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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We are more than a quarter of the way through the 2026 session, and I have much to share with you.
First, an update on the two initiatives to the Legislature this session. More than 400,000 Washingtonians signed the initiatives to protect girls’ sports (IL26-638)and restore parents’ rights (IL26-001). But majority Democrats say they will not hear these initiatives. That means no debate, no committee or floor vote, and no opportunity for the public to testify. I’ve been pushing hard for hearings and transparency, and I’m not backing down. But you can weigh in. I hope you can take a moment to review the initiatives and share your input through our survey here.
Affordability is also top of mind for me. The majority party continues to propose bill after bill that will make things even more expensive than they already are, including new rules and programs on plastic bags and bottles to another big tax on cigarettes. I will do everything I can to stop any bills that worsen our affordability crisis. State spending continues to grow faster than household budgets, resulting in higher costs for housing, fuel, food, and utilities. That has to change.
Rep. Travis Couture stresses need to address affordability, public safety in 2026
I’ve been especially focused on protecting our local shellfish industry. The state Department of Health plans extreme fee increases that will crush family-run growers and threaten local businesses and jobs. My seatmates and me are actively working to stop that. You can hear more in my video below.
I continue to push for changes to the state’s child welfare laws to stop the record increase in babies and toddlers dying or nearly dying from exposure to drugs like fentanyl. Democrats continue to refuse hearings on my solution, House Bill 1092, which would ensure kids are not left in homes where the adults are actively using hard drugs. But with a record number of these critical incidents expected when the 2025 report comes in, there has never been more urgency, and I am encouraged by growing bipartisan momentum. I was honored to speak at a rally at the state Capitol this month, calling for lawmakers to prioritize this issue, and I am hopeful we can help stop these needless tragedies in 2026.
With a series of deadlines for bills to keep moving starting Wednesday, things are about to move very quickly, so I’ll have much more to share soon.
You can always stay updated on my legislative website.
In the meantime, I invite you to reach out to my office with your thoughts and ideas.
Learn how to get involved with the legislative process
Lastly, a quick reminder that you can take our survey on the two initiatives here.
Thank you for staying engaged. Your voice matters, and it deserves to be heard.
Travis Couture
