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WA House Republicans

@WaHouseGOP • 24,142 subscribers

This is the official X account of the Washington State House Republican Caucus. Our policy: https://t.co/STgke7kanh.

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The problems affecting Washington state are the result of homemade policy decisions from Olympia – not Washington, D.C. For years, Washington has had among the highest prices for housing, groceries, fuel, and child care. We also suffer from high rates of crime, homelessness, and drug use. All of these problems predate the current federal administration. During the 2025 legislative session, Gov. Bob Ferguson and legislative Democrats enacted $9.2 billion in tax increases – the largest in state history – exacerbating our affordability crisis. Some of those taxes will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. State Democrats are also proposing a new statewide payroll tax and Gov. Ferguson is committed to passing a state income tax in 2026. House Republicans oppose new taxes and have offered dozens of solutions to the many problems facing our state, including a framework that would solve the budget deficit without raising taxes or affecting important services.

The problems affecting Washington state are the result of homemade policy decisions from Olympia – not Washington, D.C. For years, Washington has had among the highest prices for housing, groceries, fuel, and child care. We also suffer from high rates of crime, homelessness, and drug use. All of these problems predate the current federal administration. During the 2025 legislative session, Gov. Bob Ferguson and legislative Democrats enacted $9.2 billion in tax increases – the largest in state history – exacerbating our affordability crisis. Some of those taxes will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. State Democrats are also proposing a new statewide payroll tax and Gov. Ferguson is committed to passing a state income tax in 2026. House Republicans oppose new taxes and have offered dozens of solutions to the many problems facing our state, including a framework that would solve the budget deficit without raising taxes or affecting important services.

29,199 views

Share this video if you OPPOSE a state income tax in Washington. Democrats plan to pass their unconstitutional state income tax bill – Senate Bill 6346 – in the next six days. House Republican Caucus Chair Peter Abbarno explains:

Share this video if you OPPOSE a state income tax in Washington. Democrats plan to pass their unconstitutional state income tax bill – Senate Bill 6346 – in the next six days. House Republican Caucus Chair Peter Abbarno explains:

21,734 views

On Tuesday, Gov. Bob Ferguson announced his support for a Washington state income tax. He says he “will not support an income tax for people who make less than $1 million in a year.” But he also said in January that “we must be willing to right-size government and prioritize our spending” before approving the largest tax increase in state history and more runaway spending by legislative Democrats. The truth is, it will be millionaires today but could be you tomorrow. When the federal income tax was enacted in 1913, only about 2% of American households filed a tax return. Today, it’s nearly universal. House Republicans oppose new taxes. State government has a spending problem, not a revenue problem.

On Tuesday, Gov. Bob Ferguson announced his support for a Washington state income tax. He says he “will not support an income tax for people who make less than $1 million in a year.” But he also said in January that “we must be willing to right-size government and prioritize our spending” before approving the largest tax increase in state history and more runaway spending by legislative Democrats. The truth is, it will be millionaires today but could be you tomorrow. When the federal income tax was enacted in 1913, only about 2% of American households filed a tax return. Today, it’s nearly universal. House Republicans oppose new taxes. State government has a spending problem, not a revenue problem.

26,243 views

1️⃣Article VII, Section 2 of the Washington State Constitution requires that property taxes be uniform and caps them at 1%. In Culliton v. Chase (1933), the Washington State Supreme Court ruled that income is property. The people have consistently rejected a state income tax, and the Legislature banned a state income tax as recently as 2024 with I-2111. Gov. Bob Ferguson and legislative Democrats want to pass an income tax anyway. House Republicans oppose new taxes in 2026. A state income tax is unconstitutional, unnecessary, and – if implemented – it will eventually target everyone. 2️⃣Washington’s carbon tax, known as the Climate Commitment Act, adds an estimated 56.7 cents per gallon to the cost of gasoline. In 2025, Democrats also raised the state gas tax to 55.4 cents per gallon – the third highest in the nation – with automatic 2% yearly hikes. House Republicans support providing relief to drivers at the pump. 3️⃣Washington ranks dead last in the nation for police officers per capita and we have the third-highest property crime rate in the nation. House Republicans sponsored legislation (HB 1435) in 2025 to hire more law enforcement officers. Democrats rejected that proposal and, instead, spent $100 million without any guarantees. To date, no cops have been hired under their grant program. 4️⃣Years of high fees and burdensome regulations have caused Washington’s housing supply to be among the lowest in the nation. In 2025, Democrats enacted rent control, which will further restrict the supply of new housing. House Republicans are sponsoring bills (HB 2141 and HB 1438) to increase the supply of housing.

1️⃣Article VII, Section 2 of the Washington State Constitution requires that property taxes be uniform and caps them at 1%. In Culliton v. Chase (1933), the Washington State Supreme Court ruled that income is property. The people have consistently rejected a state income tax, and the Legislature banned a state income tax as recently as 2024 with I-2111. Gov. Bob Ferguson and legislative Democrats want to pass an income tax anyway. House Republicans oppose new taxes in 2026. A state income tax is unconstitutional, unnecessary, and – if implemented – it will eventually target everyone. 2️⃣Washington’s carbon tax, known as the Climate Commitment Act, adds an estimated 56.7 cents per gallon to the cost of gasoline. In 2025, Democrats also raised the state gas tax to 55.4 cents per gallon – the third highest in the nation – with automatic 2% yearly hikes. House Republicans support providing relief to drivers at the pump. 3️⃣Washington ranks dead last in the nation for police officers per capita and we have the third-highest property crime rate in the nation. House Republicans sponsored legislation (HB 1435) in 2025 to hire more law enforcement officers. Democrats rejected that proposal and, instead, spent $100 million without any guarantees. To date, no cops have been hired under their grant program. 4️⃣Years of high fees and burdensome regulations have caused Washington’s housing supply to be among the lowest in the nation. In 2025, Democrats enacted rent control, which will further restrict the supply of new housing. House Republicans are sponsoring bills (HB 2141 and HB 1438) to increase the supply of housing.

10,783 views

Under Gov. Jay Inslee: ➡️Chronic unsheltered homelessness is up 531% since 2015. ➡️Homicide is up 96% since 2019. ➡️Overdose deaths are up 199% since 2019. ➡️WA is the 5th most unaffordable state for housing. ➡️WA has the 3rd highest gas prices. ➡️Most kids are failing math and English standards. ➡️WA has the fourth-highest cost of groceries. ➡️The cost of child care for toddlers is up 83% over the last decade. ➡️WA has the 6th most overdose deaths. ➡️WA has the second-highest property crime rate. #waleg #pnw #FixWashington

Under Gov. Jay Inslee: ➡️Chronic unsheltered homelessness is up 531% since 2015. ➡️Homicide is up 96% since 2019. ➡️Overdose deaths are up 199% since 2019. ➡️WA is the 5th most unaffordable state for housing. ➡️WA has the 3rd highest gas prices. ➡️Most kids are failing math and English standards. ➡️WA has the fourth-highest cost of groceries. ➡️The cost of child care for toddlers is up 83% over the last decade. ➡️WA has the 6th most overdose deaths. ➡️WA has the second-highest property crime rate. #waleg #pnw #FixWashington

19,628 views

While making his pitch for a state income tax in Washington during his state of the state address, Gov. Bob Ferguson said “we are facing an affordability crisis” and that “our system takes too much in taxes from hardworking families and not enough from the wealthy.” This is the same governor who signed the largest tax increase in state history – $9.2 billion – taxing everything from jobs to ZYNs and raising fees on the Discover Pass, hunting, and fishing.

While making his pitch for a state income tax in Washington during his state of the state address, Gov. Bob Ferguson said “we are facing an affordability crisis” and that “our system takes too much in taxes from hardworking families and not enough from the wealthy.” This is the same governor who signed the largest tax increase in state history – $9.2 billion – taxing everything from jobs to ZYNs and raising fees on the Discover Pass, hunting, and fishing.

10,780 views

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Late Friday night, House Democrats voted to raid $4 billion from the law enforcement and firefighter pension plan to cover the multi-billion-dollar budget deficit they created. Every Republican in the state House voted against House Bill 2034. Democrats plan to deposit $569 million in the Climate Commitment Account.

Late Friday night, House Democrats voted to raid $4 billion from the law enforcement and firefighter pension plan to cover the multi-billion-dollar budget deficit they created. Every Republican in the state House voted against House Bill 2034. Democrats plan to deposit $569 million in the Climate Commitment Account.

WA House Republicans

76,792 views • 8 months ago

House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary: "Today is a sad day for the institution, a chilling day for the three million Washingtonians whose elected voices can now be silenced at any time." #waleg

House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary: "Today is a sad day for the institution, a chilling day for the three million Washingtonians whose elected voices can now be silenced at any time." #waleg

WA House Republicans

105,861 views • 1 year ago

In week three of the legislative session, there’s a rumor that Democrats will introduce Gov. Bob Ferguson’s bill to impose a Washington state income tax. His initial proposal targets high earners. But a House Democrat leader has already admitted that, if passed, a state income tax will likely apply to everyone by 2030. Another bill to watch this week is House Bill 2489. This proposal would prohibit local governments from removing dangerous homeless encampments. These encampments pose serious risks to public health and the environment, and they are often hotspots for crime. Local governments need to be able to address these situations compassionately and responsibly. Allowing people to remain indefinitely in unsafe public spaces is not a compassionate solution. We can’t stop these bad bills without you. That’s why it’s so important to visit our website and learn how you can get involved.

In week three of the legislative session, there’s a rumor that Democrats will introduce Gov. Bob Ferguson’s bill to impose a Washington state income tax. His initial proposal targets high earners. But a House Democrat leader has already admitted that, if passed, a state income tax will likely apply to everyone by 2030. Another bill to watch this week is House Bill 2489. This proposal would prohibit local governments from removing dangerous homeless encampments. These encampments pose serious risks to public health and the environment, and they are often hotspots for crime. Local governments need to be able to address these situations compassionately and responsibly. Allowing people to remain indefinitely in unsafe public spaces is not a compassionate solution. We can’t stop these bad bills without you. That’s why it’s so important to visit our website and learn how you can get involved.

WA House Republicans

48,747 views • 8 months ago

A state income tax is on Gov. Bob Ferguson’s agenda for the 2026 legislative session. The governor and some legislative leaders say it will only apply to those earning more than $1 million. Yet a member of the House Democrat caucus on Tuesday admitted that the public should not make that assumption: “If past history is prologue – yeah, you probably shouldn’t necessarily believe that” an income tax, if enacted, will only apply to millionaires by 2030. House Republicans oppose a state income tax. It’s not only unnecessary and unconstitutional – but it will hurt Washington’s economy and eventually target everyone.

A state income tax is on Gov. Bob Ferguson’s agenda for the 2026 legislative session. The governor and some legislative leaders say it will only apply to those earning more than $1 million. Yet a member of the House Democrat caucus on Tuesday admitted that the public should not make that assumption: “If past history is prologue – yeah, you probably shouldn’t necessarily believe that” an income tax, if enacted, will only apply to millionaires by 2030. House Republicans oppose a state income tax. It’s not only unnecessary and unconstitutional – but it will hurt Washington’s economy and eventually target everyone.

WA House Republicans

46,651 views • 9 months ago

The Democrats’ proposals would tax the joy out of living in Washington. On top of their bills to increase taxes on property, gas, and jobs, they’re considering: 💰SB 5390: Increases the Discover Pass fee by 50%. 💰SB 5801: Imposes a new ticket fee for sporting events and concerts. 💰HB 2031: Increases hunting and fishing license fees, including for youth and seniors. 💰HB 1607: Adds a 10-cent per beverage container tax. 💰SB 5576: Imposes new sales tax on Airbnb, VRBO and other short-term rental homes. 💰SB 5801: Doubles the rental car tax rate and applies the tax to peer-to-peer car sharing services. 💰HB 2035: Increases the liquor license fees by 50%, including banquet permits for weddings and events. 💰HB 1517: Adds an additional tax on the sale of cell phones, smart watches and other devices. 💰HB 2033: Imposes a nearly 50% tax on Zyn and similar smoking-cessation products. #waleg

The Democrats’ proposals would tax the joy out of living in Washington. On top of their bills to increase taxes on property, gas, and jobs, they’re considering: 💰SB 5390: Increases the Discover Pass fee by 50%. 💰SB 5801: Imposes a new ticket fee for sporting events and concerts. 💰HB 2031: Increases hunting and fishing license fees, including for youth and seniors. 💰HB 1607: Adds a 10-cent per beverage container tax. 💰SB 5576: Imposes new sales tax on Airbnb, VRBO and other short-term rental homes. 💰SB 5801: Doubles the rental car tax rate and applies the tax to peer-to-peer car sharing services. 💰HB 2035: Increases the liquor license fees by 50%, including banquet permits for weddings and events. 💰HB 1517: Adds an additional tax on the sale of cell phones, smart watches and other devices. 💰HB 2033: Imposes a nearly 50% tax on Zyn and similar smoking-cessation products. #waleg

WA House Republicans

74,196 views • 1 year ago

House Bill 1531 grants power to state and local officials to impose health measures, such as immunizations and vaccines, without consideration for individual choice, informed consent, or personal medical circumstances. #waleg

House Bill 1531 grants power to state and local officials to impose health measures, such as immunizations and vaccines, without consideration for individual choice, informed consent, or personal medical circumstances. #waleg

WA House Republicans

56,647 views • 1 year ago

If Democrats pass their unconstitutional state income tax bill, Washingtonians will have no opportunity to reject it. That’s because the bill contains an emergency clause, which blocks citizens from repealing the bill through the referendum process. This legislative maneuver follows a pattern of Democrats changing the rules to shut down the opposition. Last year, House Democrats eliminated a 132-year-old rule enacted in 1893 that guaranteed free and open debate on the House floor. They lowered the supermajority 2/3 threshold required to end debate and vote on bills down to a simple majority. This week, after House Democrats rejected a motion to hold public hearings for the initiatives, Republicans held two listening sessions to hear directly from the people. Article II, Section I of the Washington State Constitution states: “Initiative measures … shall take precedence over all other measures in the legislature except appropriation bills …” Despite this clear mandate, legislative Democrats refuse to prioritize the initiatives and hold public hearings. Initiative IL26-638 would protect the integrity of girls’ sports by ensuring female student athletes are not forced to compete with biological males. Initiative IL26-001 would guarantee parents the right to review their children’s instructional materials, access school records, be notified when medical services are provided, and opt out of certain classes.

If Democrats pass their unconstitutional state income tax bill, Washingtonians will have no opportunity to reject it. That’s because the bill contains an emergency clause, which blocks citizens from repealing the bill through the referendum process. This legislative maneuver follows a pattern of Democrats changing the rules to shut down the opposition. Last year, House Democrats eliminated a 132-year-old rule enacted in 1893 that guaranteed free and open debate on the House floor. They lowered the supermajority 2/3 threshold required to end debate and vote on bills down to a simple majority. This week, after House Democrats rejected a motion to hold public hearings for the initiatives, Republicans held two listening sessions to hear directly from the people. Article II, Section I of the Washington State Constitution states: “Initiative measures … shall take precedence over all other measures in the legislature except appropriation bills …” Despite this clear mandate, legislative Democrats refuse to prioritize the initiatives and hold public hearings. Initiative IL26-638 would protect the integrity of girls’ sports by ensuring female student athletes are not forced to compete with biological males. Initiative IL26-001 would guarantee parents the right to review their children’s instructional materials, access school records, be notified when medical services are provided, and opt out of certain classes.

WA House Republicans

29,703 views • 8 months ago

For months, a nine-year-old boy lived in a tent along Aurora Avenue, exposed to fentanyl smoke. Child Protective Services and the Seattle Police Department visited the site repeatedly and documented what they found. They concluded the child was not in imminent danger and left him there. After KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM🎙 broke the story, state lawmakers demanded answers from the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Secretary Tana Senn blamed existing law, the Keeping Families Together Act, explaining that poverty, substance use, and homelessness, on their own, do not meet the legal definition of neglect or maltreatment. House Bill 1092, sponsored by Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, would change that. His bill would address the unintended consequences of that law by restoring the state’s ability to intervene when children face clear danger from hard-drug use in their living environment. “This bill is not about tearing families apart,” Couture said. “It’s about making sure children don’t die while the state stands by, waiting for something worse to happen.”

For months, a nine-year-old boy lived in a tent along Aurora Avenue, exposed to fentanyl smoke. Child Protective Services and the Seattle Police Department visited the site repeatedly and documented what they found. They concluded the child was not in imminent danger and left him there. After KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM🎙 broke the story, state lawmakers demanded answers from the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Secretary Tana Senn blamed existing law, the Keeping Families Together Act, explaining that poverty, substance use, and homelessness, on their own, do not meet the legal definition of neglect or maltreatment. House Bill 1092, sponsored by Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, would change that. His bill would address the unintended consequences of that law by restoring the state’s ability to intervene when children face clear danger from hard-drug use in their living environment. “This bill is not about tearing families apart,” Couture said. “It’s about making sure children don’t die while the state stands by, waiting for something worse to happen.”

WA House Republicans

29,923 views • 8 months ago

Washington has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. #waleg #taxes #wealthtax

Washington has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. #waleg #taxes #wealthtax

WA House Republicans

44,712 views • 1 year ago

House Republican transportation lead Rep. Andrew Barkis weighs in on the 6-cent gas tax hike pushed by majority Democrats and signed into law by Gov. Ferguson. It goes into effect tomorrow. More pain at the pump, courtesy of the ruling party.

House Republican transportation lead Rep. Andrew Barkis weighs in on the 6-cent gas tax hike pushed by majority Democrats and signed into law by Gov. Ferguson. It goes into effect tomorrow. More pain at the pump, courtesy of the ruling party.

WA House Republicans

30,874 views • 1 year ago

"Washington is uniquely expensive compared to nearly every other state. That is not a result of federal policies. Federal policies don't target Washington. Washington state's policies target Washington." –House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary

"Washington is uniquely expensive compared to nearly every other state. That is not a result of federal policies. Federal policies don't target Washington. Washington state's policies target Washington." –House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary

WA House Republicans

16,827 views • 9 months ago

Washington is officially in the red. The state’s latest revenue forecast is down more than $900 million compared to June. When Gov. Ferguson signed the budget in May, House Republicans warned that he was “setting the stage for a fiscal cliff and deeper pain for working families down the road.” Now those warnings have come true. Washington is staring down a massive budget hole created by reckless spending and failed leadership.

Washington is officially in the red. The state’s latest revenue forecast is down more than $900 million compared to June. When Gov. Ferguson signed the budget in May, House Republicans warned that he was “setting the stage for a fiscal cliff and deeper pain for working families down the road.” Now those warnings have come true. Washington is staring down a massive budget hole created by reckless spending and failed leadership.

WA House Republicans

19,558 views • 1 year ago

Despite record-high state tax revenues, Democrats announced they plan to introduce a state income tax bill this week. A member of Democratic leadership has already acknowledged that all Washingtonians should expect to pay the new tax by 2030. House Republicans oppose an income tax because it is unnecessary, unconstitutional, and, by a Democrats’ own admission, would eventually affect everyone.

Despite record-high state tax revenues, Democrats announced they plan to introduce a state income tax bill this week. A member of Democratic leadership has already acknowledged that all Washingtonians should expect to pay the new tax by 2030. House Republicans oppose an income tax because it is unnecessary, unconstitutional, and, by a Democrats’ own admission, would eventually affect everyone.

WA House Republicans

14,893 views • 8 months ago

Seattle just handed out another $28 million bailout to affordable housing developers who can’t make their payments. That brings the total to $42 million in two years. Why? Because the policies pushed by the Seattle City Council – and echoed by legislative Democrats in Olympia – are making it harder to provide rental housing, including: ▶️Government rent control. ▶️No accountability when rent isn’t paid. ▶️Rules that make it impossible to manage properties. Small mom and pop housing providers don’t get bailouts. They go bankrupt, lose their properties, and Washington loses more affordable housing in the process. This is not sustainable. The Legislature needs to fix the policies that are causing these problems.

Seattle just handed out another $28 million bailout to affordable housing developers who can’t make their payments. That brings the total to $42 million in two years. Why? Because the policies pushed by the Seattle City Council – and echoed by legislative Democrats in Olympia – are making it harder to provide rental housing, including: ▶️Government rent control. ▶️No accountability when rent isn’t paid. ▶️Rules that make it impossible to manage properties. Small mom and pop housing providers don’t get bailouts. They go bankrupt, lose their properties, and Washington loses more affordable housing in the process. This is not sustainable. The Legislature needs to fix the policies that are causing these problems.

WA House Republicans

16,793 views • 10 months ago

After 24 hours of nonstop debate, House Democrats bypassed the state constitution and passed a state income tax, paving the way for a Washington IRS. Supporters claim the bill’s aim is to tax the rich. Yet Democrats rejected numerous Republican amendments that would have guaranteed low- and middle-income earners never pay it. Democrats also insist the tax is popular – but blocked every effort to let the people decide the issue directly. In the hours and days that followed, several local businesses and entrepreneurs announced plans to leave Washington, citing the cumulative impact of taxes and regulations.

After 24 hours of nonstop debate, House Democrats bypassed the state constitution and passed a state income tax, paving the way for a Washington IRS. Supporters claim the bill’s aim is to tax the rich. Yet Democrats rejected numerous Republican amendments that would have guaranteed low- and middle-income earners never pay it. Democrats also insist the tax is popular – but blocked every effort to let the people decide the issue directly. In the hours and days that followed, several local businesses and entrepreneurs announced plans to leave Washington, citing the cumulative impact of taxes and regulations.

WA House Republicans

11,713 views • 7 months ago