Dear friends and neighbors,
As the 2025 legislative session comes to a close, I’m reflecting with gratitude on the work we’ve done together to build a safer, more just, and more supportive Washington. Whether it’s protecting communities from hate-fueled violence, investing in education and workforce opportunities, or standing up for public health and safety, I’ve been proud to bring your voices and values to Olympia.
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From Bills to Laws!
I’m proud to share that the first bills of mine have officially been signed into law by our new governor—a milestone I’m honored to celebrate as we continue working toward a more transparent, equitable Washington!
✅ HB 1006 – Stronger Consumer Protections
This bill ensures greater transparency and accountability for service contracts and product guarantees, so Washingtonians can count on clear, fair terms—whether it’s an appliance warranty or a vehicle repair plan.
🖥️ HB 1205 – Digital Likeness Protection
This bill prohibits the spread of AI-generated deepfakes and forged digital content, protecting people from impersonation, deception, and digital harm. It’s a critical step toward keeping our online spaces safe and trustworthy.
Passed by the Senate and soon on to the Governor’s desk!
🏟️ HB 1109 – Smarter Public Facilities Management
This bill supports local decision-making by improving flexibility and governance for Public Facilities Districts—like those managing stadiums or convention centers, including the Lynnwood Event Center. It helps ensure better stewardship of public funds and more responsive local leadership.
💇🏽♀️ HB 1023 – Cosmetology Licensure Compact
By joining a multi-state agreement, this bill allows licensed cosmetologists to work across state lines—boosting job mobility and helping meet workforce demands in beauty and personal care.
⚖️ HB 1052 – Strengthening Washington’s Hate Crime Law
Justice for victims. Accountability for offenders. When hate fuels violence—even in part—it should be recognized for what it is: a hate crime. This bill updates our state’s hate crime statute to clarify that bias does not need to be the only motive behind an offense for it to be prosecuted as a hate crime.
I’m proud of the strong, bipartisan support behind these bills and grateful to the community members, advocates, and colleagues who helped move them forward.
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📉 The Truth About Property Taxes
Passing a budget is about responding to real community needs: more police officers, faster emergency response times, mental health support, better roads, more housing options, and safe sidewalks for our kids. Every year, city leaders do their best to meet those needs, but they’re working with one hand tied behind their backs.
Right now, local governments can’t increase total property tax revenue by more than 1% a year—even if costs for things like firefighter salaries or park maintenance increase more than that. This 1% cap was set over 20 years ago and doesn’t reflect how inflation or population growth actually work.
So what’s on the table?
The Legislature is considering giving local governments the option to raise that cap to 3%—not automatically, not statewide, and not without local oversight. This would simply allow cities to choose whether they need to adjust their revenue slightly to keep up with rising costs.
What would it cost the average homeowner?
About $30 a year. The cities of Duvall and Des Moines put it best: this is like giving local governments a COLA (cost-of-living adjustment) so they can keep up with inflation—not a blank check. It’s $1 becoming $1.03, not $3.
📍Real Example: A simplified model shows that with the current 1% cap, property tax on an $800,000 home rises from $2,000 to $2,066 over three years. With a 3% cap, it would reach $2,158. That’s a difference of about $30 per year.
And that extra $30? It helps fund your library, fix your roads, and keep your community safe.
With 1% Revenue Growth Limit
|
Year |
Assessed Value (AV) |
Tax Rate per $1,000 AV |
Tax Due |
|
0 |
$800,000 |
$2.50 |
$2,000.00 |
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1 |
$840,000 |
$2.40 |
$2,016.00 |
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2 |
$882,000 |
$2.31 |
$2,037.42 |
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3 |
$926,100 |
$2.23 |
$2,066.20 |
🧮 Total increase (over 3 years): +$66.20 📉 Average increase per year: ~$22.07
With 3% Revenue Growth Limit
|
Year |
Assessed Value (AV) |
Tax Rate per $1,000 AV |
Tax Due |
|
0 |
$800,000 |
$2.50 |
$2,000.00 |
|
1 |
$840,000 |
$2.49 |
$2,091.60 |
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2 |
$882,000 |
$2.41 |
$2,125.62 |
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3 |
$926,100 |
$2.33 |
$2,158.82 |
🧮 Total increase (over 3 years): +$158.82 📈 Average increase per year: ~$52.94
🔍 Comparison Summary
|
Metric |
1% Limit |
3% Limit |
Difference |
|
3-Year Total Tax |
$8,119.62 |
$8,376.04 |
+$256.42 |
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Avg. Annual Tax |
$2,039.91 |
$2,258.68 |
+$218.77 |
|
Avg. Annual Increase |
~$22.07 |
~$52.94 |
~$30.87 |
Raising the local revenue cap slightly helps ensure your community stays safe and strong—without drastic increases to your tax bill. It’s how we keep up with inflation, pay teachers, and maintain public safety staffing without cutting corners.
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🔫 Gun Violence & Misinformation
During floor debate on SB 5098, we heard arguments rooted in misinformation—claims that more stringent gun laws make us less safe. The evidence tells a very different story. In fact, the United States has far more gun deaths than any other high-income country. Stronger laws save lives.
📊 Read the facts from Johns Hopkins: Gun Violence in the United States – Center for Gun Violence Solutions
In South Korea, where civilian access to guns is extremely limited, women and families are able to safely enjoy vibrant nightlife and public spaces. The safety and freedom this provides has allowed the country to flourish—exporting cultural gems like K-Pop, K-Food, and K-Dramas worldwide.
We deserve that same safety.
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🧬 Shoreline Community College’s Biomanufacturing Program Reaches Full Capacity!
Great news for students and our regional life sciences workforce!
Shoreline Community College’s Biomanufacturing Program has reached full enrollment for Spring 2025—a major milestone for this high-demand 10-week certificate that leads directly to internships and jobs. The program also provides ESL support and tuition assistance. Click here for more information!
I’m honored to continue supporting investments in biotechnology education and workforce development right here in our community.
Interested in learning more about their Biotechnology programs? Contact Dean Orlando de Lange at odelange@shoreline.edu.
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🩺 Meeting with Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility (WPSR)
I recently had the opportunity to meet with members of Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, who are working to address the root causes of violence, promote health equity, and combat climate change.
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This will be my final e-newsletter until interim. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve you in Olympia and to carry your voices into the decisions we make together. Though the session is ending, my work for our communities continues year-round—please don’t hesitate to reach out. Until then, take care of one another and stay connected.
Warmly,
Rep. Cindy Ryu
