WA state government grows more expensive

Last week, Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the state’s new two-year operating budget into law. The $78 billion spending plan contains nearly $10 billion in new and increased taxes and fees, and represents the fourth consecutive operating budget that spends more than predicted revenue collections. It raises spending by $6 billion – an 8% increase – at a time when we have a budget shortfall. 

The result, the unsustainable budgeting in Olympia continues.

Taxes
As part of their record tax and fee increases, the majority party got very creative and found new ways to dip into your wallet.

• HB 2049 | Property tax spikes: 55% increase of local school district property tax levy authority.  
• SB 5801 | Gas and transportation taxes: Increases in gas taxes, additional license fees, and more.  
• HB 2081 | Business tax increases: Across-the-board business tax increases and additional punitive business tax surcharges on certain industries.  
• SB 5814 | Sales tax expansion: Applies sales tax to critical business services, including temporary staffing, digital services, and security services, and applies tobacco taxes to nicotine products.  
• SB 5813 | Capital gains income and death taxes: Increases tax rates for the capital gains income and estate taxes.  
• HB 2077 | Tesla tax: Punitive excise taxes on the sale or banking of zero-emission credits held by Tesla.  
• SB 5794 | Eliminating tax incentives: Eliminates tax incentives for gold and bullion, low-income energy credits, and storage spaces.  
• SB 5390 | Discover Pass: 50% hike in the cost of a Discover Pass.  
• SB 5583 | Hunting and fishing licenses: 38% fee increase for a hunting and fishing license.  
• SB 5083 | Insurance premiums: Shifts health care costs from state employees to working families ($1,400 per year/family of four).  
• HB 2061 | Concession fees: 10% tax on duty-free stores.  
• SB 5786 | Liquor license fees: Increases in the cost of liquor licenses for grocers, restaurants, bars, and more.  
• HB 1858 | Document recording fees: Applies document recording fees to substitutions or assignments of deeds of trust.  
• HB 1488 | Another property tax increase: Conservation district property tax increase.  
• HB 2015 | Another sales tax increase: Local sales and use tax increase. 
• HB 1392 | Another insurance premium increase: Additional taxes on private health insurance.  
• HB 2003 | Another fishing license increase: Enhanced fee on salmon fishing. 

A state budget is about priorities. The majority party chose to cut support for single parents, the aged, blind, disabled, and crime victims. Instead, they prioritized things like:

• Giving six weeks of unemployment benefits to striking workers
• Paying $154 million for non-citizen healthcare
• Giving $4 million in grants to activist groups
• Retaining DEI funding
• Funding for a study on reparations in Washington state

In the end, taxes were raised, other dedicated accounts were robbed, priorities were misplaced, and we’re almost guaranteed to be looking at another significant budget hole next biennium, because state government has not been right-sized.

The continued assault on our Second Amendment rights continues in Olympia. The governor signed HB 1163 into law. The bill requires a “permit to purchase” a firearm in Washington state beginning on May 1, 2027. The five-year permit requirements include an extensive background check and proof of a recent firearms training course. The details of this approved “training course” have not yet been set. There are serious concerns about where those courses will be held and how much they will cost. Will rural areas have access to these courses? Will the “supply” of these courses meet the “demand” as people seek to exercise their rights? Time will tell.

 -- Brian Burnett, 12th Legislative District, WA

Permit required to buy a firearm in WA

On Tuesday, May 20th, Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1163, instituting a "permit to purchase" scheme for the purchase and transfer of firearms. The permitting system will take effect on May 1st, 2027, if fully funded by June 30, 2025.

House Bill 1163 establishes a permit to purchase scheme requiring government permission to purchase or transfer a firearm, adds a live-fire training component, and establishes an illegal government registry of firearm owners and their personal information. 

Permits will need to be renewed every 5 years. This law will do nothing to address Washington’s crime problem, but it will make firearm ownership nearly unobtainable, both practically and financially. 

HB 1163 passed with a strict party-line vote. All Democrats voted for HB 1163, no Republican voted for HB 1163.

2025 Washingtom State legislature really messes up.

The 2025 episode of the Washington State legislature has truly screwed up our way of life and chances for prosperity.

 

After voting to shut the public out of the budget process the Democrats
Increased property tax
Increased gasoline tax 

~~~~

The Democrats' budget cuts
Cut childcare
Cut domestic violence prevention programs
Cut college tuition aid
Cut supports to state & local fairs

Increases fishing and hunting licenses by 38%,
Increases the Discover Pass fee 50%
.
And we got
"Rent stabilization" which is  exactly the from of rent control that made rentals so expensive  (and small) in places like New York City and San Francisco.
Gun regulations that effectively ban private firearms
Massive taxes and shrinking rental availability - Democrats gave us this mess.

Do not vote for Democrats.

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Update: Gov Bob Ferguson just revealed his ulterior motive for signing rent control into law.  Ferguson tweeted:

"One of my administration’s top priorities is making it easier to build housing of all kinds. Senate Bill 5611 helps address the state’s housing shortage by reducing permitting timelines. This will ultimately reduce the cost of development projects, making it easier to build. Thank you to prime sponsor Sen. Jesse Salomon and the Legislature’s unanimous support."

@GovBobFerguson

Ferguson choose to side with big corporations who can build sterile new apartments complexes.  You see, new construction is exempt from rent control for ten years.

Washington State rent control

Politicians pretend renters are getting scalped in a skirmish of class warfare.  They spread that viewpoint 'cause it can give them power over housing. That means they get very intimate control over lives.

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Sen. Keith Goehner, R-Dryden, and lead Republican on the Senate Housing Committee, issued this statement:

House Bill 1217

Let’s call it what it is: House Bill 1217 is price control, plain and simple. And price control has a long, proven track record of failure. This bill would impose arbitrary caps on rent increases, penalize housing providers with excessive regulations and fines, and ultimately reduce the supply of affordable housing in Washington.

Housing affordability is about supply, not politics. We’ve seen it nationwide: when housing gets built, rent comes down. In places like Austin, Atlanta, and Phoenix, where construction has surged, rents have declined. But this bill does nothing to build more homes. It drives builders away from the state.

The message is clear: price control plus uncapped property tax increases equals higher costs and less housing. It’s a recipe for disaster.

Most landlords in this state aren’t big corporations  they’re families trying to make ends meet, people who’ve invested in a duplex or a rental home. When you cap their income but not their costs, they’re forced to defer maintenance, sell their properties, or leave the rental business entirely.

Washington doesn’t need more bureaucracy. We need more housing. This bill is about short-term posturing at the expense of long-term stability and prosperity. I strongly oppose HB 1217 and will continue fighting for policies that grow opportunity, protect renters, and keep our communities strong.

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The legislature passed this bill and it is on the Governor's desk for his signature or veto. If you wish to urge the Gov. Ferguson to veto HB 1217, use this link https://governor.wa.gov/contacting-governor/contacting-governors-office/send-gov-ferguson-e-message

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPDATE on WA 2025–26 Proposed Firearm Legislation

Several new bills that have been under consideration:

1. Permit to Purchase Firearms (HB 1163) has been passed and is on the governor's desk.

• Requirements: Applicants must complete certified firearm safety training within the past five years, undergo fingerprinting, and pass a background check,
• Permit Validity: Five years,
• Issuance Timeline: Within 30 days (or 60 days without state ID),
• Status: On Governor’s Desk. Call or email now!

2. Bulk Purchase Limits (HB 1132)

• Firearms: Limits purchases to one firearm per 30-day period,
• Ammunition: Caps at 100 rounds of .50 caliber or 1,000 rounds of other calibers per month,
• Status: Did not advance past the legislative deadline.
• More than likely will be brought back next session

3. Secure Storage Requirements (HB 1152)

• Mandate: Requires firearms to be securely stored in homes and vehicles,
• Penalties: Range from civil infractions to felonies if unsecured firearms lead to injury,
• Status: Did not advance past the legislative deadline.
• More than likely will be brought back next session

4. Firearm and Ammunition Excise Tax (HB 1386)

• Tax Rate: 11% on sales of firearms and ammunition,
• Exemptions: Law enforcement and military personnel,​
• Revenue Use: Funds allocated to gun violence prevention programs,
• Status: Did not advance past the legislative deadline.
• More than likely will be brought back next session

5. Expanded Open-Carry Restrictions (SB 5098)

• Provisions: Prohibits open carry in areas frequented by children, such as playgrounds, zoos, and transit centers.,
• Status: Did not advance past the legislative deadline.
• More than likely will be brought back next session

6. Enhanced Dealer Regulations (SB 5099)

• Requirements: Imposes stricter security measures, mandatory employee training, and annual inspections for firearm dealers.​
• Status: Did not advance past the legislative deadline. ​
• More than likely will be brought back next session

WA - New tax blitz coming against working families and job creators

Washington Senate Democrats introduced a set of sweeping tax proposals totaling more than $12 billion, despite Senate Republicans presenting a balanced budget with no tax increases (SB 5810).

These proposed taxes continue to put us down the path of unsustainable spending. The state has experienced unanticipated increases in revenue collection. However, the majority budget proposal represents an unrealistic expansion of government, requiring additional revenue. These tax proposals will drive small businesses and families out of Washington, further declining Washington’s competitiveness and the companies that generate the bulk of our revenue.

The proposals were heard yesterday, April 16th, in the Senate Ways & Means Committee, and are scheduled for a committee vote tomorrow morning. The full Senate will take up the proposals as early as Saturday.

This package represents a dramatic shift in Washington tax policy, targeting everything from job creation, to innovation, to family savings.

I wanted to highlight a few of these proposals and give you my take on them.

On SB 5815 – Business Tax Increases

This bill doesn’t reward success — it penalizes it. The majority seems to want to punish you if you’re creating jobs or innovating in Washington. This will continue to drive economic development out of our state. 

On SB 5814 – Sales Tax Increase

In one of the more creative proposals, the majority is trying to collect sales tax on certain businesses before they make the retail sale. This requires businesses to estimate their future sales to pay taxes now to help balance the state budget. This tax shift will cause budgeting issues in the future.

On SB 5813 - Capital Gains & Estate Tax Hikes

This will affect homeowners and renters alike and the increase goes against a long-standing voter approved initiative. When combined with the proposed rent control legislation, and continued limitation on property rights, we will keep pushing folks out of their homes and rentals.

On SB 5812 – Property Tax Increases

This will affect homeowners and renters alike. This increase goes against a voter approved initiative. Combine this with the proposed rent control legislation and continued limitation on property rights, we will keep pushing folks out of their homes and rentals.

On SB 5811 – EV Credit Tax

For the last few years, the majority party has been incentivizing people to purchase electric vehicles, and mandated manufacturers to sell more EVs or buy credits. Now we’re punishing the behavior we encouraged. This tax is focused on one EV manufacturer and will be passed on to consumers, increasing the cost.

None of these proposals are necessary because we have sufficient revenue to support the essential functions of government without requiring tax increases. The $ave Washington Budget that Senate Republicans released over a month ago demonstrates that we do not need higher taxes. We need government accountability. In a time when families face challenges due to inflation and small businesses struggle to survive, our priority should be to provide relief and stability to the people of Washington.

 

-- Sen. Keith Goehner (R-12LD)

WA State permit to purchase fireams bill Update April 15

House Bill 1163 establishes a permit to purchase scheme requiring government permission to purchase or transfer a firearm, adds a live-fire training component, and establishes an illegal government registry of firearm owners and their personal information. This bill will do nothing to address Washington’s crime problem, but it will make firearm ownership nearly unobtainable practically and financially. 

Please contact your Representative and urge them to OPPOSE HB 1163 by using the TAKE ACTION button below, and contact the general legislative number at 1-800-562-6000 to voice your opposition to this egregious bill!

 More gun control bills are still on the move. Please stay tuned

WA state anti-gun rights bills

On Friday, April 4th, two anti-gun bills will be heard simultaneously in separate committees; SB 5098, "gun & knife free" zone expansion, will be heard in the House Appropriations Committee, and HB 1163, a permit to purchase scheme, will be heard in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

Please consider submitting testimony AGAINST SB 5098 and HB 1163, and use the TAKE ACTION button below to contact members of the committee directly and urge them to OPPOSE these bills!

Senate Bill 5098 prohibits the possession of firearms and knives in parks, government buildings, and locations where “children are likely to be present.” While the legislation was amended to exempt concealed pistol license holders, the vague language could be interpreted and applied to interfere with hunting and recreational shooting opportunities. This overbroad language is indicative of the disdain anti-gun legislators have for law-abiding citizens and their desire to turn the entire state of Washington into a "gun-free" zone. 

House Bill 1163 establishes a permit to purchase scheme requiring government permission to purchase or transfer a firearm, adds a live-fire training component, and establishes an illegal government registry of firearm owners and their personal information. An amendment was added in the House Appropriations Committee that if funding is not appropriated for HB 1163's permit scheme by June 30th, 2025, the bill will be null and void. 

But the Democrats are attempting to add nearly $2,800 to the annual tax bill for every citizen of the state... so you know what that means.

It means we fight for freedom!

Washington state to require permits to buy a gun?

Washington state legislature's House Bill 1163 establishes a permit to purchase scheme requiring government permission to purchase or transfer a firearm, adds a live-fire training component, and establishes an illegal government registry of firearm owners and their personal information. An amendment was added in the House Appropriations Committee that if funding is not appropriated for HB 1163's permit scheme by June 30th, 2025, the bill will be null and void.

On Tuesday, March 25^th, the Senate Committee on Law & Justice will hold a hearing on House Bill 1163, creating a permit to purchase scheme in Washington state. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m.

Please submit testimony through the State Legislature Website and register your position as "Con", and please use the TAKE ACTION button below to contact members of the committee directly to urge them to OPPOSE HB 1163!

Anti-gun radicals in the legislature seem to be emboldened by the recent appellate court decision in Oregon regarding their permit-to-purchase scheme, despite other challenges against permit-to-purchase laws pending in the courts. 

Your advocacy can and will make the difference!

Prohibiting guns where "children are likely to be present"

Senate Bill 5098 would prohibit possession of firearms in parks, government buildings, and locations where "children are likely to be present."   

Where children are likely to be present....  What exactly does that mean?  It means whatever they want it to mean.

While the legislation was amended to exempt concealed pistol license holders, the vague language could be interpreted and applied to interfere with hunting and recreational shooting opportunities. This overbroad language indicates the disdain anti-gun legislators have for law-abiding citizens and their desire to turn the entire state of Washington into a "gun-free" zone. 

On Tuesday, March 18th, the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary will hold a public hearing on Senate Bill 5098, a gun-free zone expansion bill. The hearing has been set for 10:30AM.

Please  submit testimony in opposition of this bill and register your position as "Con" through the House Committee website. Additionally, contact members of the committee directly by using the TAKE ACTION button below and urge them to OPPOSE SB 5098!

 Article I: Declaration of Rights, § 24, of the Washington State Constitution states, "The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state, shall not be impaired, but nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing individuals or corporations to organize, maintain or employ an armed body of men."

US Constitution, Amendment 2, "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."