Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2025 legislative session brought historic wins for students, families, and working people across the 11th Legislative District.
I was proud to sponsor House Bill 1587, which strengthens local government scholarship programs by connecting them to the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship. This new law builds on successful local efforts like the Renton Promise Program, allows us to launch the Tukwila Partner Promise Program, reduces administrative burdens, expands application windows, and gives cities and counties a cost-effective way to invest in students’ futures. Together, we’re helping more Washington students access higher education without being weighed down by cost or complexity.
We also passed House Bill 2049 to expand equity and flexibility in school funding. The law raises the per-pupil limit for local enrichment levies, allowing communities to vote for greater investments in mental health services, academic supports, and enrichment programs.
Washington College Grant Update
This session also brought important updates to our state’s financial aid programs. Under current law, students from households earning up to 55% of median family income (MFI) remain eligible for the full Washington College Grant award. Those at 60% MFI will now also receive the maximum award for all four years of college. That means for a family of four making less than $78,500, any public college in Washington is now accessible.
Reforming the Tax System
As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I helped shape one of the most significant tax reform packages in decades. Faced with a projected $15 billion deficit, we modernized our tax code to better protect essential services like education, housing, and behavioral health. House Bill 2081 updated the Business & Occupation (B&O) tax rates and introduced targeted surcharges for the largest corporations and highest-profit sectors. We reformed capital gains and estate taxes through HB 2082 and SB 5813, creating tiered systems that shield smaller investors and estates while ensuring those with greater wealth contribute more fairly.
We also expanded the sales tax to include digital consulting, custom software, and web design services, while eliminating outdated exemptions like those for digital advertising. New revenue sources were added through HB 2083 and SB 5814. Importantly, we passed bills to close ineffective tax loopholes and support nonprofits and tribal governments by extending property tax exemptions and updating revenue-sharing compacts.
These changes reflect a more balanced and just approach, one where Washington’s tax code begins to reflect the needs of working families rather than the interests of a wealthy few.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders
Over the past few months, I had the joy of welcoming elementary students from Hilltop Heritage, Maple Wood Heights, Talbot Hill, Benson Hill, Sierra Heights, Renton Park, Tiffany Park, Highland, Lakeridge, Sartori, Honey Dew, Cascade, and Campbell Hill Elementaries to the Capitol Campus. Their curiosity, questions, and energy were a powerful reminder of why this work matters. Visits like these help young people see firsthand how government operates, and more importantly, that their voices and ideas belong in the process.
Whether it’s learning how a bill becomes a law or exploring the chambers where decisions are made, these experiences plant the seeds of civic engagement and leadership for years to come.
Looking Ahead
Thank you to the hundreds of constituents who completed our surveys, sent messages, and joined our mini-town halls. As we enter the summer months, please continue to stay engaged, informed, and ready to build a better future together.
Sincerely,
Rep. Steve Bergquist