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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
On Saturday, Feb. 28, the House majority approved an $80 billion supplemental operating budget proposal. Despite being only a supplemental plan, it would increase spending by more than $2 billion, an 11% increase beyond what lawmakers approved just last year.
Republicans offered about 20 amendments, including some to protect kids, protect classrooms, protect SNAP benefits, restore Medicaid, stop fraudulent use of taxpayer dollars, invest in public safety, provide $2 billion in property tax relief, issue a gas tax rebate, and create a week-long sales tax holiday. They were all voted down.
Our state does not lack revenue. Over the past decade, state revenues have grown substantially. Unfortunately, the majority party cannot control its spending. Even with a projected budget shortfall before the session, they are spending $2 billion more in this budget by using one-time funding gimmicks, draining the Rainy-Day Fund, using an unconstitutional income tax (Senate Bill 6346), and raiding a pension system.
The final operating budget will be balanced because it is required in this state. However, it will be balanced on the backs of Washington state taxpayers–more taxes and costly policies that continue to make Washington an unaffordable place to live.
Budget negotiators from the majority party in the House and Senate are working out the differences between their proposals without Republican input. We have been left out of the negotiating room for the entire session. I wanted you to be aware that we worked on this last week of session; the operating budget will be more of the same–an unsustainable, fiscally irresponsible spending plan balanced on the wallets of Washington taxpayers.
A focus on housing
My first piece of legislation has made it through the legislative process and awaits the governor’s signature. House Bill 2151, which is scheduled to be signed on Monday, aligns Washington’s rules for manufactured and factory-built housing with widely used national standards, a move aimed at improving affordability and efficiency in housing construction. This will allow homes to be built more quickly and at a lower cost.
Staying with the theme of affordable housing, I have been appointed to the governor’s Department of Housing Task Force. I am excited for this opportunity. Housing affordability remains one of the greatest challenges facing families in Washington state, especially first-time homebuyers. I look forward to this opportunity to ensure affordability, availability, and accountability are part of the solution if we are going to create a department to solve our housing crisis. You can read the news release about my appointment here. Watch the video by clicking the photo below.
Inside Olympia
I recently had the opportunity to join Rep. Hunter Abell on TVW’s Inside Olympia: Freshman Profile hosted by Austin Jenkins. We discussed what brought us to Olympia, our backgrounds, work history, the uniqueness of our legislative districts, and our legislative priorities. I encourage you to give it a watch and gain some insight about being a freshman legislator in the Legislature. Watch the program by clicking the photo below.
Honoring Wapato High School
Representatives and students from Wapato High School recently visited Olympia. I had the privilege of honoring them with House Resolution 4679, which recognizes the school’s work with the Yakama Indian Nation to preserve the Ichishkiin language of the tribe. The language program at Wapato serves as a model for language revitalization, academic achievement, and collaboration between public schools, tribal communities, and institutions of higher education. I will have an op-ed published soon in the Yakama Nation Review highlighting the work of the school, Yakama Nation, and the benefits to the students and education system. I will share it in my next email update.
Staying engaged
Please stay engaged, as many big issues remain undecided. Feel free to contact me with any comments, questions, and concerns. I also encourage you to follow our caucus on our social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
It is an honor to represent the 14th District!
Sincerely,
Deb Manjarrez
