{"id":3399,"date":"2026-03-12T16:26:05","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T23:26:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/Krishnadasan\/?p=3399"},"modified":"2026-03-12T18:15:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T01:15:34","slug":"the-senate-is-almost-adjourned","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/Krishnadasan\/2026\/03\/12\/the-senate-is-almost-adjourned\/","title":{"rendered":"The Senate is (almost) adjourned"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dear Neighbors of the 26th,<\/p>\n

The Senate will adjourn Sine Die today, meaning the session is officially over.<\/p>\n

This session was full of challenging moments and decisions. It was also my first short session, and as anticipated, the deadlines came fast. My priorities this session centered on affordability, government efficiency, and continued support for education. There were some difficult votes this year, but I stand by my decisions and believe they reflect the values and needs of our district.<\/p>\n

One of the most significant pieces of legislation to come out of this session was the Millionaires Tax. While it represents a major policy change, I believe we could have done more to offset taxes in ways that would directly benefit people struggling with the rising cost of living. Important programs and services will be funded, but reducing the sales tax or gas tax would have provided meaningful relief for many families.<\/p>\n

There is still more work to be done, and I look forward to continuing that work next session.<\/p>\n

Please keep reading for legislative updates, highlights, and news from my office on what\u2019s next!<\/p>\n

UPDATE ON MY BILLS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Property tax relief <\/strong><\/p>\n

Senate Bill 6162<\/a>, my bill expanding the Senior Citizen Property Tax Relief program, has passed both the House and Senate and is now on its way to Gov. Bob Ferguson\u2019s desk for his signature.<\/p>\n

One of the most common concerns I hear from residents on fixed incomes is that they struggle to afford their property taxes. This bill expands program eligibility, allowing an additional 30,000 households across the state to qualify for exemptions. Households that previously qualified will also see an increase in their property tax relief. The bill simplifies the application process and clarifies the property tax code, all while remaining revenue neutral.<\/p>\n

The program has already helped countless seniors, people with disabilities, and disabled veterans stay in their homes. This is real, meaningful tax relief for our most vulnerable neighbors, and I couldn\u2019t be prouder to see it move forward.<\/p>\n

Other legislation<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many of the bills I sponsored this session passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support. Unfortunately, the House was not able to take up all of the Senate\u2019s legislation before key deadlines.<\/p>\n

Two of my bills that did not make it across the finish line focused on improving government efficiencies. These proposals would have helped state agencies use resources more effectively while delivering better service to the people of Washington. I have also begun working with my Republican colleagues to build support for my Youth Development Fund bill as I prepare for the next legislative session.<\/p>\n

I will reintroduce these bills \u2014 they deserve another chance, and I believe they provide a real benefit!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I also co-sponsored and sponsored companion bills that passed this year. Here is one of my favorites:<\/p>\n