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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Mark Twain once said, “No man’s life, liberty, and property are safe while the Legislature is in session.” Unfortunately, that pretty much sums up the past four months that lawmakers have been in Olympia. It was a session of an emboldened Seattle centric Democratic majority laser focused on passing an agenda of higher taxes, bigger government, and progressive social programs, and sadly, leaving families behind, ignoring thousands of Washingtonians, while trying to silence the voice of minority Republican lawmakers.
Today’s newsletter is 840 words, a four-minute read.
Budgets and taxes
On the last day of the 2025 session, April 27, all three state budgets passed both chambers.
Operating budget: The Democrats’ operating budget will increase state spending to $77.9 billion, a $6 billion increase over current spending levels. This represents an 8% increase in the size of the operating budget. It is also the fourth consecutive operating budget that spends more than the revenue anticipated to be collected. The spending plan will leave $2.3 billion in total reserves, about half of what our state treasurer recommends for a reserve level.
Tax and fee increases: The ruling party imposed $9.5 billion in new taxes and fees at the state level over the next four years, representing the largest set of tax increases in state history. Here is a sampling of what passed:
- House Bill 1392: Adds additional taxes on private health insurance.
- House Bill 1858: Extends and increases document recording fees.
- House Bill 2003: Increases fees on salmon fishing.
- House Bill 2015: Increases local sales and use taxes.
- House Bill 2049: Allows local property taxes to increase.
- House Bill 2061: Creates a 10% excise tax on duty-free stores.
- House Bill 2077: Creates an excise tax on Tesla vehicles.
- House Bill 2081: Increases the business and occupation (B&O) tax on many employers.
- Senate Bill 5083: Shifts health care insurance premium costs from state employees to working families.
- Senate Bill 5390: Increases the Discover Pass fee by 50%.
- Senate Bill 5583: Increases hunting and fishing license fees, including for youth and seniors.
- Senate Bill 5786: Increases liquor license fees by 50%.
- Senate Bill 5813: Increases the capital gains and estate tax rates.
- Senate Bill 5814: Raises taxes on Zyn and cigarettes.
I voted against each of these bills. Learn more: How Democrats will tax you.
Transportation budget: The transportation budget will provide $15.5 billion and incorporate $1.3 billion in Climate Commitment Act funds. It relies on $3.2 billion in new taxes and fees, including a 6-cent gas tax increase.
Capital budget: The capital budget will spend $7.6 billion statewide. Just over $68 million is allocated for 14th District projects, including funding for Capitol Theater improvements in Yakima, upgrades to the Toppenish wastewater treatment plant, school modernization in Centerville, youth soccer field improvements at Wapato Lions Park, money for Toppenish and Grandview police station upgrades, and much more. See the full project list here. Select 14th Legislative District.
Parental rights
Two measures, House Bill 1296 and Senate Bill 5181, both of which would gut the parental rights initiative passed last year, were introduced by many of the same Democratic lawmakers who had supported last year’s initiative. I-2081 outlines at least 15 rights for parents and guardians of public-school children, including the right to access records, review materials, and receive notifications.
During a six-hour debate that ended just after 2 a.m., March 13, my Republican colleagues and I fought to protect parents’ rights. We continued that debate on April 14 when Senate Bill 5181 was brought to the House floor. I offered Amendment 1163 that would have allowed parents to be notified by the school when medical services are offered to their children, age 12 and under, and Amendment 1153 that would have banned biologically male students from competing against biologically female students in female athletic events and activities. The majority party rejected both. Watch the videos here.
Unfortunately, House Bill 1296 is on its way to the governor after passing the Legislature largely on party lines, with all Republicans voting no.
Fighting for you!
My seatmate, Rep. Gloria Mendoza, and I fought to bring your voice to the table. During floor debate, I spoke up against the tax increases, even at times being gaveled on the floor by the Democrat speaker, because of my passion to protect and stand for the citizens I serve and the district I love.
- Watch: Rep. Deb Manjarrez speaks out on the House floor against capital gains/estate tax increase.
- Watch: Rep. Deb Manjarrez speaks out on the House floor against higher excise taxes.
Please stay in touch!
I am honored that you have entrusted me to be your voice in Olympia. I will continue standing firm on your behalf and for the good citizens of the 14th District, representing your views on the issues that matter most to all of us. Although the session is finished, I work for you throughout the year. Please contact my office with any questions, comments or suggestions about state government, the Legislature and issues you care about.
Sincerely,
Deb Manjarrez
