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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
With just about a month to go in the 2025 session, I have a lot to share with you.
As you know, this year, I am the House Republican budget leader. As such, I want to make sure you are aware of the harmful budget proposals we are seeing from majority Democrats this week.
The big concern is that billions in new taxes will make things even more affordable in Washington state.
The House Democrats budget proposal includes a devastating set of tax increases – the largest in state history – all so Democrats can continue their record-breaking spending. If this budget passes, it will hurt Washington employers, price people out of their homes, and hurt everyday Washingtonians.
These new taxes include a massive property tax increase that, combined with the rent control bill Democrats are pushing through will crush the middle class, decimate working families, and harm the poor.
Their plan moves the tax from 1% to as high as 3%. That increase in property taxes will get worse over time, crippling those already struggling to afford living here and to pay for everyday goods while placing many Washington families and those who need us the most at risk.
Their budget also includes a massive 50% B&O tax increase on Washington’s largest employers. This is a job-killing tax that will hurt businesses and workers alike and make Washington state less competitive.
I will work hard against these out-of-control taxes that will only hurt the 35th District and all of Washington state.
Parental Rights
On March 12, we finished nearly two weeks of extensive floor action on bills. We were able to stop many bills that would have hurt public safety, worsened the affordability crisis, and otherwise negatively impacted Washingtonians.
Unfortunately, House Bill 1296, which guts the parental bill of rights initiative passed last year, did pass the House, despite fierce pushback from all House Republicans and an over six-hour debate that ran into the early morning hours.
Watch Rep. Travis Couture fight for parental rights in Washington state
While we did make some progress, including the approval of my amendment requiring immediate notification of parents if their child is alleged to have been the victim of sexual abuse or misconduct by school staff, the bulk of this legislation remains intact. Should it pass and be signed by the governor, important parental rights regarding their child’s education and values are at risk, so stay tuned.
Town Hall
I hope you can join my seatmates and me for our 35th District telephone town hall this evening.
35th District Telephone Town Hall Details
WHEN: Tuesday, March 25 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
CALL-IN NUMBER: 35th District residents who would like to participate can call (360) 355-3025
For more information:
Sen. Drew MacEwen
(360) 786-7668 | Drew.MacEwen@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Dan Griffey
(360) 786-7966 | Dan.Griffey@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Travis Couture
(360) 786-7902 | Travis.Couture@leg.wa.gov
Travis Couture
