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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Although the 2026 legislative session is now behind us, the Legislature’s decisions will impact us for years to come. This is a crucial time for the state of Washington, which is why my seatmates, Sen. Paul Harris and Rep. David Stuebe, and I are holding several in-person town hall meetings across the 17th District in April.
These meetings provide a great opportunity to hear from your state lawmakers and review what happened in Olympia. They also provide us with the chance to hear directly from you about the issues that matter most.
This year’s session included several major decisions that will have long-term impacts on families, businesses, and communities throughout our state. Among the most significant was the passage of a state income tax by the majority party, following an extended 24-hour floor debate. This marks a major shift in Washington’s longstanding approach to taxation, and I have serious concerns about what it could mean moving forward.
In addition to new taxes, the Legislature approved an operating budget that now exceeds $80 billion. This continues a pattern of rapid growth in government spending. I believe it’s important for taxpayers to understand how this budget was built, including its reliance on uncertain revenue projections and the use of reserve funds and other accounts to balance spending.
These town hall meetings are a chance for us to share more details about these decisions, explain how they may affect you and your family, and, most importantly, listen to your questions, concerns, and feedback. Hearing directly from constituents is critical to ensuring your voice is represented in Olympia.
I encourage you to attend one of the upcoming meetings in your area. I look forward to seeing you, having meaningful conversations, and continuing to work on solutions that reflect the priorities of our community.
The dates and locations of the five meetings, which will run from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m., are as follows:
Location: White Salmon, WA
Space: White Salmon Valley Community Library 77 NE Wauna Ave, White Salmon, WA 98672 – Sprint/Baker Gallery Room
Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Location: Vancouver, WA
Space: Marriott TownePlace Suites – 17717 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98683 – Mt. Hood Room
Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Location: Goldendale, WA
Space: Goldendale American Legion Post 116, 108 N. Grant Ave, Goldendale, WA 98620
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Location: Camas, WA
Space: Discovery High School – Project Based Learning Campus – 5125 NW Nan Henriksen Way, Camas, WA 98607
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Location: Stevenson, WA
Space: Hegewald Center, 710 SW Rock Creek Dr, Stevenson, WA 98648
Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
(Rep. Stuebe is unable to attend due to a prior engagement)
Please Contact Me
Although session is over, I remain your representative throughout the year. So, please continue reaching out to share your input, and I hope to see you at one of our upcoming town halls. Thank you for your trust and for allowing me to serve you. It’s an honor.
Kevin Waters
