Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended our recent town hall and virtual town hall! Your active participation and insightful questions are the driving forces behind our community’s progress. Engaging directly with you reinforces my commitment to championing the issues that matter most to our district. As we reach the final month of the legislative session, we’re finalizing the budget and focusing on meaningful investments. Our goal is to ensure Washington families have the resources they need to thrive while continuing to push for progressive revenue solutions that make our tax system fairer.
If you weren’t able to catch the event live, you can rewatch it here!
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A Budget That Works for Everyone
Washington is facing a budget shortfall, and once again, the choices we make will determine who bears the burden. For too long, our state has relied on a tax system that asks the most from those with the least while allowing the wealthiest to contribute far less than their fair share. We have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to change that.
Progressive revenue isn’t just about closing budget gaps; it’s about ensuring Washington can invest in the public goods that make our communities strong: quality schools, accessible healthcare, reliable infrastructure, and a safety net that catches people when they fall. By modernizing our tax code, we can build an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top. That means prioritizing policies that ease the burden on working families while making sure the wealthiest Washingtonians and big corporations contribute fairly.
Last week, my colleagues and I introduced a package of proposals that bring balance to our tax code and ensure we can fund essential services—like schools, housing, and public safety—without putting the squeeze on those who can least afford it.
Here’s what we’re proposing:
✅ A Financial Intangible Assets Tax (FIT) – This applies a tax on stocks and bonds owned by ultra-wealthy individuals (exempting the first $50 million) to generate $2 billion per year for K-12 education. Homeowners already pay property taxes on their biggest asset—their home. This ensures that those whose wealth comes from financial assets contribute their fair share, too.
✅ School & Public Safety Funding Adjustments – Our proposal allows property tax growth to reflect inflation and population increases (capped at 3%) and ensures rural school districts receive fair funding. This brings in $50 million in 2026 and $150 million in 2027 for K-12 schools.
✅ Surcharge on High-Grossing Corporations – We’re asking the biggest corporations and financial institutions—those making over $250 million a year—to pay a modest surcharge, generating nearly $2 billion by 2027. Small businesses won’t be affected, but this will help protect public services that working families rely on.
This isn’t just a fiscal debate—it’s a question of values. A budget is more than numbers on a page; it’s a reflection of what we believe in. And I believe in a Washington where opportunity isn’t dictated by zip code, where every child has access to a great education, and where no one is left behind simply because our tax code wasn’t built for them. Now more than ever, we need a budget that serves the people—not just the powerful.
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House Budget Proposal: Protecting Families, Communities, and Our Future
Last week, House Democrats introduced our 2025-2027 budget proposal—a plan that holds the line on essential services while making responsible adjustments to keep our state financially stable.
We know that Washington families are feeling the impact of rising costs, and the last thing we can afford is to cut the very services that help people stay housed, fed, and healthy. That’s why our proposal prioritizes critical programs like housing assistance, food security, education, and public safety—investments that make a real difference in people’s lives.
Here’s what’s in the budget:
✅ Supporting State Workers – This budget honors the essential contributions of public employees by protecting healthcare benefits, avoiding furloughs, and preserving strong contracts that support the workforce serving our communities every day.
✅ Keeping People Housed & Fed – We’re maintaining funding for emergency food assistance, ensuring seniors, kids, and families don’t go hungry. We’re also securing $117 million for local governments to keep shelter beds available, because no one should be left without a place to sleep.
✅ Protecting Schools & Education – Our children deserve every opportunity to succeed. This budget fully funds teacher salaries, school meals, and special education, while keeping college tuition stable so higher education remains within reach.
✅ Standing Up for Working Families – We’re holding strong on key programs that support child care providers and early learning, ensuring families have access to care while keeping costs manageable.
✅ Building Safer Communities – Public safety remains a priority, with $50 million in new funds for local law enforcement grants and critical investments in crime victim support and reentry services.
✅ A Fairer Tax System for Washington – Our state’s tax code has long favored the wealthiest, leaving working families shouldering more than their fair share. This budget takes steps toward tax fairness, asking Washington’s biggest businesses and wealthiest residents to contribute equitably to the services that make our state strong.
Fighting for Our Shared Priorities
As budget negotiations move to conference between the House and Senate, I’m focused on protecting the services and values that matter most to our communities. Budget writers have had to make difficult choices, and I’m working to ensure the final plan reflects fairness and long-term stability.
Here are a few of my top priorities:
🔹 The Evergreen State College – The House budget includes a 27% funding cut over three years. I’m advocating for the Senate’s more modest reduction to be included in the final version.
🔹 MSOC (Materials, Supplies, and Operating Costs) for K-12 Schools – I’ll be pushing for the Senate’s stronger investment in MSOC to help schools meet essential classroom needs.
🔹 PERS & TRS 1 COLA – The Senate budget takes a critical step by making this cost-of-living adjustment permanent. I strongly support including this in the final agreement to ensure retirees receive the support they deserve.
I will keep fighting to ensure Washington remains a place where every family has the tools and support they need to thrive.
In the final weeks of session, our focus shifts to passing bills and finalizing the budget. That means negotiating between the House and Senate to agree on a unified version to send to the Governor.
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Apply for the Legislative Youth Advisory Council
Are you a young leader passionate about making a difference? The Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) is seeking dedicated students in grades 7-10 to represent their peers and advocate for youth-centered policies.
As a LYAC member, you’ll:
- Meet with legislators and community leaders
- Testify on issues that matter to Washington’s youth
- Help shape state policy and organize events
- Participate in in-person and virtual meetings throughout the year
Applications are open now and due by April 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM. If you or a student you know is interested in public service, I encourage you to apply and be part of the next generation of civic leaders!
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As we move into the final stretch of session, we remain committed to passing a budget that puts people first. That means securing funding for essential services, ensuring working families aren’t left behind, and advancing policies that create long-term economic stability for all Washingtonians. I’ll keep fighting for bold, equitable solutions to the challenges our communities face. Thank you for staying engaged—your voice makes a difference.
Best,
Beth