Dear friends, 

This year, our work in Olympia called on every ounce of wisdom, courage, and commitment we had. The 2025 legislative session was one of challenge and complexity—but also of resilience, unity, and hope. We stepped into session carrying the weight of the past, the reality of the present, and the vision of a better future for every Washingtonian. 

Over the last several years, House Democrats have moved mountains. Together, we passed 26 housing supply bills. We made transformational investments in affordable housing, behavioral health, childcare, and climate action. These wins didn’t happen by chance—they happened because we led with our values. Because we believe that every child deserves a warm bed, every parent deserves safe and affordable care for their kids, and every community deserves clean air, clean water, and a future worth inheriting. 

But as you know, the work never ends. In 2025, we faced significant budget shortfalls in both the Operating and Transportation budgets—the first time we’ve seen this kind of shortfall since the Great Recession. Our economy is still strong—ranked the best in the nation by WalletHub—but we’re navigating slower revenue, inflation, growing demand for core services, and a deeply outdated tax structure that asks too much from working families and too little from those at the very top. 

We also faced profound uncertainty from the second Trump administration. Harmful executive orders, threats to immigrant and transgender communities, and federal chaos all loomed over our state. We have long protected reproductive freedom, environmental progress, and civil rights here in Washington—but in 2025, those protections felt more urgent than ever. 

Despite the obstacles, House Democrats began this session the way we always do: by listening to our people and leading with purpose. We focused on what matters most—safe and affordable homes, good jobs, excellent public schools, and economic stability for working families. These are not abstract priorities. These are everyday needs. These are our neighbors’ lives. 

And we got to work immediately. 

Our operating budget started with some painful truths. We knew that cuts alone would harm people. That’s why we scrubbed the budget from top to bottom and built a plan that put people first—protecting shelter, food, health care, and public education. We honored collective bargaining agreements for our state employees and held the line on the essential services that so many rely on. 

Yes, we had to make reductions. We had to delay the launch of certain programs. But we stayed grounded in compassion. We said: Not on the backs of working families. Not on the backs of kids or elders or the most vulnerable among us. 

The final $77.1 billion budget reflects that principle of harm reduction. It includes $8.7 billion in new revenue, asks more from those who have the most, and ensures the basic dignity of every Washingtonian is upheld. Our transportation budget took the same approach—prioritizing preservation, ferry system improvements, environmental investments, and honoring tribal and state commitments like culvert restoration. Some projects were pushed out in time, but the vision remains: a connected, resilient, decarbonized transportation future for all. 

And just as important as what we passed, is what we stopped. 

We held the line against dangerous and discriminatory proposals: attempts to ban gender-affirming care, defund public schools, eliminate the Office of Equity, freeze the minimum wage, and undermine gun violence prevention laws. One Republican proposal even tried to create a so-called “DOGE” Department of Government Efficiency—a nod to failed privatization efforts and a step backward from accountability. These harmful ideas did not advance, thanks to strong Democratic leadership in both chambers. 

This session was also marked by deep loss. We mourned the passing of two extraordinary leaders: Speaker Frank Chopp and Senator Bill Ramos. Their wisdom, courage, and love for people shaped decades of policy and progress. We dedicated the 2025–27 Transportation Budget to Sen. Ramos, and we carry both their legacies forward with every vote we take, every family we help, and every step toward justice we make. 

In total, the Legislature passed 421 bills (431 including memorials and resolutions). 

At every step, House Democrats asked: Who is impacted? Will this decision increase harm or inequity? That lens guided us to a budget that does what budgets should do—care for people, even in hard times. 

This year, House Democrats advanced bold, transformative policies rooted in equity, resilience, and hope. Grounded in our shared values and guided by the voices of our communities—from rural towns and Tribal Nations to our cities and coastlines—we passed legislation that strengthens our natural environment, affirms human dignity, and invests in a future where every Washingtonian can thrive. 

Here’s a look at our biggest wins from the 2025 legislative session:

🏠 Big Wins for Renters and Housing Justice 

🌲 Rooted in Place: Investing in Rural Communities and Natural Resilience 

We honored the land, water, and people who have long sustained Washington by passing sweeping reforms to support rural communities and protect our environment for generations to come. This year, we: 

• Strengthened wildfire mitigation and community resilience with HB 1539 and expanded the use of prescribed burns through HB 1563—recognizing fire as both threat and medicine for our forests. 

• Expanded equitable access to water in the Nooksack Basin with SB 5212, honoring local voices and Tribal sovereignty in our shared water future. 

• Continued essential programs that protect workers, farmland, and wildlife—through habitat restoration (SB 5157), dairy and pesticide safety (HB 1553, HB 1294), and better enforcement of fish and wildlife protections (HB 1325). 

Together, these policies reflect our deep commitment to stewarding the lands that feed us, the waters that sustain us, and the rural communities that are the beating heart of Washington. 

🎓 Education for All: Safe Schools, Equitable Futures 

Every child in Washington deserves a world-class education—regardless of background, ZIP code, or identity. This year, we: 

• Extended special education services to age 22 (HB 1257/SB 5253), aligning with federal guidance. 

• Expanded dual credit opportunities (HB 1273) and created new pathways to support and retain great teachers (HB 1651). 

• Protected students in juvenile facilities by guaranteeing education access (HB 1827), and promoted health equity in schools (HB 1709, SB 5025). 

• Enacted bold reforms (HB 1296) to protect LGBTQ+, homeless, and immigrant youth—and ensure schools remain safe, welcoming places to learn.

💰 Tax Justice and a Future That Works for Everyone 

Our current tax system is upside down. Working families pay more than their share while the ultra-wealthy profit off Washington’s growth. This year, we took bold action to fix it. 

• We raised taxes on the wealthiest and the biggest corporations—while protecting everyday Washingtonians and the services we all depend on. 

• Updates to capital gains, estate taxes, and B&O taxes ensure those benefiting the most from our state’s economy help pay it forward. 

• We began modernizing sales and excise taxes to reflect today’s economy and prepare for tomorrow’s needs. 

These reforms reflect our core belief: prosperity should be shared—not hoarded. 

🌿 A Washington That Works for All of Us 

As we look to the future, our work continues. House Democrats are building a Washington where every child has a chance to thrive, every community is safe and supported, and every person—no matter where they live or who they love—has a voice in shaping our shared future. 

Thank you for standing with us. Together, we’re not just passing laws—we’re planting seeds for a better tomorrow.