Hi friends and neighbors,
We’re in the final stretch of the 2026 legislative session!
Sine die (the official end of session) is March 12. The pace in Olympia always accelerates this time of year as we work long days negotiating, refining bills, and preparing measures for final votes. We’re also about to “spring forward” for Daylight Saving Time: a reminder that longer days (and, hopefully, a little more sunshine) are just around the corner.
Thank you for joining!
A very warm thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent town hall. It was so wonderful to spend time back in the district, seeing familiar faces, reconnecting with neighbors, and meeting so many new community members.
Your questions, ideas, and honest feedback help guide my work in Olympia. These conversations matter, and I’m grateful for the thoughtful discussion we had about the issues that impact our families and local communities every day.
If you weren’t able to attend, please know my office is always here to listen and help. I look forward to continuing the conversation and working together on behalf of our district.
The House Operating Budget: Maintaining What Matters Most
The House passed our 2026 supplemental operating budget. This is an update to the two-year budget we adopted last year, and it reflects higher costs, increased demand for services, and revenue impacts from inflation and federal tariffs.
Here’s the bottom line: we are maintaining critical services that Washington families rely on.
That includes:
- Apple Health and access to health care
- Child care and early learning programs
- Housing and homelessness services
- Emergency food assistance
- The Washington College Grant
We are also restoring funding for reproductive health services and expanding the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) to serve 2,000 more students, thanks to a partnership with the Ballmer Group.
At the same time, we had to make difficult reductions. The largest cost drivers in this budget are not new programs; they are existing services being used by more Washingtonians. Childcare, long-term care, developmental disabilities, and financial aid are seeing increased “maintenance level” costs.
To help close the gap, we included administrative reductions across most state agencies and higher education institutions. These are not decisions anyone takes lightly, but they are necessary given the structure of our revenue system.
Even with these pressures, we are protecting food, shelter, and health care, especially as federal actions increase costs for states.
Transportation & Capital Budgets: Investing Responsibly
The House also passed our transportation budget, and capital budget is up next!
The transportation budget focuses on preservation and long-term sustainability. Fuel tax revenues continue to trend downward, and large infrastructure projects come with rising costs. This proposal prioritizes maintaining roads and bridges, investing in ferry reliability, and continuing safety improvements while planning carefully for the future.
The capital budget invests $910 million in housing, school construction, clean energy, salmon recovery, and local infrastructure projects across Washington. These investments create jobs today while building the foundation for tomorrow.
Reforming Our Tax Code
As Chair of the House Finance Committee, I’ve spent a great deal of time this session talking about a core challenge: Washington’s tax code is 93 years old and was not built for today’s economy.
Right now, our system relies heavily on sales taxes and other regressive sources. That means working families pay a higher share of their income in state and local taxes than the wealthiest households.
Last week, the Finance Committee passed ESSB 6346: the Millionaire’s Tax proposal.
Here’s what it does:
- Imposes a 9.9% tax on income above $1 million, beginning in 2028
- Includes a $1 million standard deduction per filer
- Expands the Working Families Tax Credit to include Washingtonians age 18+
- Increases small business B&O tax credits and raises the filing threshold
- Exempts grooming and hygiene products from sales tax
- Exempts baby and adult diaper diapers from sales tax
Over 40 other states have some form of income tax. Washington remains one of the most regressive states in the country. As one of the wealthiest states in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, I believe we can do better and ensure stability for schools, health care, public safety, and the services our communities consistently say they value.
The millionaire’s tax is a conversation is about aligning our revenue system with a 21st-century economy and relieving pressure on lower- and middle-income families, and it’s a conversation we’re ready to have.
What Comes Next
Now that the House has passed its budgets, negotiations with the Senate begin. The final versions will reflect compromises between the two chambers.
As always, I’m grateful to represent you in this work. I believe deeply in thoughtful policymaking: grounded in data, equity, and long-term responsibility. If you have questions or thoughts about the budget, tax reform, or any other issue, please reach out. Your perspective helps shape this work.
Wishing you a smooth transition into spring, a little extra daylight, and time to enjoy the brighter days ahead.
With appreciation,
Rep. April Berg