Dear Friends,

The 2025 legislative session is well underway, and I’ve been working hard to represent the voices of Central Washington. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the

opportunity to meet with key community leaders, including Franklin County Undersheriff Monty Huber, the West Valley School District, and the police chiefs of West Richland and Connell. Their insights on public safety, education, and local needs are invaluable as we continue working on policies that will directly impact our district.

I am also proud to report that one of my key pieces of legislation—Senate Bill 5004—has passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support. This bill enhances school safety by improving communication between schools and law enforcement, ensuring that students and staff have a safer learning environment. I will keep pushing for policies that prioritize our children’s safety and well-being.

Budgeting and Revenue Problems

The latest data on Washington’s capital gains tax highlights a serious issue: extreme revenue volatility. In just one year, collections dropped by over 50%, from $847 million in the first year to $361 million in the second year, raising concerns about relying on such an unpredictable source for state budgeting. Projections suggest collections will hover around $400 million in future years, further illustrating the uncertainty.

As your senator from the 15th Legislative District, I am particularly worried about how this instability could impact essential services in our communities. Many small business owners and family farms in Central Washington already operate on thin margins, and policies built on unpredictable revenue streams do little to support long-term prosperity. The agricultural sector, which drives much of our local economy, relies on steady conditions to plan for equipment purchases, hiring, and expansion.

Adding to the concern, the data shows that the decline in tax revenue is largely due to a drop in collections from the top decile of taxpayers—specifically, the top 10 filers who accounted for 75% of the revenue decrease. When tax policy depends on such a small group, it creates major instability for the entire system.

Mileage tax and rural communities

Now, as if that uncertainty weren’t enough, some in Olympia are pushing for yet another burdensome tax on working families—a mileage tax. Senate Bill 5726 and House Bill 1921 propose a “road-usage charge” of 2.6 cents per mile driven. For the average driver in Washington, who logs between 13,500 and 16,500 miles per year, that could mean paying between $351 and $429 annually—on top of the state gas tax, federal gas tax, and Climate Commitment Act charges. To make matters worse, SB 5726 even adds a 10% tax on the amount you pay, bringing the total cost up to as much as $472.90 per year.

This tax would disproportionately harm rural communities like ours, where families, farmers, and small business owners must drive long distances for work, school, and essential services. Unlike the gas tax, which is constitutionally required to be used for transportation, the revenue from this new mileage tax could be diverted by future legislatures for other purposes.

We need stable and reliable tax policy that supports working families, small businesses, and agriculture—without burdening them with uncertainty and excessive costs. I’ll continue fighting for policies that provide real economic security for our district.

Public School Employees

I was honored to address the Public School Employees of Washington at their 2025 Legislative Conference. The organization represents 32,000 dedicated paraeducators, bus drivers, secretaries, kitchen staff, custodians, and student service providers who keep our schools running smoothly.

From safe transportation and nutritious meals to clean facilities and critical student support, they play a vital role in every student’s success.

In Olympia, I’m committed to advocating for fair wages, better working conditions, and professional development opportunities for education support staff. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more supportive education system for all.

Watch my remarks by clicking here.

A New Era for Pacific Northwest University

I am deeply honored to have sponsored Senate Resolution 8613, which pays tribute to the remarkable life and legacy of the late Dr. Michael Lawler, the esteemed President of Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU).

Dr. Lawler’s unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare education has left an indelible mark on our community and the broader medical field.

Under his visionary leadership, PNWU has flourished, becoming a beacon of excellence in health sciences education. His commitment to fostering a culture of compassion and innovation has not only elevated the university’s stature but has also inspired countless students and professionals to pursue careers dedicated to service and care.

His efforts have significantly contributed to the well-being of our region, embodying the very essence of community service.