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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The last year and a half have been amazing. Working on your behalf in the state Legislature has been an honor and privilege. Now that the 2026 session is in the rearview mirror, I want to thank you again for giving me the opportunity to serve you and be your voice in Olympia.
This year’s legislative session featured several significant policies passed by the majority Democrats that will have a long-term impact on Washington. For an in-depth recap of the biggest stories this session, please see my previous update. You can also read my end-of-session newsletter online by clicking here.
Overwhelmingly, affordability continues to be Washingtonians’ number one issue, and the Democrats’ decision to pass an unconstitutional state income tax (Senate Bill 6346) after a 24-hour floor debate will only make matters worse.
This policy is a major shift in how our state generates revenue. I have serious concerns about the long-term implications of this decision and what it could mean for taxpayers in the years ahead. I remain committed to stopping this policy for as long as it takes. I also co-sponsored several bills to lower property taxes and lower the cost of living as I work to make life in Washington more affordable.
The Legislature also increased the state operating budget again and missed out on several opportunities to ease the financial burden on struggling Washingtonians. State spending increased by over 11 percent to record levels in the past two years. In 2022, the state had a $15 billion surplus; now, after unprecedented tax increases, Moody’s is threatening to downgrade our state’s credit rating due to irresponsible financial management.
Busy Interim Ahead
As we head into this interim, there is much work to be done. Republicans entered this session with high hopes. We offered real solutions to fix Washington and the many pressing issues facing our state. Unfortunately, many of those solutions didn’t advance, blocked by the majority party. That’s why I’ll be busy throughout the interim working to make life more affordable for all and hold state government accountable, among other things.
I will also continue working on the state’s many transportation issues, including the Interstate-5 Bridge Replacement Project. We need an affordable bridge that reduces traffic congestion. The current project is too expensive and has minimal oversight. That’s why I sponsored a bill requiring an audit of the program (HB 2669) this session. Sadly, the majority party refused to hold a hearing on the bill. I will continue fighting against tolls and Light Rail and pushing for greater transparency and a more cost-conscious plan that puts taxpayers first.
I’m also fighting to STOP the theft of $4 billion from our LEOFF 1 police and fire fighter pension plan, but I fear all 15 government employee pension plans are now in the cross hairs of the majority party.
Additionally, I will continue working to get our Brockmann Campus open ASAP to care for individuals in need of mental health treatment.
Lastly, the people of Washington sent two initiatives to the Legislature for consideration: IL26-638 (protecting girls’ sports) and IL-26-001 (restoring parents’ rights). I spent time this session listening to parents trying to protect their girls in sports from having biological males in locker rooms. I also cosponsored a bill requiring background checks for coaches in youth sports.
The majority-party Democrats chose to not hold public hearings on the initiatives and to not allow them to come to the House and Senate floors for votes. Republicans in the House and Senate held listening sessions for both initiatives on February 3. If these two initiatives had come to the House floor, I would have voted for them.
Since no legislative action was taken, both initiatives will advance to the November ballot, and Washington voters will decide their fate.
Election-year Restrictions
Due to election-year restrictions beginning on Monday, May 4, I am unable to send you any further email updates until after the November general election results are certified. In fact, all my legislative communications will be restricted or very limited over the next six months to comply with state ethics laws.
However, you can still reach out to me in several ways to provide your input and feedback. I am your full-time state representative, and I’m always here to listen and respond to constituents who contact me throughout the year. I invite you to email, call, or send me a letter anytime. As always, I will respond as quickly as possible.
Staying Connected with the Legislature
Additionally, there are several ways to stay up to date with what’s happening in the Legislature during the interim.
My legislative website | Contact information, news releases, email updates, videos, opinion pieces, bills, and more.
The Capitol Buzz | A weekday roundup of legislative news. Click on the link to subscribe.
Track a bill| Find information on specific bills.
I also encourage you to stay informed on House Republicans’ efforts to fix Washington by following us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
Please Continue Reaching Out
Although we’re not scheduled to return to Olympia till next year, I will be working for you throughout the remainder of 2026 and into 2027.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact me with questions, concerns, and input. I look forward to meeting with you throughout the interim. I’m here to serve, and I want to hear from you. Thank you for trusting me.
It’s an honor to serve you.
Sincerely,
John Ley
