Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we head into spring, we are all acutely aware of increased costs, especially at the gas pump. These prices are directly tied to President Trump’s attack on Iran and his tariff policy, driving up the cost on virtually everything we buy.
In the Legislature, we can’t control global price changes, but we did fight for real relief for working families and residents in our state. That includes passing the Millionaires Tax which will expand the Working Families Tax Credit for more people, lower taxes for small businesses, and almost every item you pay for at the grocery store will be tax free including over-the-counter meds and hygiene products. As the mom of two little kids, I’m also excited that breakfast and lunch will be provided to all students, further reducing costs for families in Washington.
Other affordability measures passed this session include:
- My bill to ban noncompete agreements, which allows workers to take a new job with more pay or start their own company without their old job stopping them (HB 1115).
- Ending an unfair policy that allows a grocery store to put rules in place when they vacate a space that deny another grocery store from opening in that location, resulting in food deserts in local communities (HB 2294).
- Creating an energy assistance program that cuts monthly energy bills (HB 1903).
- Protecting preventive services and vaccines from being removed from your health plan, so that you can continue to get important care without added costs (HB 2242).
- Establishing new wage theft investigation and payment requirements so that workers get what they are owed (SB 6058 and HB 2479).
ACTION ALERT: Save Light Rail to Ballard
Recent presentations from Sound Transit are failing North Seattle residents who voted for light rail expansion, under the promise that it would extend to Ballard. Because Sound Transit delayed planning, Ballard link extension is now on the chopping block. It’s unacceptable and Sound Transit must find a solution that delivers the Ballard extension as promised.
Sound Transit is soliciting feedback via a survey to learn more about riders’ priorities. You can learn more and fill out the survey here.
You can also attend and have your voice heard either online or in person for the next system extension planning meeting this Thursday, April 9 from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. Find out more information or join the meeting virtually on Sound Transit’s website. Your voice matters!
Legislative District 36 Virtual Town Hall
Join Sen. Noel Frame, Rep. Julia Reed, and me for a virtual town hall on Monday, April 27, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. We’ll be answering questions from the chat and updating you on the work we did on your behalf during the 2026 legislative session. You can watch live on YouTube without an account, or you can watch on my Facebook page.
Tax Relief and Tax Filing Resources
In a few years, the Working Families Tax Credit will expand to more families and individuals in our state, more than doubling the amount of people who qualify today. But everyone should check and see if they qualify today. Individuals and families can receive up to $1,330 back if they meet the eligibility requirements.
If you need help filing your federal income taxes this year, there are a variety of options for both online and in-person assistance. The Department of Revenue has a list of options and resources for you online. Take a look and remember to file by April 15!
I hope you’ll be able to join us for our upcoming virtual town hall, but if not, please reach out to me if you have questions or thoughts you want to share.
Keep in touch!
State Representative Liz Berry
36th Legislative District