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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Let me introduce myself. I am state Rep. Deb Manjarrez, one of your new 14th District legislators, representing you in Olympia. I was officially sworn into office on Jan. 13, the first day of the 2025 legislative session.
With these email updates, I plan to inform you about what is happening in the legislative session and our state government. Please feel free to share this update with others who may be interested. Each email update also offers you a user-friendly option to unsubscribe. You can find that option below.
Exempting prepared food from sales and use tax
With Washingtonians facing an affordability crisis, the first bill I introduced this session, House Bill 1340, would exempt prepared food from sales and use tax. Some examples of places that have prepared food include restaurants, cafes, caterers, coffee shops, drive-in restaurants, snack bars, bakeries, and some grocery stores.
I know many in my district and across the state are living paycheck to paycheck. Washington is the fourth-most expensive state for residents compared to the national average. This is just a start to providing some relief to individuals and families who need it. Need evidence of Washington’s affordability crisis:
- Washington has the fourth-highest cost of groceries.
- Washington residents went to food banks 13.3 million times during the 2024 fiscal year, a 22% increase from 2023.
- One in seven children in Washington faces hunger.
- Washington has the third-highest gas prices and the fifth-most expensive gas tax.
Washington ranks dead last for the per capita supply of affordable housing. It is also difficult for parents to find affordable and accessible child care. I hope this bill will help assist those who need it.
Committee assignments
I am serving on three committees this session, including as an assistant ranking Republican on the House Housing Committee. The people in my district and across the state need affordable and accessible housing. I am pleased to be directly involved in housing issues.
The committee considers housing accessibility, affordability, assistance, and supply; land use and zoning primarily related to residential uses; landlord-tenant law; homelessness; homeownership; and farmworker housing.
I am also on the Appropriations Committee, which covers the operating budget and other fiscal issues. Given the $4 billion budget shortfall the operating budget is the primary focus of the legislative session. Some estimates project the deficit to be about $10 billion over the four-year outlook. We are projected to take in more revenue this year than last. Washington has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. It is time to be fiscally responsible and end the unsustainable budgeting.
I am also serving on the Health Care and Wellness Committee.
Keep in touch
There are several ways to keep track of what is happening in Olympia and with our state government. Below are some websites that can help you follow the action.
- My legislative website: You will find my contact information, bio, news releases, email updates, opinion pieces, bills, and other information.
- Capitol Buzz: Sent out each weekday, featuring stories from media outlets throughout the state, including newspaper, radio, and television.
- How you can be involved in the legislative process: This includes a citizen’s guide to effective legislative participation.
- Committee Sign-In – Remote Testimony: Testify on legislation during public hearings.
- TVW: The state’s own version of C-SPAN, TVW broadcasts floor and committee action live online.
You can also stay connected by following us on social media.
Please let me know if you have any questions, comments or concerns about this email update or the legislative session.
Sincerely,
Deb Manjarrez
