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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As the 2026 Washington state legislative session begins, I’m honored to return to Olympia on your behalf. This year, our focus is listening, collaborating, and delivering practical solutions that strengthen families, increase public safety, and address the state’s supplemental budgets. I remain committed to working on both sides of the aisle to create the best possible solutions for Washington.
Over the coming weeks, I’ll keep you informed about everything going on in the Legislature and invite your input and ideas as we work together for our great state. Thank you for your trust and support, and for the privilege of serving you.
Budget Shortfall and Increased Taxes
As we begin this 60-day “short” session in Olympia, the Legislature will be focused heavily on Washington’s fiscal challenges, including another operating budget shortfall. We are facing a projected budget gap of roughly $1.6 billion this biennium, driven by slower revenue growth and rising costs for Medicaid, education, and other core services.
Addressing the operating budget will be a major focus, and spending cuts may be on the table. The governor has proposed agency reductions, using of rainy-day funds, and redirecting some of climate dollars to help balance the budget. At the same time, the majority party has introduced several new tax proposals to help offset the deficit, and more are likely to come.
Majority leaders, including the governor, are advancing ideas such as a “millionaires’ tax” – a new income tax on individuals earning more than $1 million – as part of longer-term revenue discussions. Other proposals include broader tax changes affecting businesses and high-income residents, as well as a renewed effort to raise the property tax percentage threshold first introduced last year.
Beyond budget issues, Washington is facing many other crises. This session, we will also consider policies to reduce the cost of living, improve public safety, strengthen education, expand energy resources, and increase the supply of affordable housing.
My Legislative Priorities
As the 2026 legislative session moves forward, my top priority is working collaboratively with colleagues from both parties to pass thoughtful, effective legislation that delivers real results for our communities. “Good policy” is good policy, no matter who it comes from. It takes listening, respecting different perspectives, and focusing on solutions that work for Washington families.
That’s why I’ve already signed on to many strong pieces of legislation from both Republicans and Democrats this year. When we work together and look for common ground, we make meaningful progress. My approach to this session is to keep an open mind, work with anyone, and stay focused on practical outcomes that improve public safety, affordability, and opportunity across our state.
Please visit my legislative website regularly and take advantage of the links and tools provided at the end of this update to stay informed about everything going on in the Legislature.
New Responsibilities in 2026
A key part of my work in the Legislature is building strong, respectful relationships with Washington’s Tribal Nations. I currently serve as the Tribal Liaison for the House Republican Caucus, a role I take seriously and approach with humility, consistency, and a commitment to listening first.
During the interim, I met with leaders and representatives from more than 20 tribes across our state. These conversations were not symbolic; they were substantive. I’ve spent time learning directly about the most important issues in Indian Country, including education, salmon recovery and fishing rights, hunting concerns on reservation lands, and the long-term impacts of state policy decisions on tribal sovereignty and economic development.
I’ve also had the opportunity to tour the Yakama Nation, Quinault Indian Nation, and the Cowlitz Tribe, gaining firsthand insight into their priorities, challenges, and successes. These visits reinforced the importance of collaboration and mutual respect between the state and tribal governments.
In addition, I serve as an ex officio member of the Washington State Gambling Commission, further strengthening coordination between tribes and the state on regulatory and economic issues.
This work matters. Strong state-tribal relationships lead to better outcomes for tribes, rural communities, and Washington as a whole.
Skamania Steelhead Fish Hatchery Update
Lastly, I have met with Skamania County officials, Tribal Leaders, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regarding the shutdown down of the Skamania Steelhead Hatchery. The state announced in October that it plans to close the Hatchery over the next three years. I disagree with this decision, and I will continue advocating for the necessary funding to be added to the budget. It’s not acceptable to remove more than 330,000 steelhead from Washington’s waters every year.
Helpful Resources to Stay Informed and Connected
There are many ways to stay informed and engaged with the Legislature:
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.
Testify or comment on a bill | Use these links if you want to testify or comment on a specific bill.
You can also view the bills I’m sponsoring by visiting my website and clicking “Sponsored Bills.”
The Week Ahead | Sent every Friday, this publication provides a look at which bills will receive public hearings in House committees and offers links on how to weigh in on them. Sign up by clicking here.
You can also stay connected by following us on social media and sharing our content.
Please Contact Me
Thank you for your trust and for allowing me to serve you. Please contact me to share your ideas, concerns, and feedback. My door is always open, and I value your input as I work to represent you in Olympia.
It’s an honor to serve
Kevin Waters
