Dear friends and neighbors, 

The 2026 legislative session is in its final stretch. While time is running short, the work in Olympia remains active and important. Every day, my colleagues and I are advancing legislation that strengthens our communities, protects our neighbors, and helps ensure Washington remains a place where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed. 

Thank You For Joining Our Community Town Hall

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended our 5th Legislative District community town hall. It was energizing to connect with so many of you, hear your perspectives, and discuss the issues that matter most in our neighborhoods. 

If you were not able to attend, please know my office is always here for you. I encourage you to reach out. Your voice matters, and it informs the policies I work on every day.  

Navigating a Challenging Budget Year 

Last week, the Senate unveiled its three budget proposals for the 2025-27 biennium, addressing operating needs, capital projects, and transportation priorities. These proposals aim to maintain essential services, strengthen communities, and keep our state fiscally stable during a challenging financial year. 

  • Operating Budget
    The operating budget focuses on sustaining core services while responding to rising demand. Key priorities include maintaining access to health care, behavioral health services, long-term care, and food assistance, while preserving support for seniors, people with disabilities and low-income families. The plan avoids broad-based tax increases. 
  • Capital Budget
    The $723 million capital budget invests in construction and infrastructure projects statewide, including affordable housing, K-12 public school modernization, flood recovery, water infrastructure, and clean energy and environmental initiatives. 
  • Transportation Budget
    The bipartisan transportation proposal prioritizes maintaining roads and bridges, improving traffic and pedestrian safety, and strengthening Washington’s ferry system. Investments include new ferry vessels and electrified terminals, Safe Routes to School funding, tribal transit grants, youth transit access, and expanded electric vehicle charging infrastructure, all while balancing transportation accounts amid declining gas tax revenue. 

The House released its own budget proposals, and both chambers will negotiate differences before sending final versions to the governor. Stay tuned for more details on the final budgets and how they will affect our district. 

An Important Update on the Millionaires Tax  

I want to address a serious situation involving Senate Bill 6346, commonly known as the Millionaires Tax. 

After passing the Senate, the bill received a public hearing in the House, where Washingtonians could sign in to testify or register their support or opposition. Sign-ins are intended to reflect genuine public participation in the legislative process. 

Recently, I was notified that someone impersonated me by submitting a sign-in opposing the bill using my name and contact information. I want to be clear: I am a co-sponsor of SB 6346 and strongly support this legislation. I did not submit the sign-in in opposition and do not know who did. 

My case was not isolated. Advocacy organizations reviewing publicly available hearing data identified more than 100 confirmed impersonations, including elected officials, educators, and community leaders, along with tens of thousands of duplicate sign-ins believed to have artificially inflated opposition numbers. 

These actions undermine public trust and the integrity of our democratic process. Our public comment system exists so Washingtonians can make their voices heard honestly and transparently. Manipulating that system erodes confidence in government and in one another. I remain committed to protecting the integrity of our legislative process, ensuring that public participation is authentic and transparent and holding accountable those who attempt to distort the voices of our communities. 

What the Millionaires Tax Would Do 

SB 6346 would create a 9.9% tax on income above $1 million beginning in 2028, with revenue invested back into Washington communities to support public schools, health care access, and essential services. The proposal also includes tax relief by expanding the Working Families Tax Credit and increasing tax credits for small businesses. 

As discussions continue with legislative partners and the governor, I remain committed to building a fairer tax system, one where prosperity is shared and our investments reflect the needs of all Washingtonians. 

Legislative Victories and Updates

Despite challenges, meaningful progress continues. I am proud to share that seven of my bills have passed the Senate and are now under consideration in the House. These proposals address issues ranging from community safety to housing and climate resilience. 

You can view the full list and track their progress here. 

Thank You to My Team

(Left to right: Jack Winterhalter, session aide; Calvin Jones, legislative assistant; Sen. Victoria Hunt; Bryce Thomsen, intern)

I also want to recognize and thank the incredible team who makes this work possible every day. Public service is truly a team effort, and I could not do this work without their dedication and commitment. 

Behind the scenes, my staff answers your phone calls, responds to emails, helps constituents navigate state services, researches legislation, and works tirelessly to ensure your voices are heard in Olympia. They are often the first point of contact for community members seeking help, and they approach that responsibility with care, professionalism, and compassion. 

I am deeply grateful for their hard work and the role they play in serving the people of the 5th Legislative District. 

Looking Ahead 

As we enter the final week of session, I remain committed to transparency, integrity, and action. As always, you can email me at victoria.hunt@leg.wa.gov or call me at 360-786-7608.  You can also stay informed about my work by visiting my website or following me on my official Instagram and Facebook pages for regular updates.   

Thank you for the opportunity to serve our community.      

Sincerely,     

Sen. Victoria Hunt     

5th Legislative District