Dear friends and neighbors,

We’ve reached the midpoint of the legislative session, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made to build a budget that reflects our values. In the coming weeks, we’ll be rolling out our budget proposals—focused on making meaningful investments in housing, education, behavioral health, and public safety. Our goal is to ensure Washington families have the resources they need to thrive while continuing to push for progressive revenue solutions that make our tax system fairer.

A Budget That Works for Everyone

Washington is facing a budget shortfall, and once again, the choices we make will determine who bears the burden. For too long, our state has relied on a tax system that asks the most from those with the least while allowing the wealthiest to contribute far less than their fair share. We have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to change that.

Progressive revenue isn’t just about closing budget gaps; it’s about ensuring Washington can invest in the public goods that make our communities strong: quality schools, accessible healthcare, reliable infrastructure, and a safety net that catches people when they fall. By modernizing our tax code, we can build an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top. That means prioritizing policies that ease the burden on working families while making sure the wealthiest Washingtonians and big corporations contribute fairly.

This week, as Chair of the House Finance committee, I’ve led my colleagues in a package of proposals that bring balance to our tax code and ensure we can fund essential services—like schools, housing, and public safety—without putting the squeeze on those who can least afford it.

Here’s what we’re proposing:

✅ A Financial Intangible Assets Tax (FIT) – This applies a tax on stocks and bonds owned by ultra-wealthy individuals (exempting the first $50 million) to generate $2 billion per year for K-12 education. Homeowners already pay property taxes on their biggest asset—their home. This ensures that those whose wealth comes from financial assets contribute their fair share, too.

✅ School & Public Safety Funding Adjustments – Our proposal allows property tax growth to reflect inflation and population increases (capped at 3%) and ensures rural school districts receive fair funding. This brings in $50 million in 2026 and $150 million in 2027 for K-12 schools.

✅ Surcharge on High-Grossing Corporations – We’re asking the biggest corporations and financial institutions—those making over $250 million a year—to pay a modest surcharge, generating nearly $2 billion by 2027. Small businesses won’t be affected, but this will help protect public services that working families rely on.

This isn’t just a fiscal debate—it’s a question of values. A budget is more than numbers on a page; it’s a reflection of what we believe in. And I believe in a Washington where opportunity isn’t dictated by zip code, where every child has access to a great education, and where no one is left behind simply because our tax code wasn’t built for them. Now more than ever, we need a budget that serves the people—not just the powerful.

Realities of “No New Revenue”: DEEP CUTS TO CRITICAL SERVICES

Due to increasing needs, rising inflation, and slowing revenue growth, Washington state is facing a budget deficit. Washington’s tax structure requires more spending by low- and middle-income residents, and with the wealth gap growing between billionaires and regular working families, we’re all falling behind.

For those considering an all-cuts, no-revenue approach, we must look at what that means: catastrophic cuts to healthcare, childcare, education, public safety. These aren’t just numbers on a page—these are programs that keep families and individuals afloat and cuts will result in real harm to real people across our state.

We don’t have to accept this. We can support policies and bills that protect all people, invest in our future, and makes sure Washingtonians see gains across all income levels!

🔹 Learn more about the impact of budget cuts here

Legislative Accomplishments in the House

Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished in the House so far – click on the bill numbers to learn more! 

• Affordable Housing & Tenant Protections
  • HB 1353 – Streamlines permitting for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to increase housing options.
  • HB 1403 – Simplifies condominium construction laws to boost homeownership opportunities.
  • HB 1757 – Makes it easier to convert unused commercial buildings into housing.

• Public Safety
  • HB 1052 – Strengthens laws to hold perpetrators of hate crimes accountable.
  • HB 1133 – Enhances protections for communities from sexually violent predators.
• Workforce & Economy
  • HB 1167 – Expands career pathways in the maritime industry.
  • HB 1556 – Provides tuition waivers for high school graduates attending community college.
  • HB 1651 – Strengthens teacher residency and apprenticeship programs to support educators.
  • HB 1718 – Expands mental health resources for healthcare professionals.
• Education & Schools
  • HB 1079 – Expands remote testing options for online learners.
  • HB 1273 – Increases access to dual credit and career technical education programs.
  • HB 1796 – Reduces costs and delays in school construction projects.
• Lower Costs & Consumer Protections
  • HB 1006 – Strengthens consumer protections in service contracts.
  • HB 1589 – Fights corporate healthcare consolidation to support independent medical providers.
  • HB 1686 – Creates a healthcare entity registry to increase cost transparency.

These legislative wins reflect our commitment to strengthening communities, expanding economic opportunities, and lowering costs for Washingtonians.

Rep. April Berg