Washington State House Republicans
Don’t give up on WA
- Title
- Don’t give up on WA
- Runtime
- 0:19
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- House Republicans are debating dozens of bills this week late into the night, including measures from Democrats that would exacerbate Washington’s affordability and public safety challenges.
▶️Senate Bill 6346 – the most unpopular bill in Washington history – would impose a state income tax.
▶️House Bill 2403 would reduce penalties for sex offenders who fail to register.
▶️Senate Bill 5974 would allow an unelected state body to overturn the election of a sheriff.
▶️House Bill 2489 would prevent local governments from cleaning up dangerous encampments.
- Title
- Democrats’ Big Idea in 2026
- Runtime
- 0:07
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- Washingtonians are paying some of the highest prices in the nation for basic goods and services like food, housing, fuel, and groceries – and that was before legislative Democrats pushed through the largest tax increase in state history in 2025. Their big idea for 2026? More taxes. This time they’re trying to impose a state income tax, despite Washington voters rejecting the idea nearly a dozen times.
A state income tax is a bad idea. It’s unconstitutional, unnecessary, and it will eventually target everyone.
- Title
- This is why it’s so expensive to live in Washington
- Runtime
- 2:00
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, explains House Bill 2404, his legislation to roll back recent diesel tax increases and stop future increases – keeping Washington competitive and helping lower costs for everyone. Ybarra explains that by repealing the recent tax hike and ending automatic future increases, we can restore predictability for businesses and relief for families. Lower fuel costs help stabilize food prices, keep goods affordable, and make it easier for Washington businesses to compete with those in neighboring states.
- Title
- WA voters have rejected an income tax 11 times
- Runtime
- 0:18
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- Democrats aren’t giving up on their goal of imposing a state income tax on Washingtonians.
On Monday, Senate Democrats voted to advance their state income tax bill – the most unpopular bill in Washington state history – out of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. They pushed it forward despite a record number – more than 61,000 Washingtonians – signing in to oppose the bill, Senate Bill 6346. Nearly 76% of respondents signed in con.
Reminder: Washington voters have rejected a state income tax 11 times.
2021 — Washington Advisory Vote 37
YES: 38.95% | NO: 61.05%
2010 — Initiative Measure 1098
YES: 36% | NO: 64%
1982 — Initiative to the People 435
YES: 34% | NO: 66%
1975 — Initiative to the People 314
YES: 33% | NO: 67%
1973 — House Joint Resolution 37
YES: 23% | NO: 77%
1970 — House Joint Resolution 42
YES: 32% | NO: 68%
...
- Title
- Legislative Democrats REFUSED to Attend This
- Runtime
- 1:17:23
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- On Tuesday, Feb. 3, Republicans in the House and Senate honored the state constitution and stood with the 400,000+ Washingtonians who signed initiatives protecting girls’ sports and restoring parental rights.
Republicans invited legislative Democrats and organizations who oppose the initiatives. No Democratic state lawmakers attended the event.
After House Democrats rejected a motion to hold public hearings for the initiatives, Republicans held two listening sessions to hear directly from the people.
Background: Article II, Section I of the Washington State Constitution states: “Initiative measures … shall take precedence over all other measures in the legislature except appropriation bills …”
Despite this clear mandate, legislative Democrats refuse to prioritize the initiatives and hold public hearings.
Initiative IL26-638 would protect the integrity of girls’ sports by ensuring female student athletes are ...
- Title
- WA State Income Tax is Coming
- Runtime
- 0:45
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- A record number – more than 61,000 Washingtonians – signed in to oppose the Democrats’ income tax bill, Senate Bill 6346.
Despite the overwhelming opposition, Rep. April Connors is hearing that Senate Democrats plan to move forward with this unconstitutional bill.
Supporters say the tax will only apply to high earners. Yet many of the same lawmakers now sponsoring the income tax voted to ban income taxes less than two years ago with the passage of I-2111. When Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen was asked about this 180-degree reversal, he characterized it as “a pie-crust promise. Easily made, easily broken.”
It’s no wonder there’s widespread mistrust of the Legislature.
Republicans oppose a state income tax. It’s not only unnecessary and unconstitutional – it will drive away jobs, hurt Washington’s economy, and eventually target everyone.
- Title
- WA Income Tax Hearing
- Runtime
- 1:57:59
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- WATCH: The public hearing on the Senate Democrats’ state income tax bill live in the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
A record number – more than 61,000 people – signed in to oppose Senate Bill 6346. The Democrats’ income tax is officially the most unpopular bill in state history.
- Title
- Democrats reject amendment to protect kids from sex offenders
- Runtime
- 0:46
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- 🚨BREAKING: House Democrats REJECTED an amendment that would have barred convicted sex offenders or kidnappers who repeatedly fail to register from living within 500 yards of schools, child care facilities, parks, pools, or other places where children gather.
After rejecting Republican amendments, Democrats voted to advance House Bill 2403. The bill reduces penalties for sex offenders who fail to register.
- Title
- What You Need to Know about the WA Income Tax Bill
- Runtime
- 0:49
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- If Democrats pass their unconstitutional state income tax bill, Washingtonians will have no opportunity to reject it. That’s because the bill contains an emergency clause, which blocks citizens from repealing the bill through the referendum process.
This legislative maneuver follows a pattern of Democrats changing the rules to shut down the opposition. Last year, House Democrats eliminated a 132-year-old rule enacted in 1893 that guaranteed free and open debate on the House floor. They lowered the supermajority 2/3 threshold required to end debate and vote on bills down to a simple majority.
This week, after House Democrats rejected a motion to hold public hearings for the initiatives, Republicans held two listening sessions to hear directly from the people.
Article II, Section I of the Washington State Constitution states: “Initiative measures … shall take precedence over all other measures in the legislature except appropriation bills …...
- Title
- Protect Girls’ Sports in WA
- Runtime
- 0:56
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- On Tuesday, Republicans in the House and Senate honored the state constitution and stood with the 400,000+ Washingtonians who signed initiatives protecting girls’ sports and restoring parental rights.
After House Democrats rejected a motion to hold public hearings for the initiatives, Republicans held two listening sessions to hear directly from the people. Ahnaleigh Wilson and Frances Staudt, two high school athletes, shared their stories.
Background: Article II, Section I of the Washington State Constitution states: “Initiative measures … shall take precedence over all other measures in the legislature except appropriation bills …”
Despite this clear mandate, legislative Democrats refuse to prioritize the initiatives and hold public hearings.
Initiative IL26-638 would protect the integrity of girls’ sports by ensuring female student athletes are not forced to compete with biological males.
Initiative IL26...
- Title
- Protect girls’ sports
- Runtime
- 0:43
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Initiative IL26-638 would protect the integrity of girls’ sports by ensuring female student athletes are not forced to compete with biological males.
House Democrats rejected a Republican motion to hold a public hearing for the initiative from the people, despite the state constitution stating initiatives “shall take precedence” over other policy measures.
In response, Republicans held two listening sessions at the Capitol on Tuesday.
- Title
- House & Senate Republican Media Availability | Feb. 3, 2026
- Runtime
- 36:51
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Washington state House and Senate Republican leaders are holding a live media availability to discuss the 2026 legislative session.
- Title
- The State Income Tax Bill Is Here. Act Now Before It's Too Late.
- Runtime
- 1:05
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- This week, Democrats finally unveiled their state income tax bills, House Bill 2724 and Senate Bill 6346. Their initial proposal would impose a 9.9% tax on high earners. A member of House Democratic leadership, however, has already admitted that – if passed – we should assume this tax will apply to everyone by 2030.
Republicans oppose a state income tax. It’s not only unnecessary and unconstitutional – it will drive away jobs, hurt Washington’s economy, and eventually target everyone.
Rep. Hunter Abell, R-Inchelium, breaks it down.
Send a comment to your legislators about the Democrats' state income tax proposals.
House Bill 2724: https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/2724
Senate Bill 6346: https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/6346
- Title
- WA state income tax bills have arrived
- Runtime
- 0:40
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- This week, Democrats finally unveiled their state income tax bills, House Bill 2724 and Senate Bill 6346. Their initial proposal would impose a 9.9% tax on high earners. A member of House Democratic leadership, however, has already admitted that – if passed – we should assume this tax will apply to everyone by 2030.
Republicans oppose a state income tax. It’s not only unnecessary and unconstitutional – it will drive away jobs, hurt Washington’s economy, and eventually target everyone.
Rep. Hunter Abell, R-Inchelium, breaks it down.
- Title
- An income tax is coming this week
- Runtime
- 0:49
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- In week four of the legislative session, Democrats plan to introduce a state income tax.
Their initial proposal will target high earners. But a House Democrat leader has already admitted that, if passed, a state income tax will likely apply to everyone by 2030.
On Monday, there’s an executive session for House Bill 1239 in the House Community Safety Committee. This would allow for the early release of criminals, including violent offenders.
Another bill to watch this week is House Bill 2489. This proposal would prohibit local governments from removing dangerous homeless encampments.
These encampments pose serious risks to public health and the environment, and they are often hotspots for crime. Local governments need to be able to address these situations compassionately and responsibly. Allowing people to remain indefinitely in unsafe public spaces is not a compassionate solution.
We can’t stop these bad bills wit...
- Title
- Is THIS The Breaking Point? | Fix Washington Podcast S03 EP02
- Runtime
- 17:15
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- On episode 2 of the Fix Washington Podcast, host Rep. Peter Abbarno sits down with Rep. Suzanne Schmidt to hear her perspective on how Democrat tax hikes and overregulation are crushing employers, raising gas and housing costs, and pushing jobs across the border to Idaho.
After Democrats passed $9.2 billion in crushing new taxes in 2025, Rep. Schmidt says her constituents are taxed enough already.
If lawmakers keep piling on taxes and regulations, Washington won’t just lose revenue, it will keep losing workers, employers, and economic opportunity.
Visit Rep. Suzanne Schmidt’s website to learn more about her efforts to increase jobs and economic opportunity in Washington state: https://suzanneschmidt.houserepublicans.wa.gov
Schmidt bills on worker safety and paid leave fairness advance with bipartisan support: https://suzanneschmidt.houserepublicans.wa.gov/2026/01/23/schmidt-bills-on-worker-safety-and-paid-leave-fairness-advance-w...
- Title
- Week 3 #waleg recap
- Runtime
- 0:42
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- This week, House Democrats rejected a Republican motion to follow the constitution and hold public hearings for two initiatives signed by 400,000+ Washingtonians.
Article II, Section I of the Washington State Constitution clearly states: “Initiative measures … shall take precedence over all other measures in the legislature except appropriation bills …”
▶️Initiative IL26-001 would guarantee parents the right to review their children’s instructional materials, access school records, be notified when medical services are provided, and opt out of certain classes.
▶️Initiative IL26-638 would protect the integrity of girls’ sports by ensuring female student athletes are not forced into unfair competition with biological males.
Stay tuned for more weekly updates from House Republican Caucus Chair Rep. Peter Abbarno. Please also visit our website in our bio to learn how you can get involved in the legislative process.
- Title
- House Democrats reject motion to hold hearings on two initiatives signed by 400k+ Washingtonians
- Runtime
- 2:41
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- House Democrats blocked a motion to require public hearings on two initiatives backed by 400,000+ Washingtonians, despite a state constitutional mandate stating they “shall take precedence” over other policy measures.
▶️Initiative IL26-001 would guarantee parents the right to review their children’s instructional materials, access school records, be notified when medical services are provided, and opt out of certain classes.
▶️Initiative IL26-638 would protect the integrity of girls’ sports by ensuring female student athletes are not forced into unfair competition with biological males.
The motion would have required the House Education Committee to promptly hold public hearings on the two initiatives to comply with the Legislature’s constitutional duties.
- Title
- WA is losing 48 taxpayers per day
- Runtime
- 0:54
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Despite record-high state tax revenues, Democrats announced they plan to introduce a state income tax bill this week. A member of Democratic leadership has already acknowledged that all Washingtonians should expect to pay the new tax by 2030.
House Republicans oppose an income tax because it is unnecessary, unconstitutional, and, by a Democrats’ own admission, would eventually hit everyone.
- Title
- Tensions are rising.
- Runtime
- 37:30
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- As tensions rise over state and national issues, Republicans are calling on leaders to act responsibly and in the best interest of Washington state.
State Democrats also plan to introduce their state income tax this week. Republicans remain firmly opposed to new taxes, knowing that a tax on high earners today will turn in to a tax on everyone tomorrow.
Tune in every Tuesday during the 2026 legislative session to watch House and Senate Republican leaders answer questions live from the media.
- Title
- Week three preview
- Runtime
- 1:23
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- In week three of the legislative session, there’s a rumor that Democrats will introduce Gov. Bob Ferguson’s bill to impose a Washington state income tax.
His initial proposal targets high earners. But a House Democrat leader has already admitted that, if passed, a state income tax will likely apply to everyone by 2030.
Another bill to watch this week is House Bill 2489. This proposal would prohibit local governments from removing dangerous homeless encampments.
These encampments pose serious risks to public health and the environment, and they are often hotspots for crime. Local governments need to be able to address these situations compassionately and responsibly. Allowing people to remain indefinitely in unsafe public spaces is not a compassionate solution.
We can’t stop these bad bills without you. That’s why it’s so important to visit our website and learn how you can get involved.
- Title
- Week 2 recap
- Runtime
- 0:58
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- In week two of the legislative session, the Legislature officially received the initiative to protect the integrity of girls’ sports in Washington. Initiative IL26-638, signed by roughly 450,000 Washingtonians, would ensure female athletes are not forced into unfair competition with biological males.
House and Senate Democrat leaders have said they do not plan to give the initiative a hearing.
After passing the largest tax increase in state history last year, Democrats spent week two hearing more tax bills:
▶️House Bill 1607, also known as the bottle tax. This would impose a 10 cent tax per container. It would also require beverage producers to pay more than $200 million per year in fees for a new bottle recycling program, which will be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.
▶️House Bill 2100 would impose a 5% payroll tax on jobs earning more than $125,000 per year in a company that employs more than 20 peop...
- Title
- Democrats Are Ignoring THIS Problem | Fix Washington Podcast S03 EP01
- Runtime
- 15:45
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- In this episode of The Fix Washington Podcast, Rep. Cyndy Jacobsen joins House Republican Caucus Chair Peter Abbarno to discuss public safety, accountability, and affordability in Washington state. They break down how current laws, agency interpretations, and one-party control in Olympia are affecting families, local governments, and crime victims.
The conversation dives into serious public safety concerns, including vehicular homicide sentencing, hit-and-run laws, fentanyl exposure in homes, and why key public safety bills are not receiving hearings. Rep. Jacobsen also addresses transparency issues within state agencies, unfunded mandates on local governments, and the growing strain on communities as costs continue to rise.
Visit Rep. Cyndy Jacobsen’s website: https://cyndyjacobsen.houserepublicans.wa.gov/
Three bills from Rep. Cyndy Jacobsen scheduled for committee hearings, including two to increase public safety: https://cyndyjacobsen.houser...
- Title
- Democrats have plans for you wallet in 2026
- Runtime
- 51:02
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Washington state House and Senate Republican leaders held a live media availability to discuss the 2026 legislative session.
- Title
- The initiative to protect girls’ sports is in the WA Legislature
- Runtime
- 0:15
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- BREAKING: The initiative to protect the integrity of girls’ sports in Washington, ensuring female athletes are not forced into unfair competition with biological males, has officially been received by the state House.
- Title
- The hidden tire tax
- Runtime
- 0:58
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- While state Democrats continue to blame the federal government for Washington’s affordability crisis, they’re actively hearing bills that would make our state even more expensive. House Bill 2421 would increase fees on certain tires and ban them by Jan. 1, 2035. If enacted, tire sellers would also be prohibited from displaying the $5 fee on a receipt provided to a customer.
Meanwhile, Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, recently introduced House Bills 2335 and 2130 to repeal business and occupation tax increases and the sales tax expansion approved last year by Democrats
- Title
- Reality check for Gov. Ferguson
- Runtime
- 34:59
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Legislative Republican leaders hold a media availability at the state Capitol to respond to Governor Ferguson's State-of-the-State address and discuss the 2026 legislative session.
- Title
- Don’t give up on Washington
- Runtime
- 0:51
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Democrats outnumber Republicans in the state House, 59–39.
So why do we fight?
Because we love Washington.
Because we want to leave the state better for future generations.
And because this state is worth fighting for.
Join us.
Please visit our website to learn how you can get involved in the legislative process.
House Republicans are fighting for lower costs, better schools, a stronger economy, and a cleaner Washington.
We will never surrender.
Video credit: "Encounters at the End of the World" by Werner Herzog
#penguin
- Title
- Democrats want to tax you more
- Runtime
- 1:30
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- In week two of the 2026 legislative session, House Democrats have scheduled a public hearing for their statewide payroll tax proposal, House Bill 2100. This job killing legislation is modeled after Seattle’s JumpStart payroll tax, which led to an exodus of jobs and businesses from the city. As a result, Seattle now has the second-highest commercial vacancy rate in America. We can’t let them implement this failed policy statewide.
But we can’t stop this bill without you. We need your help.
The public hearing is scheduled for Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in the House Finance Committee.
- Title
- Week 1 recap of the 2026 session
- Runtime
- 0:32
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- In 2025, Gov. Bob Ferguson and legislative Democrats enacted the largest tax increase in state history. The governor kicked off this week by pitching a state income tax during his state of the state address.
Republicans, instead, are putting affordability front and center and offering solutions to make it easier to live, work, and raise a family in Washington.
Democrats outnumber Republicans 59-39 in the state House. That’s why citizen involvement is critical – we can’t hold the line against Democrat tax increases without you. Please visit our website to learn how you can get involved in the legislative process.
- Title
- Roads or bike lanes?
- Runtime
- 0:35
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Washington’s carbon tax, known as the Climate Commitment Act, adds an estimated 56.7 cents per gallon to the cost of gasoline. In 2025, state Democrats also raised the state gas tax to 55.4 cents per gallon – the third highest in the nation – with automatic 2% yearly hikes.
House Republican Transportation Leader Andrew Barkis says Washington should use revenue from the state’s carbon tax to fix aging infrastructure before asking taxpayers for more of their hard-earned money.
- Title
- $9.2 billion wasn’t enough for them
- Runtime
- 10:39
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary joined TVW to outline House Republican priorities for the 2026 legislative session, placing affordability front and center. He explained why Washington does not need a state income tax, pointing to rising costs for families, recent record-shattering tax increases by Democrats, and out-of-control spending, and outlined House Republican solutions to make the state more affordable.
- Title
- House & Senate Republican Media Availability | Jan. 13, 2026
- Runtime
- 34:46
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Washington state House and Senate Republican leaders are holding a live media availability following the governor's state of the state address.
- Title
- Why Olympia – not D.C. – is to blame for Washington's affordability crisis
- Runtime
- 6:55
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- In his opening remarks for the 2026 legislative session, House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary delivered a clear message: strengthen Washington’s economy, keep our state income-tax free, and make it affordable for the people who live, work, and raise their families here.
- Title
- Don’t blame D.C. for the problems in Washington state
- Runtime
- 0:44
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Washington has ranked among the least affordable states in the nation for years, long before any recent changes to national trade policy.
We face some of the highest costs for housing, groceries, child care, and fuel anywhere in the country. If affordability were driven by national forces alone, every state would look the same. They don’t. Washington stands out because legislative Democrats in Olympia have repeatedly raised taxes and created costly economic barriers.
The top priority for House Republicans in 2026 is simple: Make Washington affordable for the people who live here, work here, and raise their families here.
- Title
- Why Washington doesn’t need a state income tax
- Runtime
- 0:52
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- A state income tax is on Gov. Bob Ferguson’s agenda for the 2026 legislative session.
The governor and some legislative leaders say it will only apply to those earning more than $1 million. Yet a member of the House Democrat caucus on Tuesday admitted that the public should not make that assumption:
“If past history is prologue – yeah, you probably shouldn’t necessarily believe that” an income tax, if enacted, will only apply to millionaires by 2030.
House Republicans oppose a state income tax. It’s not only unnecessary and unconstitutional – but it will hurt Washington’s economy and eventually target everyone.
- Title
- 2026 Legislative Session Preview
- Runtime
- 2:01:39
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- The Washington State Association of Broadcasters and Allied Daily Newspapers of Washington host a preview of the 2026 legislative session. Speakers include legislative leadership from both the House and Senate, discussions on the transportation and state budgets, and comments from Gov. Bob Ferguson.
- Title
- 2026 Legislative Session Preview | Transportation
- Runtime
- 54:39
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- The Washington State Association of Broadcasters and Allied Daily Newspapers of Washington host a preview of the 2026 legislative session. Speakers include legislative leadership from both the House and Senate, discussions on the transportation and state budgets, and comments from Gov. Bob Ferguson.
- Title
- How Did Washington Get So Expensive? | Fix Washington Podcast S02 EP21
- Runtime
- 13:09
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- In this episode of The Fix Washington Podcast, Rep. Dave Stuebe joins host Rep. Peter Abbarno to discuss rising taxes, affordability, and the cost of living in Washington state. They break down how proposed income and payroll taxes, gas taxes, and state spending decisions in Olympia are impacting working families, seniors, small businesses, and rural communities.
The conversation also covers transportation funding, energy policy, health care costs, and natural resource management. Rep. Stuebe highlights infrastructure needs in rural Washington, concerns about electricity shortages and economic development, Medicaid reimbursement rates, and the effect of wildfire policy and fish hatcheries on local economies.
Rep. David Stuebe:
https://davidstuebe.houserepublicans.wa.gov/
Rep. Peter Abbarno: https://peterabbarno.houserepublicans.wa.gov
Washington State House Republicans: https://houserepublicans.wa.gov
Past episode...
- Title
- Olympia is the problem - not D.C.
- Runtime
- 0:17
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- The problems affecting Washington state are the result of homemade policy decisions from Olympia – not Washington, D.C.
For years, Washington has had among the highest prices for housing, groceries, fuel, and child care. We also suffer from high rates of crime, homelessness, and drug use. All of these problems predate the current federal administration.
During the 2025 legislative session, Gov. Bob Ferguson and legislative Democrats enacted $9.2 billion in tax increases – the largest in state history – exacerbating our affordability crisis. Some of those taxes will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
State Democrats are also proposing a new statewide payroll tax and Gov. Ferguson is committed to passing a state income tax in 2026.
House Republicans oppose new taxes and have offered dozens of solutions to the many problems facing our state, including a framework that would solve the budget deficit without raising taxes or affect...
- Title
- Mississippi just passed WA for the first time ever
- Runtime
- 0:26
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Washington students are falling behind under the leadership of state Democrats.
Despite spending close to $20,000 annually per student, 4th grade reading test scores in Washington have declined every year since 2015, according to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress. The assessment measures 4th and 8th grade reading and math proficiency.
Reading proficiency by 3rd grade is widely recognized as a critical milestone, because students who cannot read proficiently by then are far more likely to struggle across all subjects in later grades.
Meanwhile, states like Mississippi, which have adopted data-driven reforms like those proposed by Rep. Michael Keaton, R-South Hill, have seen significant gains in academic outcomes.
Mississippi went from 50th in the nation for 4th grade reading to 7th, passing Washington for the first time ever.
During the 2025 session, Rep. Keaton introduced House Bill 1832 – the Building Opp...
- Title
- This is why parents are losing faith in public schools | Fix Washington Podcast S02 EP20
- Runtime
- 15:18
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- In this episode of The Fix Washington Podcast, Rep. Michael Keaton joins host Peter Abbarno to discuss rising taxes, affordability, and the growing cost of living in Washington state. They break down how recent tax policies and regulatory decisions in Olympia are impacting working families, seniors, and small businesses across the state.
The conversation also dives into economic development, AI, and K-12 education. Rep. Keaton outlines the need for early childhood literacy, classroom accountability, and parental involvement. They discuss why families and taxpayers expect better results and how education reform can prepare students for the future workforce.
Rep. Michael Keaton: https://michaelkeaton.houserepublicans.wa.gov
Rep. Michael Keaton introduces legislation to address learning loss, declining test scores of students in Washington: https://michaelkeaton.houserepublicans.wa.gov/2025/02/06/rep-michael-keaton-introduces-legislation-to-address-l...
- Title
- Olympia is out of money again. They’re coming for more.
- Runtime
- 4:04
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- House Republican budget leader Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, highlights his Affordability First: A Budget for the Working Class plan. The proposal, which was unveiled on December 18, identifies nearly $4 billion in savings through spending reductions, efficiencies, and the elimination of lower-priority programs. It also protects core services, avoids cuts to K-12 classrooms, and does not reduce benefits or service delivery.
Learn more in the links below.
Affordability First: A Budget for the Working Class plan: https://houserepublicans.wa.gov/affordability-first
News release: https://traviscouture.houserepublicans.wa.gov/2025/12/18/house-republican-budget-lead-rep-travis-couture-unveils-affordability-first-budget-rejects-new-taxes
How Democrats want to tax you: https://houserepublicans.wa.gov/how-democrats-are-taxing-you
How you can be involved in the legislative process: https://houserepublicans.wa.gov/get-involved
- Title
- A no-new-tax solution to Washington’s budget deficit
- Runtime
- 0:21
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- On Dec. 18, House Republican budget leader Rep. Travis Couture introduced his “Affordability First” budget framework, designed to solve the budget deficit without raising taxes or affecting important services like K-12 education.
Couture’s plan identifies nearly $4 billion in savings, restores spending limits tied to inflation and population growth, boosts tax relief for working families, requires zero-based budgeting so agencies justify every dollar, and requires independent audits to eliminate waste and abuse.
His plan also protects food assistance for seniors, veterans, foster youth, and working Washingtonians facing homelessness, while streamlining Medicaid eligibility to prevent coverage gaps and lowering health care premiums.
Background: State Democrats passed $9.2 billion in new taxes in 2025 - the largest in state history. Looking ahead to the 2026 session, House Democrats have already introduced a new multi-billion-dollar statewide ...
- Title
- State income tax coming to WA?
- Runtime
- 0:33
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- On Dec. 2, Rep. Shaun Scott, D-Seattle, introduced a “payroll excise tax” on employers – effectively an income tax on wages – modeled after Seattle’s JumpStart tax.
House Bill 2100 aims to raise taxes by more than $2 billion per year and $5.5 billion per biennium, according to media reports.
You can watch the full conversation between Rep. John Ley, R-Vancouver, and Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, on The Fix Washington Podcast Friday, Dec. 12, 2025.
- Title
- House Democrats push for a new income tax on wages | Fix Washington Podcast S02 EP19
- Runtime
- 10:46
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- In this episode of The Fix Washington Podcast, Reps. Peter Abbarno and John Ley sit down under the dome to break down how the Democrats’ growing taxes and regulations are hurting families and small businesses. From skyrocketing costs to an unsustainable operating budget, they cover what it means for your wallet.
They also dive into a new tax proposal introduced by Rep. Shaun Scott, D-Seattle, on Dec. 2. The legislation would create a new “payroll excise tax” on employers — effectively an income tax on wages — modeled after Seattle’s JumpStart tax. House Bill 2100 aims to raise taxes by more than $2 billion per year and $5.5 billion per biennium, according to media reports.
- Title
- This crisis was made in Olympia, not Washington, D.C.
- Runtime
- 0:48
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Washington has been one of the least affordable states for years, long before any recent changes to national trade policies.
We face some of the highest costs for housing, groceries, child care, and fuel in the entire country. If this were a national problem, every state would look the same – yet Washington stands out because legislative Democrats in Olympia have aggressively increased taxes, fees, and made it difficult to build housing.
The top priority for House Republicans in 2026 is simple: Make Washington affordable for people to live, work, and raise families.
Footage of House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary taken from the Dec. 9, 2025 Re-Wire Policy Conference on TVW.
- Title
- Democratic socialist lawmaker introduces statewide payroll tax
- Runtime
- 0:38
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Washington loses one taxpayer every 30 minutes.
A new study ranks Washington among the top states losing taxpayers most often on net to other states. The study used IRS data between 2021 and 2022, long before state Democrats enacted a record-shattering $9.2 billion in new taxes during the 2025 legislative session, exacerbating Washington’s affordability crisis.
Now legislative Democrats are proposing new income tax bills, including a new tax on wage earners modeled after Seattle’s JumpStart tax.
- Title
- Christmas came early for the industrial housing complex in Seattle
- Runtime
- 1:03
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Seattle just handed out another $28 million bailout to affordable housing developers who can’t make their payments. That brings the total to $42 million in two years.
Why? Because the policies pushed by the Seattle City Council – and echoed by legislative Democrats in Olympia – are making it harder to provide rental housing, including:
▶️Government rent control.
▶️No accountability when rent isn’t paid.
▶️Rules that make it impossible to manage properties.
Small mom and pop housing providers don’t get bailouts. They go bankrupt, lose their properties, and Washington loses more affordable housing in the process.
This is not sustainable. The Legislature needs to fix the policies that are causing these problems
- Title
- The Democrats’ plan to tax Washington
- Runtime
- 0:18
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- On the heels of passing the largest tax increase in Washington state history, legislative Democrats are once again looking to taxes to fill the budget gap. Their latest proposal is a “payroll excise tax” on wage earners (i.e. an income tax) – an idea modeled after Seattle’s JumpStart tax.
Visit HouseRepublicans.wa.gov/Get-Involved to learn how you can get involved and participate in the legislative process. The 2026 legislative session will begin on Jan. 12.
