.
Senator Ramos was deeply committed to public service. Though we sometimes came from different perspectives, I always appreciated his willingness to listen, to collaborate, and to find common ground. His thoughtful approach and dedication to his constituents will be missed, not just in the Senate chamber, but across the state.
I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the people of the 5th District. May we honor his memory by continuing the work he cared so deeply about, serving Washington with integrity and compassion.
Thank you for staying engaged, and please continue reaching out with your questions and concerns.
Sen. Judy Warnick