Washington families are facing real and growing challenges. The cost of living in Washington is among the highest in the nation. We pay more for groceries, ranking fourth in the country. Fuel prices keep climbing because of gas taxes and overregulation. Proposals to increase business taxes and raise property taxes are closer to reality.
It isn’t just affordability that is at stake. Crime in Washington is among the highest in the nation, and we have the fewest number of law enforcement officers per capita. Students and schools are falling further behind. Washington state has become a complete virtual child care and early learning desert.
To say Washington state has a long list of crises is an understatement.
One would hope that, in times like these, state government would prioritize transparency, accountability, and open debate, especially as lawmakers prepare to debate what could be the largest package of tax increases in Washington state history. Instead, something very different is happening in Olympia.
Last week, as the House debated changes to the Parental Bill of Rights, the majority party used a rare maneuver to cut off debate and silence the opposition while debating the bill. This move hasn’t been used in more than 130 years. It happened just months after they rewrote a rule that protected open discussion in the House for generations.
Why does this matter? Because if they will shut down debate on parental rights, what will they do when the debate shifts to your taxes, your cost of living, or your job?
Right now, the majority party is rushing forward with a $12 billion tax package that includes sweeping increases across multiple areas.
They propose raising business taxes, including new surcharges on big banks, manufacturers and retailers — costs that will likely trickle down to workers, small businesses and everyday consumers.
The plan also includes a more aggressive capital gains tax and estate tax, which could hit family-owned businesses and inherited assets.
Property tax changes are also on the table, with proposals to allow property taxes to rise faster each year, putting more pressure on homeowners already struggling to afford rising housing costs.
On top of that, they’re looking to expand the state sales tax to cover things like digital services, custom software, online advertising, and even staffing and security services — everyday functions that help keep our businesses running.
They are even pushing to raise the cost of marriage licenses, hunting and fishing licenses, and Discover passes! House Democrats want to muffle opposition to their insatiable appetite to tax the jobs and joy out of Washington.
And it’s all moving fast, just days before the end of the legislative session.
What worries me most isn’t just the details of these bills — it’s the fact that, with the rules rewritten, debate can be shut down at any time.
If open discussion was silenced on parental rights, how can the public trust that future debates — about taxes, the budget, education, or public safety — will be any more transparent?
Will your concerns be heard, or will those in power move to silence anyone who raises questions?
This is not how representative government should work. These are the moments that demand bipartisan problem-solving and real accountability.
When we face historic tax hikes, skyrocketing living costs, and public safety challenges, every side deserves a voice at the table — and every Washingtonian deserves to know what’s happening with their tax dollars and their future.
House Republicans are committed to fighting for your voice to be heard. We will keep demanding transparency, open debate, and real solutions to the problems families are facing.
Because at a time when Olympia is deciding how much more you’ll pay at the pump, at the store, or to keep a roof over your head, silencing debate and rushing decisions behind closed doors is the last thing our state needs.
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State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, represents the 20th Legislative District and is the House Republican Caucus chair.
