Friends and neighbors,
Thank you to everyone who came to visit with me last Saturday at Refuel Café for my mini-town hall. Besides the coffee, we had great conversations about school bonds and levies, civics literacy, rent stabilization, and protecting immigrant communities. Thank you again for coming and I hope to host another event very soon!
Community Safety Survey Results
Two weeks ago, I sent out a newsletter with a survey to gather your thoughts on community safety. I sincerely appreciate everyone who shared what kind of legislative support matters most to you and our community.
In the survey, I asked how safe you feel in your community on a scale from 0 (actively unsafe) to 100 (very safe). The average response was 49. When asked what contributes to your sense of safety, you highlighted both an active police presence and strong relationships with neighbors. This is why I am proud to continue supporting Gov. Ferguson’s request for $100 million to recruit and retain police officers, addressing Washington’s lowest per capita total of officers in the nation.
Regarding public safety legislation, most respondents supported all proposed bills. Thank you again to everyone who participated! Your feedback is invaluable in shaping policies that reflect our community’s priorities. You can view all the results here.
This week, I’d like to hear your thoughts on budget development, various revenue proposals, and government efficiency. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey.
New Website Reveals Impact of Budget Cuts
Earlier this week, we launched WA Budget Cuts, highlighting an all cuts, no revenue budget former Governor Jay Inslee was required to prepare, called the “Book 1” Budget. This example budget relied only on existing law, and no new revenue, to balance the $12 billion budget deficit Washington state is facing. These reductions do not reflect input from, or decisions made by, Governor Bob Ferguson. WA Budget Cuts highlights the largest of the possible cuts and provides a perspective on what these cuts would mean to communities across the state.
Many of you are likely seeing a coordinated media campaign designed to highlight the total size of the state budget. But what is often left out of the conversation is the amount of the budget that simply cannot be cut due to constitutional or federal obligations, such as public schools, or statutory requirements that would need legislation in order to change. 75-80 percent of the operating budget is protected, meaning almost all cuts would have to come from just 20-25 percent of the budget. This is why making $12 billion in cuts is so devastating. It would include the following potential cuts:
As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I am considering all proposed budget cuts and balancing those impacts against the need for revenue, which could stave off reductions to the social safety net that exists in Washington state thanks to the last three cycles of budget investments.
Learn more about what’s at stake and how these cuts could affect you and your community.
Traveling this year?
On May 7, 2025, the federal REAL ID Act goes into effect nationwide. Beginning on that date, if you don’t have a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card, you won’t be able to fly in the U.S. or enter a restricted federal facility. Click here to learn more and click here to see if you’re ready for this change.
Stay In Touch
As we enter week eight of the legislative session, the House of Origin Cutoff is approaching on March 12. By then, all bills (except budget-related ones) must pass out of the House to remain under consideration in the Senate.
It’s an honor to represent the 11th Legislative District. I look forward to your continued feedback and advocacy throughout the 2025 session. Thank you for reading!
Sincerely,
Rep. Steve Bergquist