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Only six more days
- It is day 99 of the 105-day legislative session, which is scheduled to finish April 27. Six days remain.
- Our typical day begins at 9 a.m., and on several occasions, we have been on the floor until midnight and beyond, making for an exhausting couple of weeks.
- Wednesday, April 16, was a major floor deadline. Bills must be passed from their opposite chambers by 5 p.m. that day, or they are considered “dead” for the session. Bills necessary to implement the budget are exempt from the cutoffs.
Today’s newsletter is 750 words, a four-minute read.
Top story: Fighting to preserve parental rights
Among the lengthy debates on the floor was our discussion of Senate Bill 5181, which would undermine Initiative 2081, the Parents’ Bill of Rights.
My Republican colleagues and I stood firm against the bill. We believe parents should have access to their children’s school records, the ability to opt their child out of certain activities, and that the school should immediately notify parents if their child is a victim of a crime on school premises. We don’t believe biological males should be allowed to compete in sports activities reserved exclusively for females, nor should biological males be allowed to be in female shower rooms.
Senate Bill 5181 subverts parents’ rights in favor of gender-affirming care for children. It is written on the premise that the state, not parents, knows what’s best for children. Let’s be clear — the state does NOT own our children. Unfortunately, the bill passed with all Republicans and only one Democrat voting no. It is now under consideration in the Senate for amendments passed by the House of Representatives.
Learn more. . .
- Listen to my KIT Radio interview
- Watch my Fix Washington Podcast
- Watch videos of my floor speeches on Senate Bill 5181
Budget and taxes dominate the last days of the session
On Tuesday, April 15 (“Tax Day”), legislative Democrats released their second version of comprehensive tax proposals. The $12 billion buffet of tax increases includes hikes in business and capital gains taxes, new sales taxes on services, and greater property tax collections by the state and local governments.
Other selections include an increase in a surcharge on technology companies, an expanded tax on nicotine products, and a mandate for some large businesses to make a one-time pre-payment of sales tax owed to the state. Major financial institutions will also pay more. And there’s a surcharge on large corporations.
Just like the Democrats’ first major tax increase proposals, Gov. Bob Ferguson issued a statement on Thursday rejecting the newest plan, saying it is “too risky” and “unsustainable.”
With less than a week remaining in the 105-day session, we do not yet know if we will have a new state operating budget to vote on before the session concludes on April 27.
Here’s one thing I do know: I will NOT be supporting tax increases. People are struggling to buy groceries, pay for gas, and cover their mortgage and rent. They cannot afford tax increases. They have to prioritize their home budget. The state should do the same and live within its means.
As the chart above shows, the state has a spending problem. We need to get that under control! Senate Republicans have demonstrated that the state can fund essential needs without resorting to tax increases. That’s the only kind of budget I can support.
Filipino American educators were recently honored with House Resolution 4644. They were joined in the House Gallery by Central Washington lawmakers. From left: Allen Acosta, Ria J. Johnson, Dr. Third Andresen, Rep. Gloria Mendoza, R-Grandview, Rep. Deb Manjarrez, R-Wapato, Malou Valdez, Ray Pascua, and Rep. Chris Corry, R-Yakima (right end).
Honoring Filipino American educators in Washington state
It was an enormous pleasure to celebrate and honor our Filipino Americans who serve as educators in Washington state through House Resolution 4644
Washington is scattered with cities and towns rich with Filipino American history, including my hometown of Wapato. Filipino American educators have enriched our schools through their lasting contributions in the arts, literature, and business. They are very deserving of this resolution.
Read more about it in my news release.
Stay involved
The Legislature is in its final week of the 2025 session. We are scheduled to adjourn on April 27. However, we still have many issues to resolve, including the operating, transportation, and capital budgets. Your involvement is vital to the legislative process. Call, write, or email my office. I appreciate your input and feedback.
Sincerely,
Deb Manjarrez
