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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The Legislature has adjourned the short, 60-day 2026 session. The short sessions are always intense and fast-paced, as it feels like lawmakers try to pack the same amount of work into 60 days as they do the long, 105-day sessions.
As many of you know, my wife Dayna had a medical emergency during session. I was able to work virtually during that time. I was able to return to Olympia at the end of the session. She is doing well.
As with any session, there were some good accomplishments, but there were certainly disappointments. We still have a lot of work to do to address some of the crises facing our great state.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about this update or what happened during the legislative session.
Operating budget: A spending problem, not a revenue problem
I could not support the supplemental operating budget. Over the past decade, state spending has more than doubled. (See chart below.) The operating budget increases spending by $2.3 billion, or a 3% increase over last year’s budget, and an 11.5% increase since the 2023-25 biennium. That kind of growth far exceeds inflation and population increases. Simply put, it is unsustainable. Washington does not have a revenue problem—we have a spending problem.
Families and small businesses across our district are making tough decisions every day to live within their means. State government should be doing the same. Instead, the operating budget grows government, expands programs, and increases long-term obligations without enough focus on priorities or accountability.
At some point, this level of spending will come back on taxpayers, either through higher taxes or reduced services. That’s not a direction I can support.
The operating budget also takes into account the income from the “millionaire’s” tax. Our caucus fought against the proposal for about 24 hours, offering 53 amendments to improve the bill. Only two were accepted. You can read my statement on the income tax bill here.
Prime-sponsored legislation
Despite the short session and missing some time, I was able to move forward several pieces of legislation focused on public safety, natural resources, and economic stability.
House Bill 2104 – Aviation assurance funding
This bill passed the Legislature and ensures the Aviation Assurance Funding Program for wildland fire response remains in place. Early detection and rapid response are critical to preventing fires from becoming catastrophic. This is especially important for our rural communities, where wildfires can have devastating impacts on lives, property, and our agricultural economy.
House Bill 2348 – Timber sale process improvements
I’m pleased to share that this bill was signed into law. It improves the efficiency of timber sales and modernizes processes within the Department of Natural Resources. This helps support jobs, strengthens our natural resource economy, and ensures better management of state lands.
House Bill 2347 – Aviation tax relief
This session, it was a high priority for me to fix the aircraft luxury tax imposed on the aviation industry in the 2025 session. I had an agreement with the Senate Transportation Committee chair with the cooperation of the House Transportation Committee chair to fix this issue in the 2026 session. The public hearing had a great turnout and excellent testimony, but it didn’t make it out of the House. However, while HB 2347 itself did not pass as a standalone bill, its core provisions were incorporated into House Bill 2711. This was an important step forward in addressing tax policies that were putting pressure on aviation businesses and economic activity in our state. Washington’s aviation industry is a cornerstone of the state’s economy, and I am working hard to ensure that it stays that way. I am hopeful the governor signs this bill in the next few days.
House Bill 2357 – Civil Air Patrol
HB 2357 would have established the Washington Division of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) within the Washington Military Department. I have always been a big fan of CAP primarily because of the influence on our young people. My bill did not pass, but the Senate companion bill, SB 6046, did and was signed by the governor.
Transportation budget
The supplemental transportation budget is a mixed bag. It will spend $16.7 billion, including an additional $340 million for preservation and maintenance. This is desperately needed, as a recent report states Washington has one of the worst-performing and least cost-effective highway systems in the country. Overall, Washington state ranks 48th, just below New York and above California and Alaska. The study examines road and bridge conditions nationwide across 13 categories to identify which states have the best-performing and most cost-effective infrastructure.
Unfortunately, the transportation supplemental plan layers on more debt, including $800 million in new general obligation bonds. I voted “yes” on the House version, but voted “no” on the final budget because of this. I am concerned that new debt, combined with the new taxes and fees passed last year, without making significant changes to regulatory mandates and policies will drive up project costs and make our transportation system even more expensive.
People in Washington are already paying some of the highest gas and diesel prices in the nation because of the carbon tax and state gas tax, adding to our state’s affordability crisis.
We need to find better solutions to address our transportation infrastructure needs. There are two urgent transportation issues we are currently working through in the 13th District. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has closed down the Hansen Road and Adams Road overpasses. The Hansen Road construction is expected to be finished some this fall. There is no timeline for the Adams Road overpass while WSDOT determines whether it needs to be replaced or repaired.
Capital budget: Investing in our communities
I voted for the supplemental capital budget as it focuses on investments in public infrastructure, community facilities, and economic development projects that strengthen our 13th District communities and support long-term growth throughout the state and our region. It includes $25.5 million for projects in our region, including:
- $6 million for Easton school construction.
- $5 million for Odd Fellows Lodge 20 affordable housing.
- $4.8 million for Thorp school construction.
- $4 million for the Quincy Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant system repair and replacement.
- $2.8 million for Lake View affordable housing.
- $1.5 million for Central Washington University electrical grid security feeder.
- $924,000 for the Moses Lake sewer.
- $875,000 for Kittitas Reclamation District South water conservation.
- $810,000 for City of Moses Lake well 29 treatment.
- $700,000 for CWU moving funding reduction and bond backfill.
- $700,000 for North Academic Complex moving costs.
- $258,000 for the Quincy Community Food Bank’s new building project.
- $258,000 for Grand Coulee Center senior assisted living project.
- $248,000 for the new grandstands in the Ridge Riders Arena.
- $190,000 for Cle Elum Upper Yakima River Spring Chinook supplement.
- $130,000 for new chutes and pens at Othello Rodeo Grounds.
- $112,000 for Snoqualmie Pass Fire and Rescue emergency communications.
- $38 for Kittitas school construction planning.
Disappointments
There were certainly some disappointments this session. With families struggling with affordability issues, the Legislature did not pass meaningful policies to make child care, housing, and other necessities more affordable.
The people of Washington sent two initiatives to the Legislature for consideration: IL26-638 (protecting girls’ sports) and IL-26-001 (restoring parents’ rights). However, the majority did not act on them so that they will advance to the November ballot, and Washington voters will decide if they pass or not.
I remain concerned about public safety. Instead of strengthening community safety, many of the policies we see before the Legislature do not want to hold repeat or violent offenders accountable and put victims second.
Looking ahead
While the session is over, my work representing you continues. will keep pushing for responsible spending, stronger support for agriculture, and policies that improve affordability and quality of life in Central Washington. I look forward to seeing you in the 13th District this interim.
Thank you to everyone who reached out this session, shared your thoughts, and stayed engaged. Your input is invaluable and helps guide the work we do in Olympia.
If you have questions, concerns, or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.
Sincerely,
Tom Dent
