Home | About David | News & Media | Email Updates | The Ledger | Contact
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As the 2026 legislative session nears its close, several important decisions are still on the horizon. Last Saturday, the House passed an $80 billion supplemental operating budget, the largest in state history, adding more than $2 billion in spending beyond last year.
While this budget moves forward, the proposal for a state income tax remains under consideration and could significantly impact families and small businesses if enacted. I continue to focus on keeping Washington affordable, working to ensure government spends wisely and doesn’t place unnecessary burdens on residents.
I’m always open to collaboration, listening to colleagues across the aisle, and seeking solutions that protect families, support small businesses, and make life in our state more affordable for everyone.
Emergency Ambulance Services Heads to the Governor
Before I discuss the budget, I want to give you a quick update on one of my bills. House Bill 2531 is now headed to the governor’s desk after passing both the House and Senate unanimously. This legislation would update Washington’s ambulance quality assurance fee program to promote long-term financial stability for emergency medical providers while maintaining compliance with federal Medicaid requirements. The bill would modernize the way Medicaid reimbursement rates are calculated and adjusted for emergency ambulance transports.
Emergency medical crews are the front door to our health care system, especially in rural parts of the state where options are limited. This bill helps shore up the funding they rely on and makes sure Washington captures every available federal Medicaid dollar to support lifesaving services.
Majority Party Passes Bloated Spending Plan
Now to the budget. On Saturday, the House Democrat majority passed another massive operating budget, voting 52-41 in favor, with all Republicans and five Democrats opposed. This $80 billion supplemental budget – the largest in state history – adds more than $2 billion in additional spending from last year, while ignoring critical affordability concerns for families and small businesses.
Republicans offered over 20 amendments to protect classrooms, SNAP benefits, Medicaid, public safety, provide property tax relief, gas tax rebates, and a week-long sales tax holiday. Every proposal was rejected. The budget was drafted without Republican input and relies on risky, one-time funding gimmicks, sweeps money from dedicated accounts, raids pension systems, and assumes revenue from a proposed state income tax that has not passed and faces potential legal challenges.
The plan cuts K-12 funding, including Local Effort Assistance, disproportionately impacting rural districts. It leaves Washington with one of the lowest reserve levels in the country and fails to address long-term spending growth, which continues to outpace revenue. Meanwhile, Washington families face among the highest costs in the nation, with housing, child care, and groceries straining their budgets.
Rather than imposing new taxes, lawmakers should focus on fiscal responsibility and policies that make life more affordable for working families and job creators across the state.
In fact, I recently shared an op-ed regarding the affordability crisis in our state and what we need to do to fix it. Click here to read the article.
Radio Appearances Including Budget Talk
I also recently spoke about the budget and several other topics on KIHR Radio. I have made several appearances on the program throughout session to discuss the budget, state income tax proposal, and numerous other issues important to our district and the entire state. Click here to listen to these interviews.
Please Stay in Touch
Please continue reaching out with your comments, questions, and concerns. The work we do in Olympia is vital, but we can’t do it without you. I also encourage you to stay informed on House Republicans’ efforts to fix Washington by following us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
It’s an honor to serve.
Sincerely,
David Stuebe
