Dear Neighbors,
I hope this message finds you well as we move into spring. With just over a week left in the legislative session, I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting updates on the state budget, bills I’ve been working on, and where we’re headed next.
Two weeks ago, we were lucky to have Evan Boer from Bellingham Christian High School serving in our office as a legislative page. Pages, sponsored by legislators, serve for one week during the legislative session, learning about the legislative process while distributing materials throughout the Capitol, assisting offices, delivering messages, and presenting flags at the start of floor debates.
Capital Budget Update
This year’s capital budget reflects our shared values—investing in education, housing, community wellness, and environmental sustainability.
We’re committing more than $1 billion to building and modernizing public schools across Washington, from rural areas to our largest districts. There’s also $723 million for affordable housing construction and preservation, $470 million to improve behavioral health facilities, and significant funding for early learning centers and community centers that serve as lifelines for kids and families.
Locally, the House budget includes $101.9 million in investments that reflect the values of sustainability, equity, and community resilience throughout the 40th Legislative District. This includes $41 million in proposed funding for a heating conversion project at Western Washington University to support campus decarbonization and advance our climate goals; the development of the Pea Patch affordable housing on Orcas Island to address housing needs and promote economic stability; a new food center on Lopez Island to strengthen local food access and security; funding to complete the long-awaited Lopez Island Pool, which will provide recreational and health benefits for families; and support for a state-of-the-art Agricultural Innovation Center at the Port of Skagit to boost our local economy and foster innovation in sustainable agriculture.
These are the kinds of investments that help our region thrive while honoring our commitment to sustainability, equity, and community well-being.
Revenue Proposals
To fund these investments in a responsible and fair way, we’ve introduced several revenue proposals focused on making our tax system more equitable.
One key idea is the Financial Intangible Assets Tax (FIT)—a modest tax on the wealthiest Washingtonians’ intangible financial assets, like stocks and bonds. This proposal would generate around $2 billion annually for public schools. It’s a progressive approach that ensures those who benefit most from our economy help support its foundation.
Some of you have asked about the Governor’s recent threat to veto a wealth tax. To clarify, the Governor’s concern was with one specific proposal—a proposal I co-sponsored and continue to support. However, he made it clear he’s still open to other options, and we’re actively discussing multiple progressive paths to raise revenue for essential services like education, healthcare, and housing.
The Governor also called for budget cuts and government efficiency—and the House budget delivers real efficiency, but without compromising core services. What we don’t want to see are furloughs or benefit cuts, especially when federal workers are facing layoffs and tariffs are putting pressure on our economy. There are other fair and responsible options on the table including adjustments to the property tax growth and a business surcharges that would generate necessary funding without overburdening working families.
Bills on the Move
As the last day of the legislative session approaches, I’d like to share updates on several of the bills that I have introduced that are making their way through the legislative process:
House Bill 1353 – Speeding Up ADU Construction
Signed into law by the Governor this week, this bill creates a voluntary self-certification program for detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Registered architects will be able to certify that ADU plans meet building code requirements. This change is expected to cut down on permitting delays, reduce costs, and ease burdens on local planning departments—ultimately helping more homeowners add affordable housing options in their communities.
House Bill 1494 – Enhancing Affordable Housing Programs
This bill strengthens and expands the Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) program. Since 2007, MFTE has helped create about 70,000 housing units, with 12,000 designated as affordable. The bill incorporates recommendations from the Department of Commerce to improve affordability, expand eligibility to more jurisdictions, and ensure clearer program compliance. It supports our housing priorities and our community’s call for more stable, affordable housing options.
House Bill 1514 – Expanding Low-Carbon Thermal Energy Networks
This bill passed the Senate this week with only minor changes that we will concur with in the House. It encourages low-carbon thermal energy networks like the advanced heating system on Bellingham’s waterfront. It does so by bringing them under the oversight of the Utilities and Transportation Commission and also allows electric utilities to offer discounted rates to these networks, helping make our electrical grid more efficient. This legislation encourages clean energy investment and creates opportunities for workers transitioning from fossil fuel industries.
What Happens Next?
Over the next nine days, the House and Senate will reconcile their differences in the final budget negotiations, and bills passed by both chambers are being sent to the Governor for approval. As your representative, I am committed to advocating for a budget and policies that reflect our community’s values, ensuring wise investments in housing, transportation, and essential public services while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
As always, I welcome your input, so please reach out with any thoughts, concerns, or priorities. Serving the 40th District is a tremendous honor, and I’m proud of the progress we’re making together for our communities, families, and future.
In Service,
Rep. Alex Ramel
WA State Representative | 40th Legislative District
House Majority Whip
Pronouns: he/him/his