Dear Friends,
The Republican Budget Spending Bill—what I call The Big Betrayal Bill—is one of the most harmful pieces of legislation our state has ever faced. It takes hundreds of billions of dollars away from health care, food assistance, clean energy, housing, education, and jobs—programs that support working families and our most vulnerable neighbors—and hands that money over to the wealthiest Americans and giant corporations through massive tax cuts.
This is unconscionable, and I share the outrage so many of you may be feeling. The truth is, this bill is the single largest redistribution of wealth in American history—and it comes at the direct expense of families in Washington.
Here in our district, the stakes could not be higher. Cuts to Medicaid will mean higher costs and fewer providers in our rural and urban clinics. Cuts to food assistance will directly impact children, seniors, and working families who already struggle to put food on the table. Slashing investments in clean energy will harm Washington’s growing green economy—jeopardizing jobs and delaying critical action to address climate change. And reductions in housing and education funding will hit our communities hard, especially at a time when we are working tirelessly to expand affordable housing and ensure every student has the chance to succeed.
While the challenges are immense, I want you to know this: you are not alone, and your voice matters.
Our state leaders are already taking bold steps. Attorney General Brown is working with other states to fight these cuts in court, including protections for public health, medical research, and clean energy infrastructure. Governor Ferguson has announced emergency funds to ensure Planned Parenthood continues to provide care, despite federal rollbacks. And I, along with my legislative colleagues, am actively working to assess the full impacts of this bill and explore every legislative and budgetary option available to protect Washingtonians.
We have a history in Washington of standing up for our values. Laws like Keep Washington Working protect the dignity of immigrant workers and strengthen our economy. Now we must build on that legacy, ensuring our communities remain safe, healthy, and resilient—even as this federal bill threatens to pull the rug out from under us.
But to fight effectively, we need to hear from you. If your family, your job, your neighbors, or your local nonprofit is impacted by this bill, please share your story with us. Real stories make a powerful difference as we push back against this agenda. You can also contact our congressional delegation to add your voice:
- Senator Patty Murray: https://www.murray.senate.gov/write-to-patty/
- Senator Maria Cantwell: https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/contact
- Representative Marilyn Strickland: https://strickland.house.gov/contact/
At this time, there is no plan for a special session. First, we must fully understand the immediate and long-term impacts of this bill and other harmful Trump policies, including the trade war’s toll on our economy. If urgent needs arise that we can address before January, we will work with the Senate and the Governor to consider a special session.
Friends, this is a difficult moment. But I promise you this: I will continue to fight for you, for our shared values, and for a Washington where every person has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we are stronger than any one bill—and together, we will prevail.
Best,
Beth