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The 2026 legislative session is rapidly approaching the half-way mark. Here is a quick update on a few of the biggest issues we’re seeing over the past two weeks:
Protecting Washington’s no-income-tax advantage
For generations, Washington has chosen not to tax income. That decision has helped grow our economy, attract employers, and give working families more control over what they earn.
Now, Democratic leaders want to change that with Senate Bill 6346, a new 9.9% income tax on those earning more than $1 million. They call it a “millionaire tax,” but history shows these taxes never stay limited. Rates rise. Thresholds fall. What starts at the top eventually reaches everyone.
We have seen this pattern before in Olympia with capital gains taxes, estate taxes, and fees that steadily increase over time. And, since we’re talking about taxes, just a reminder to file your federal income tax return by April 15th. Come to think of it, this was originally a millionaires tax too!
This proposal is also unnecessary. Washington does not have a revenue problem. It has a spending problem. Over the past decade, the state budget has more than doubled, driven by unsustainable growth and one-time funding.
Just as important, our no-income-tax model delivers real, measurable results. Between 2020 and 2025, states without an income tax outperformed those with one in GDP growth, job creation, population growth, and personal income. In fact, personal income grew roughly 67% faster in states without an income tax.
That advantage matters. It helps keep jobs here, strengthens local businesses, and supports families across our state.
Washington voters have rejected an income tax repeatedly for good reason. Once this system is created, there is no easy way back. We should protect what works, live within our means, and build on Washington’s proven economic strengths – not abandon them.
I was recently on the radio with KVI’s Ari Hoffman where we discussed the Democrat income tax proposal, affordability, public safety, and protecting the initiative process. You can listen to that interview here.
To see all of the new tax proposals by the majority party in 2026, click here.
Standing up for the voice of the people
Washington’s Constitution gives citizens the right to bring ideas directly to the Legislature through the initiative process. That right exists for a reason: when people feel unheard, they deserve a way to speak up.
More than 860,000 Washingtonians recently signed petitions supporting two major initiatives – one to restore the Parents’ Bill of Rights and another to protect fairness in girls’ sports. These were serious, statewide efforts supported by families from every corner of our state.
Both initiatives focus on basic fairness and transparency. Parents deserve to know what is happening in their children’s schools and health care. Young women deserve a level playing field in athletics. These are common-sense principles that once earned bipartisan support in Olympia.
Unfortunately, legislative leaders have announced they will not hold public hearings on these measures. That is disappointing and out of step with our Constitution, which says citizen initiatives should receive priority.
However, Washington State House and Senate Republicans held two separate listening sessions that allowed the public – on both sides of these issues – to make their case. We believe the People’s Voice matters. If you want to send us a comment on the initiatives or register your support OR opposition, you can do that here. You can learn more about the initiatives at our website here.
Staying involved in the legislative process
There are many ways to stay informed and involved in our state’s legislative process. Here are just a few:
- Visit our Stop Bad Bills page where you can learn more about bills that will negatively impact you and how you can testify remotely or submit written comments.
- Sign up for our Capitol Buzz. This is a weekday summary of online news stories from around the state, highlighting politics, policies and other important issues.
- Visit The Washington State Ledger, a legislative news aggregator.
- Sign up for The Week Ahead. This is a weekly email that includes a list of bills that will receive public hearings in House committees and instructions on how to take action on them.
- Follow the Washington State House Republican Caucus on social media. We have the largest caucus social media following in the country. Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | YouTube (All Access) | Threads | LinkedIn
- Call the legislative hotline number to leave a message for your legislators: 1-800-562-6000
Understanding the process
Watching and participating
- TVW | TVW Senate Channel | TVW House of Representatives Channel
- Participating in a committee hearing
- How to comment on a bill
- Visiting the Capitol
- Americans with Disabilities Act Information
Thank you for allowing me to serve you in Olympia. We continue to fight every day for the values, priorities, and principles that make the Yakima Valley such an amazing place to live, work, and raise a family. Your continued support – and input – is extremely valued as I represent you in the state House.
Oh, ya. Since it worked last time…GO HAWKS!
Sincerely,
Chris Corry
