House Republicans ready to fight for ‘Affordability First’ budget | Opinion
The Legislature gavels in on Jan. 12 for a 60-day session, and Olympia is buzzing with talk of new taxes, bigger government, and heavier burdens on working families. Washington is in the middle of an affordability crisis, and piling on more taxes will only make it worse.
Here is a quick look at what you can expect as lawmakers return to the state Capitol in 2026 and what I will do to protect our Eastern Washington values.
A budget built on sand
Despite historic tax hikes, the state faces a $1.52 billion deficit this biennium and a multi‑billion‑dollar hole by 2029. Instead of tightening the belt, majority Democrats from Seattle are preparing another round of tax proposals.
This ignores the reality that 82% of Washingtonians already believe state taxes are too high. Families, seniors, and small businesses are struggling. Yet Olympia’s answer to every problem is the same: take more from you.
The tax avalanche
Among the proposals expected to crush taxpayers this session:
• A 9.9% state income tax on “high earners.”
• A 1% wealth tax on worldwide assets over $100 million.
• A 5% payroll tax on wages above $125,000—literally a tax on jobs, even as the state projects zero job growth in 2026.
• Higher property tax growth rates (from 1% to 3%).
•Increases to the real estate excise tax.
• An 11% tax on firearms, ammunition, and parts.
These taxes won’t solve our budget problems. They’ll drive entrepreneurs, job creators, and families out of Washington.
‘Affordability First’ budget
In contrast, House Republicans have proposed an ‘Affordability First’ budget that helps working Washingtonians without raising taxes. We have identified nearly $4 billion in savings over four years by reducing lower‑priority programs and streamlining state agencies.
Our plan would protect classrooms, preserve essential benefits, and restore funding for key services such as Medicaid, food assistance, and law‑enforcement hiring—offering a more responsible approach to the state’s budget challenges.
Troubling policy proposals
Taxes aren’t the only concern. Brace for:
• Juvenile justice rollbacks, even as auto theft arrests among juveniles are up 507% and violent crime has more than doubled.
• A $0.10 bottle deposit program that would raise grocery costs for everyone, including families on SNAP.
• Higher Paid Family and Medical Leave premiums to prop up an insolvent program.
• A California‑style wildfire fund that would hike utility bills while enriching civil litigation lawyers.
Your voice matters
Rising costs for groceries, utilities, housing, and taxes are squeezing families in the Yakima Valley and across Central Washington. Olympia’s answer is always “more.” My answer is simple: enough.
That’s why I launched an online Affordability Crisis survey to hear directly from you. Please share your experiences at my website: www.gloriamendoza.houserepublicans.wa.gov.
But don’t stop there. Staying informed, showing up, and speaking out are critical. If citizens don’t speak, the loudest voices in the room are the ones that get heard. Silence is surrender. Engagement is power.
Go to www.leg.wa.gov where you can call, write, or email legislators. Use the toll‑free hotline at 1‑800‑562‑6000. Testify in person or online. Comment on bills at leg.wa.gov/learn-and-participate. Watch proceedings at TVW.org.
Standing up for the 14th District
As your representative, I will stand firmly against tax increases and policies that worsen affordability and harm our economy. My focus is on making life better for employers, families, young people, and senior citizens in the 14th District. We need solutions that grow jobs, strengthen public safety, and keep Washington affordable—not more taxes and mandates from Olympia.
I welcome your comments, ideas, and suggestions. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office at (360) 786-7960 or email me at gloria.mendoza@leg.wa.gov. Together, we can push back against policies that make Washington unaffordable and chart a better path forward for our communities.
Rep. Gloria Mendoza, R-Grandview, is serving her second year representing the 14th Legislative District. She is the assistant ranking Republican on the House Transportation Committee. Mendoza also serves on the House Environment and Energy Committee and the House Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee.