Thursday, October 1, 2026
OLYMPIA — Sen. Keith Goehner, R-Dryden, and Reps. Mike Steele, R-Chelan, and Brian Burnett, R- Wenatchee, hosted constituents in a virtual town hall on Feb. 23 to share updates on the current legislative session. The 12th District legislators represent parts of King and Snohomish counties and all of Chelan County.
The legislative session is nearing its scheduled March 12 end date, with bills that passed in their chamber of origin heading to the opposing chamber for consideration. This legislative session is particularly short, as sessions are only 60 days in even numbered years and 105 days in odd numbered years.
“It's been a very fast and furious session,” said Rep. Steele, estimating about 300 total bills still under consideration despite the limited time.
During the meeting, the lawmakers raised alarm bells over the proposed budget, lamenting that the state has a spending problem, rather than a revenue one. Washington state continues to face a multi-billion dollar deficit, but recently proposed budget plans suggest around $1.5 billion more in spending. While Democrats have attributed the increase to meeting the higher costs of services, liability claims and federal cuts, Republican lawmakers suggest overspending.
“We have been staring down the barrel of a huge deficit for the last three, four years, and we continue to spend in incredible ways. And you know, the frustration is, most of that is new programming,” said Rep. Steele.
They also rebuked the “millionaires tax,” a targeted proposal that would levy a 9.9 percent tax on income above $1 million. Democrats project it will generate $3.7 billion annually, which would fund public education, early learning and child care, health care, and other services. The bill would begin taxing income earned in 2028, with the first taxes due in April 2029. Rep. Steele said he wasn’t necessarily opposed to the idea, but questioned the merits of the bill, adding that there wasn’t “a stitch” of evidence that any of the funding would go toward K-12 in the proposed operating budget.
The legislators highlighted the fact that latest budget proposals included transferring earmarked revenue to balance the general operating budget, including moving funding from the capital gains tax dedicated to education, Public Works Assistance Account, and pension fund for law enforcement and firefighters.
“Part of why voters don't trust Olympia is because we do these tactics, we do these games, we do these gimmicks, and then the money disappears after what we've been promised is no longer in that fund, and then we have to backfill it with some other money, taxpayer money,” said Rep. Steele.
Sen. Goehner called for more accountability with agencies, noting the state’s $500 million payout in liability claims this year alone. He also suggested a need for more analysis on the effectiveness of funded programs to ensure the return on investment, and advocated for maintenance and preservation over investing in new.
“We need to be more careful and cautious when we shape our budget, so that we really are being responsible ourselves,” said Sen. Goehner. “That's why we got elected, is to serve the public and to provide them with a good, functional government, and that means being fiscally responsible.”
Rep. Burnett addressed concerns over Senate Bill 5974, which imposes eligibility and qualification standards for law enforcement. The former sheriff argued the bill could allow a state-level board to decertify a sitting sheriff, effectively removing them from office. Rep. Burnett said the bill held a lot of “unconstitutional pieces,” and said he hoped to stop it. The bill passed through the senate and is currently in the house.
“The sheriff has always answered to the voters, you know, for the people, by the people. We've had the recall process in place, and it's worked,” said Rep. Burnett.
The meeting concluded with legislators expressing gratitude for their constituents and continued collaboration with their colleagues, as well as encouraging residents to stay involved.
“I think it's very important for people to stay engaged and follow the processes, and then when the elections come, you do have an opportunity to make your choice,” said Sen. Goehner.
Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media
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