Dear Friends,
The 2025 legislative session has officially ended, and sadly, it ended just as it was conducted behind closed doors and at the expense of Washington’s working families. The $77.9 billion budget was negotiated in secret by a handful of Democrats for most of the month, only being released to the public, and Republicans, yesterday. It relies on a staggering $9.6 billion in new taxes, including a sales tax hike that will hit lower- and middle-income families the hardest. It also enables an expansion of local property taxes, adding further strain on household budgets.
Governor Bob Ferguson has claimed he doesn’t want working families burdened with higher taxes, yet this plan does exactly that. Washington families deserve better, and I’ve been fighting to hold Olympia accountable. Here’s a quick look at what I’ve been working on this session to defend your wallets, your freedoms, and your future.
Budget Shortfall: Policies Are Killing Washington’s Golden Goose
Washington’s financial crisis isn’t a fluke, it’s the result of deliberate policy decisions. Crushing taxes, relentless regulations, and an addiction to spending are chasing jobs and businesses out of our state. I warned my colleagues: you can’t keep killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. We need fiscal responsibility and a pro-growth agenda, not more schemes that punish success.
Read more about how Olympia’s policies are hurting you »
Stopping Tax Dollars from Shielding Criminals
It’s unacceptable that taxpayer money is being used to protect convicted criminals from immigration enforcement. I introduced legislation that would stop public agencies from obstructing federal authorities and using your money to do it. Protecting public safety should come before protecting criminals.
Learn more about my bill to put law-abiding citizens first »
Calling Out Hate Crime Hypocrisy
A minority conservative student at Washington State University was violently attacked by a leftist extremist, yet the usual calls for justice were silent. I’m demanding consistent enforcement of hate crime laws — because political bias should never determine who gets justice and who doesn’t.
See my full response to this dangerous double standard »
Defending Your Right to Bear Arms
This session, the majority attempted to force lawful citizens to buy a permit just to exercise their Second Amendment rights. I stood strong against this unconstitutional legislation. We must not let government put a price tag on our freedoms.
Find out how I’m protecting your constitutional rights »
Applauding Trump’s Executive Order Targeting Washington’s Cap-and-Trade Scheme
I welcome President Trump’s action against Washington’s disastrous cap-and-trade program, which has driven up gas prices and hurt working families. I will keep fighting to dismantle these costly energy policies and bring affordability back to Washington. Read why this is a win for working families »
Thank you for standing with me
Even though session is over, my work on your behalf continues every day. I’ll keep fighting for lower taxes, safer communities, and protection of your freedoms. Together, we can get Washington back on the right track. Click here to see all of the bills that passed the Legislature in the 2025 session.
In Freedom,
Senator Phil Fortunato
31st Legislative District