Greetings from Olympia,

I like to remind folks that one of the worst times of year for taxpayers is when the Legislature is in session and it sure is shaping up that way already. In case you missed it, Washington is facing a significant budget deficit. The folks in charge are tossing around a $10-$12 billion budget deficit like it’s just another day at the office. But let me tell you—this isn’t a deficit driven by necessity or tough times. It’s a deficit built on overspending and bad priorities. The Democratic majority chose to spend way more than the revenue they knew we’d collect.

That’s where you come in. The Democrat budget writer accidentally sent their secret tax plans to the entire Legislature, giving us a preview into how they intend to pay for all the past spending and NEW pet projects that will cost you billions more in taxes. She asked colleagues to send her new tax ideas to, “spread the tax love around.”

Let’s be clear. The state will collect $5,000,000,000 more of your hard-earned money this year without new taxes. The deficit comes in to pay for the additional programs they want to fund. You know, things like unemployment insurance for illegal aliens and health care too. That’s plain wrong and I’ll be doing everything I can in the legislative minority to push back.

I’ve heard concerns from constituents about my tone, particularly about being too partisan. For years, I avoided naming “Democrats,” instead using terms like “majority party.” However, with our deep vote disadvantage, it’s important to clearly identify who’s driving issues like defunding police and the housing crisis. This isn’t about party labels—it’s about holding those in power accountable for the progressive agenda that you and future Washingtonians will bear the cost of.

It’s going to be a challenging session for common sense, but thankfully, I’m back in Olympia fighting for you.

Straight Talk About the 2025 Budget Deficit

As I mentioned above, the Legislature has a lot of work to do to build a balanced budget over this 105-day session as required by law.

Here are some in-depth insights into that work.

1. Overspending Like There’s No Tomorrow – The current biennium budget blew past ongoing revenue by $5 billion. That’s right—$71.4 billion in spending with just $66.4 billion in the bank. And what’s driving this gap? A big chunk of it is $4 billion in policy-driven “wants,” not needs. These are the kinds of pet projects and wish-list spending that Olympia’s power brokers push through, even when we can’t afford them.

We didn’t get here because of an economic downturn. Revenue is growing—another $5 billion is projected next biennium. But when spending outpaces revenue every single year, even good times can’t save us from bad decisions.

2. Declining Caseloads, Yet Costs Keep Rising – If you think the deficit is about growing demand for services, think again. Across the board, key caseloads are going down:

• K-12 Enrollment: Declining birth rates mean fewer kids in classrooms.
• Medicaid: With post-pandemic eligibility checks back in place, the Medicaid rolls are shrinking by 150,000 people.
• Higher Education: We’ve got 70,000 fewer students in state colleges compared to 10 years ago.

Despite all this, spending keeps climbing. Why? Because Olympia just can’t help itself.

3. Inefficiencies and Waste Costing You Big Time – There are plenty of places we could tighten the belt, but instead, the waste keeps piling up. Consider these examples:

• Tort Liabilities: Over $500 million paid out in lawsuits in the last two years, thanks to skyrocketing claims under current leadership.
• Health Care Authority Mismanagement: Our state is paying for health coverage for 131,000 people enrolled in other states. You read that right—taxpayers footing the bill for out-of-state coverage.

Juvenile Rehabilitation Boondoggle: Housing adults in juvenile facilities is costing taxpayers four times more, leading to overcrowding, riots, and even more liability payouts.

What’s the Solution? More Taxes, of Course

The Democrats’ answer to this mess isn’t reform. It’s more taxes—on you. They’re talking about a wealth tax, a statewide employer tax, and higher property taxes for K-12 schools. Instead of cleaning up their own mess, they’re coming for your wallet.

It’s Time for Real Solutions

This isn’t about a lack of money; it’s about a lack of priorities. Washington families are tightening their belts, but Olympia refuses to do the same. We need reforms, not new taxes. We need to stop overspending and start listening to the people who pay the bills—you.

Let’s get back to basics. Let’s fix what’s broken. And let’s stop treating taxpayers like a bottomless piggy bank.