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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we move into the fall season and the legislative session approaches, my calendar is full of legislative-related meetings, committee work sessions, tours, and much more. A top priority for me remains addressing the drug crisis and keeping our kids safe.
If you missed it, in August, the Yakima Herald recently published my op-ed, “Washington state’s drug crisis management has been the wrong Rx.” It touched on my legislative service on Washington’s Substance Use Recovery Services Advisory Committee (SURSAC). The Legislature created this committee in 2021 to develop recommendations for lawmakers regarding substance use and treatment options.
As we work our way through ideas and recommendations, my goal on the SURSAC Committee is to take a bold, common-sense approach. Solutions we should consider include:
- Mandatory jail time for open illicit drug use. Mandatory jail time would provide those struggling with substance use addiction an opportunity to get clean and choose voluntary treatment.
- Remove children from drug-abusing homes. This year, the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) reported an alarming increase in the number of children under state supervision who have died or suffered near-fatal incidents due to opioid exposure. This stems from the Keeping Families Together Act legislation passed in 2021. It is critical that we amend this law in the upcoming session before any more children lose their lives. The child’s safety must come first.
- Move dollars spent on Housing First to drug treatment facilities a zero-tolerance recovery houses. If we want to get serious about addressing the drug crisis in our state, we need to invest more dollars in our sober-living homes, sometimes referred to as zero-tolerance recovery houses. The houses are a safe place for those in recovery from substance abuse, but also provide accountability and peer support. Structured living teaches accountability and responsibility through chores, curfews, required attendance, and coping skills. Life skills are also associated with the recovery houses such as managing finances, helping them find work, and developing a healthy routine.
- Increase detox holding period to 10 days. This would allow those with an extensive history of substance use disorder to become more stable and get the medical assistance they need. It provides individuals with a better opportunity to transfer into long-term treatment.
With overdose statistics in Washington state being some of the worst in the nation, it is time for a new approach. These options can help address our drug crisis, address homelessness, and save lives.
More taxes kick in
On October 1, an expansion of the state sales tax went into effect, impacting more than 90,000 businesses. The new law applies to retail sales tax on business services, including advertising, information technology, security, temporary staffing, and much more. It is part of the largest tax-increase package in state history passed by Democrats in the 2025 session. The B&O tax rates for financial institutions and large service businesses also increased.
The latest taxes will hurt businesses, and they will turn to consumers to make up the difference. Consumers who are already struggling with affordability in Washington. Because of their haste to rush the tax package through the session, confusion has been created, and the legislation is being challenged. For more on the latest taxes going into effect, check out:
- Oct. 1 brings new taxes for Washington businesses and consumers
- Sweeping sales tax expansion hits Washington nonprofits
- EDITORIAL: Hastily passed tax will haunt WA lawmakers
You should also read our Caucus Chair Rep. Peter Abbarno’s column: October tax hikes are scary.
I expect to hear from many businesses over the next few months on the devastating impacts the taxes are having on their businesses.
The Bottom Line
During the Central Washington Fair, I had the opportunity to join Robb Francis and John McKay on KONA/KIT Radio’s “The Bottom Line” program. I discussed the majority party’s likelihood of doubling down on higher taxes, given the September revenue forecast from the state’s Economic and Revenue Forecast Council. Click on the icon below to hear the interview.
The Fix Washington Podcast
I also sat down with Caucus Chair Rep. Peter Abbarno on The Fix Washington Podcast. We discussed the drug crisis in Washington state, the challenges facing our farmers and agricultural community, and much more. For the full interview, click on the photo below.
Stay in touch
I appreciate hearing from you. There is so much happening in Washington state related to our state government. Your input and how it is affecting you is important for me to hear so that I can represent you to the best of my abilities in Olympia.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need assistance navigating state government, want to schedule a meeting, would like me to tour a facility, or speak to your association or organization.
It is an honor to serve the great people of the 14th District!
Sincerely,
Deb Manjarrez
