Dear friends and neighbors,  

March was Women’s History Month—a time to honor the trailblazing women who have shaped our communities and continue to fight for a more just and equitable world. Here in Olympia, I’m working to advance gender equity, including through legislation like HB 1562, which ensures that baby diaper changing stations are accessible in public restrooms regardless of gender. This is a small but meaningful step toward making public spaces more inclusive for all families – and I’m delighted to share this bill passed in Senate committee and is hopefully headed to the Senate floor! 

As Washington transitions to a cleaner transportation future, we must invest in the infrastructure that makes it possible. The 2025-2027 transportation budget prioritizes sustainability, equity, and long-term accessibility by funding key initiatives that support our growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and modernize our transportation systems. Expanding EV charging infrastructure remains a critical investment, ensuring that all Washingtonians—regardless of where they live—have access to reliable and convenient charging options. In addition, the electrification of school buses will reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality for our children, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by pollution. 

By advancing these initiatives, we are building a transportation network that is not only sustainable but also equitable and future-focused. I remain committed to advocating for smart investments that strengthen our communities, reduce our carbon footprint, and ensure a resilient, accessible transportation system for generations to come. 

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.   

To address budget shortfalls and provide relief to working families, proposals include implementing an asset tax on individuals with intangible assets above $100 million, generating significant revenue to prevent cuts to essential services like education and public safety. Discussions are also in progress to remove the existing cap on annual property tax collections and implement a surcharge on high-grossing corporations with gross revenue exceeding $250 million and financial institutions with annual net income greater than $1 billion. These measures are designed to ensure that the wealthiest individuals and largest corporations in Washington contribute their fair share to the state’s revenue. 

Maintaining clean and safe highways is essential. I support initiatives to increase funding for roadside cleanup, recognizing the importance of preserving Washington’s natural beauty and ensuring the safety of our roadways.  

Thanks again to all who participated! Your continued input is vital as we work together to address these issues. Please feel free to reach out with further questions or concerns.

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: 

✅ 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. 

✅ 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. 

While we had to make tough decisions, we refused to balance the budget on the backs of those who can least afford it. I will continue fighting to ensure that Washington remains a place where every family has the support they need to thrive. 

As always, I want to hear from you. Your voices guide the work we do in Olympia. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your thoughts, questions, or concerns. 

• You can find all budget documents, including the budget bill, OPR highlights, outlook, and agency details here. 

• Watch the public hearing on the budget proposal here 

• Watch the operating budget proposal press conference here 

• Issaquah Bomb Cyclone Cleanup – After severe storms devastated parts of our community, these matching funds will provide much-needed resources for debris removal, infrastructure repairs, and future storm resilience. Investing in disaster recovery ensures that residents, businesses, and public spaces can recover more quickly from extreme weather events. 

Your input drives the work I do in Olympia. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out. And don’t forget to follow me on Facebook for updates on legislation and community news! 

Together, we’re building a stronger Washington for everyone. 

Warmly, 

Rep. Victoria Hunt