Dear friends and neighbors,
The 2026 legislative session is well underway, and much of our focus in Olympia right now is on the decisions that shape our state’s future. This is a year that continues to require steady leadership, thoughtful budgeting, and a clear understanding of the challenges in front of us.
I want to share where things stand and how the work we are doing connects to the priorities I hear from so many of you across the 38th Legislative District.
NAVIGATING A CONTINUED CHALLENGING BUDGET YEAR
Last year, we began preparing for a more difficult fiscal environment. Slower revenue growth and rising costs required us to be cautious and disciplined.
That challenge has continued into this session, and in some ways, intensified.
Washington is facing slower revenue growth at the same time demand for essential services remains high. Health care, behavioral health, K–12 education, and housing supports all cost more to deliver than they did just a few years ago.
Now, federal uncertainty is adding new pressure.
Recent federal actions and proposals targeting health care, food assistance, and other safety-net programs shift significant costs to states. Programs like Medicaid and nutrition assistance serve hundreds of thousands of Washington residents. When federal funding is reduced or restricted, states are left to either backfill the loss or scale back services.
When we built previous budgets, we did not anticipate having to replace major federal funding streams. Quite simply, we do not have the capacity to absorb large, unexpected federal cuts without difficult tradeoffs.
As one of the legislators directly involved in shaping the state’s budget, I take this responsibility seriously. My focus is on protecting core services, maintaining long-term fiscal stability, and ensuring our decisions reflect Washington’s values, even in a constrained environment.
At the same time, Washington’s regressive tax code makes these challenges harder. Our heavy reliance on sales tax means revenue growth is less stable and places a disproportionate burden on working families. That structure limits flexibility in times like these.
As we finalize this year’s budget, my focus remains clear: protect core services, maintain fiscal responsibility, and make decisions that strengthen Washington’s long-term stability.
The proposed Senate budget will be released next week. I look forward to sharing more specific details about what it includes — and what it means for our communities — very soon.
WHAT WE’RE HEARING FROM YOU
Over the past several weeks, many of you have written, called, and shared your perspectives with my office about tax policy and the state budget.
I appreciate that engagement. These are important conversations.
This week, the Senate passed Senate Bill 6346, which establishes a tax on annual adjusted gross income over $1 million, affecting only the wealthiest half of 1% of households in Washington. Washingtonians earning less than $1 million annually will not owe this tax.
It is also important to note that this policy does not generate revenue for this year’s supplemental operating budget. Instead, it is designed as a long-term structural reform to make our tax system fairer and more sustainable over time.
The goal is to protect funding for K–12 education, health care, higher education, human services, and the Working Families Tax Credit, while reducing our state’s heavy reliance on regressive taxes.
The legislation also provides relief by reducing certain sales taxes on essential household items, strengthening small business tax credits, and dedicating a portion of revenues to local public defense services.
I know this proposal has generated strong views on all sides. My focus remains on long-term fiscal stability and protecting the services our communities depend on, especially in the face of federal uncertainty.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out. Hearing directly from you helps shape these decisions.
SAVE THE DATE
Please join Reps. Mary Fosse and Julio Cortes and me for our telephone town hall from 7-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24! We will share an update on our work here in Olympia and answer any questions you might have about the 2026 session.
The call will go out to constituents across the 38th Legislative District. If you do not receive one, you can still participate by dialing 855-756-7520 and using extension 130180#.
I hope to hear from you then!
You can submit questions in advance here.
APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID
Right now, 35% of graduating seniors in the 38th Legislative District have completed the standard financial aid form called FAFSA, compared to 38% statewide.
Completing the FAFSA (or WASFA) is the first step to accessing grants, scholarships, apprenticeships, and workforce training programs, including the Washington College Grant.
Every student deserves the opportunity to pursue education or training after high school without cost being a barrier. I encourage students and families to apply and explore the financial aid available to them.
Learn more and get started at wsac.wa.gov/apply.
STAY IN TOUCH
Staying connected with the people I represent is one of the most important parts of this job. Your insights and feedback help shape the work we do in Olympia, and I value the conversations we have — whether it’s over email, on the phone, or in person. I encourage you to reach out, follow along for updates, and stay engaged in the legislative process as the 2026 session continues.
Sincerely,
Sen. June Robinson
