Dear Friends and Neighbors,
In my last newsletter, I shared background on the Governor’s proposed budget – a document that reflects the Governor’s values and sets the starting point for legislative budget negotiations. From there, the Legislature weighs competing priorities and works to create a final budget that responds to the real and varied needs of communities across our state. As we enter the second half of session, when budget discussions intensify, I asked for your input on several of the Governor’s proposed decisions. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your perspective. Here’s what you told me:
- Regarding transfers: 57% of respondents opposed a $1 billion withdrawal from the Rainy-Day Fund, while 59% supported transferring $569 million from the Climate Commitment Act to the Working Families Tax Credit.
- Regarding cuts: 75% supported closing new enrollment for Working Connections Child Care and freezing previously approved funding increases for childcare providers. Similarly, 82% supported funding reductions for public universities and community and technical colleges. The only proposed cut opposed by respondents was reduced funding for conservation districts, public lands maintenance, fish and wildlife recovery efforts, and small supports.
- Regarding restoration: 64% supported restoring funding for Treehouse services for students in foster care, while 74% opposed restoring funding for the Abortion Access Project.
Your feedback underscores a difficult but important tension in our budget conversations. Many respondents expressed a desire to limit spending and avoid reserve drawdowns, while also providing programs that provide direct, visible benefits to families and communities. At the same time, some of the proposed cuts receiving support – particularly to childcare, higher education, and other foundational services, are the very investments that help families stay afloat and keep our economy strong over the long term. As your representative, my role is to weigh this input carefully, ask hard questions about tradeoffs, and work toward a budget that reflects both fiscal responsibility and our shared commitment to opportunity, stability, and care for one another.
For my next survey, I’d like to learn your thoughts on a few controversial bills making their way through the legislature this session. Take the controversial bill survey here!
Upcoming Mini Town Hall
Another great way to provide your thoughts on these bills and other issues is by attending a mini-town hall with Representative David Hackney and me. Please join us March 1st at the Renton Historical Society (3407 NE 2nd St, Renton, WA 98056), from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm on March 1. To reserve a 15-minute time to chat, please email my legislative assistant.
Protecting All Communities
For this newsletter, given the increased actions of federal immigration enforcement nationwide and in our state, I believe it is urgent to highlight actions my colleagues and I are taking to protect our most vulnerable neighbors. As a father, actions by ICE over the last year have been particularly alarming to me.
SB 5906 – Secure and Accountable Federal Enforcement Act: This legislation clarifies when and where federal immigration enforcement can occur by requiring a judicial warrant before ICE may enter nonpublic spaces such as classrooms, hospitals, child-care facilities, and college campuses. The bill does not prohibit federal enforcement but ensures Washingtonians can access education, health care, and civic institutions without fear, reinforcing long-standing Fourth Amendment protections.
HB 2105 – Immigrant Worker Protection Act: Sponsored by Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, this bill strengthens protections for immigrant workers by requiring employers to provide notice when federal employment eligibility (I-9) audits occur, limiting the voluntary sharing of worker records without proper legal process, and prohibiting retaliation against workers who assert their rights. The legislation does not interfere with federal audits, and it promotes transparency, fairness, and workplace stability.
HB 2165 – Impersonating a Peace Officer: This bill makes impersonating a law enforcement officer a misdemeanor, responding to growing concerns about individuals posing as officers and creating fear and confusion in communities. It enhances public safety by ensuring residents can trust that someone claiming law enforcement authority is legitimate.
HB 2464 – Oversight of Private Detention Facilities: HB 2464 establishes reporting requirements and clearer law enforcement responses related to incidents at private detention facilities, improving transparency and accountability amid documented concerns about medical neglect and human rights abuses.
Together, these bills reaffirm Washington’s commitment to being a state where people can work, learn, seek care, and raise families without fear while upholding public safety, civil rights, and the rule of law.
As always, it is an honor to represent our community and the 11th Legislative District
Sincerely,
Rep. Steve Bergquist