Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

We have passed the midpoint of this legislative session. I’m happy to have four bills pass the House and are moving forward in the Senate! We are also looking at bills to update our tax code and build revenue to ensure wealth in our state is taxed fairly and we have the resources our residents need. My goal is to champion Spokane’s priorities with a focus on equity and justice.

🔹 Public Works Transparency (HB 1633) – When we invest in public projects, we need to know our tax dollars are being used responsibly. This bill helps ensure a fair, competitive process for subcontractors, preventing shady bidding practices that cut corners and leave workers vulnerable. 

🔹 Fixing Service of Process Laws (HB 1361) – Legal processes should be clear and consistent. This bill cleans up outdated and confusing rules, making it easier to serve legal documents properly and ensuring everyone—businesses, individuals, and the courts—follows the same standard. 

🔹 Expanding Affordable Homeownership (HB 1516) – Washington needs more housing options. This bill explores insurance options to make condominiums more affordable to build, helping more Washingtonians own property and build wealth and stability. 

🔹 Tribal Health Representation (HB 1946) – Every tribe deserves a seat at the table when it comes to healthcare decisions. This bill ensures that all federally recognized tribes have a voice on their local boards of health, leading to better outcomes for Indigenous communities and beyond.

I am fighting for key education investments, including funding for RAZE Early Learning to expand access to quality early childhood education and securing resources for the Washington Promise Scholarship to make higher education more affordable.  

I also have the opportunity to advocate for funding that directly benefits our community—supporting local organizations, public spaces, and critical services that make Spokane a better place to live. This year, I’m pushing for investments in: 

🔹 Spokane Regional Health Center – Strengthening substance use access and services for our region. 

🔹 Terrain – Investing in Spokane’s arts and culture businesses that strengthen our local economy. 

🔹 Latinos en Spokane – Supporting vital programs that uplift and empower Latino community. 

🔹 Felts Field – Enhancing this historic airfield as a hub for aviation and community engagement. 

Fixing our tax code isn’t just about raising revenue, it’s about addressing the wealth gap, so our workers share fairly in the wealth and benefits they’ve helped create in our state.

With a fair tax code, we can invest in the public goods that make our communities strong:

• Quality schools no matter your zip code
• Accessible healthcare in rural areas and city centers
• Reliable infrastructure and advancements in transportation
• A safety net that catches people when they fall.

Our budget isn’t just a fiscal debate—it’s a question of values. I want to build a Washington where opportunity and outcomes aren’t predetermined by zip code, where every family has housing and food, every child has a health environment and great education, and where no one is left out or left behind!

Here’s what we’re proposing to Raise Revenues for Washingtonians: 

✅ A Financial Intangible Assets Tax (FIT) – This applies a tax on stocks and bonds over $50 million, similar to real property taxes. This bill will help to generate $2 billion per year for K-12 education.  

✅ School & Public Safety Funding Adjustments – This proposal changes the cap on property tax from 1% to 3% to reflect inflation and population increases. This bill will bring in $50 million in 2026 and $150 million in 2027 for K-12 schools to ensure rural school districts receive fair funding.  

✅ 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 that will generate nearly $2 billion by 2027 to help protect public services for working families.

We are way behind on fixing our tax code and raising revenues we need – Now is the time to catch up!