Dear friends and neighbors, 

It’s a privilege and an honor to connect with you through my first e-newsletter update for the 2024 legislative session. I look forward to another year of championing our communities’ priorities and representing you all in the Senate. 

REAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF 

I introduced a series of bills to provide property tax relief to our neighbors who need it most. 

Senate Bill 6249 would lower property taxes for homeowners starting in 2027 by providing a tax break that is either a fixed amount of $100,000 or 60% of the average home value in an area, whichever is more. By providing a significant exemption, we are shifting the disproportionate share of the property tax burden off of those with homes of lesser assessed value. This adjustment is not only a matter of equity but a commitment to ensuring homeowners of all backgrounds can thrive in Washington state. Senate Joint Resolution 8209 is an amendment to the state constitution that makes SB 6249 possible.  

Senate Bill 6250 would provide an additional $300 refund to individuals who qualify for the Working Families Tax Credit if their primary residence has been leased or rented in Washington for at least 183 days, starting in 2025. This extra support will contribute to easing the strain on household budgets, enabling families to allocate resources to other essential needs such as education, health care, and savings.  

The ideas came from our local assessor, and I am eager to see what my colleagues in the Legislature think about the policies. 

You can track these bills and all of my legislation here. 

WAYS & MEANS 

Every odd year, like 2023, we are tasked with passing three budgets — capital, operating, and transportation — to fund the state for the next two years. In even years, we pass supplemental budgets. This allows us to address any unforeseen circumstances or changes in financial need. 

In my role as Senate Ways & Means chair, one of my biggest responsibilities is working with my colleagues and staff to craft and negotiate the supplemental operating budget.  

I will dive more in-depth into this year’s proposal in future updates. You can also check out my social media for a new weekly video series exploring budget topics and other bills making it through the committee (watch my first one here). 

GET INVOLVED 

Democracy is not a spectator sport. Your involvement is — and always has been — vital to the functioning of our state government. I encourage you to take advantage of these resources. 

SENATE PAGE PROGRAM 

The Washington State Senate has one of the best page programs in the country, and applications for 2024 are open! This exciting program allows young Washingtonians to get a closer look at the civic process and meet other students from across the state. 

Pages are students aged 14 through 16 who serve for one week during the legislative session. During that week, they spend time in Page School learning about the legislative process while also distributing materials throughout the Capitol campus, assisting legislators, working on the Senate floor, and presenting the colors at the opening of each day’s legislative session. Pages receive pay during their week in Olympia. Scholarships are also available for pages from families with financial need, and housing is available with host families in Olympia. 

STAY IN TOUCH 

Again, our office remains as available to you as ever. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Thank you for being a critical part of our team. 

Sincerely,  

June Robinson