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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2026 legislative session is officially underway, marked by opening day ceremonies and the Governor’s State of the State address. There is always a certain level of pomp and tradition that comes with the first day in Olympia. For those of us focused on representing rural communities, however, the real work begins after the speeches end. This session will be fast-paced and, at times, chaotic. That said, it carries real consequences for families and employers across Washington.
Before getting into the details of session, let me tell you about a personal high point from opening day. My daughter, Elizabeth, had the honor of singing the national anthem during the opening ceremonies in the Capitol. She took to the podium, looked off into the distance, and belted out “The Star-Spangled Banner” like an experienced pro. For me, it was surreal. This is the same little girl who grew up playing in the creeks around Inchelium, and there she was, singing the national anthem in the “people’s house.” She brought huge credit on herself, our district, and our country, and I could not be more proud of this young lady.
Unfortunately, after Elizabeth’s performance, the Legislature must turn to more unpleasant tasks. As the session moves forward, the most consequential work before the Legislature is passing a supplemental budget. Lawmakers are facing an estimated $4.3 billion budget shortfall, and how Olympia responds will have direct impacts on the cost of living, job opportunities, and the long-term health of our state’s economy.
This shortfall did not appear overnight. Just last session, Democrats passed the largest tax increase package in Washington state history, despite having recently enjoyed a massive budget surplus. Over the past decade, state spending doubled, turning what was once a roughly $15 billion surplus into today’s multi-billion-dollar deficit. Much of last year’s budget relied on one-time funding sources and short-term fixes, while placing even more demands on taxpayers. Now, families are being told they need to pay more again to cover the consequences of that approach.
Unfortunately, the tax ideas already circulating this session would make Washington even less affordable. Proposals include a nearly 10% state income tax on so-called “high earners,” a new wealth tax that would discourage investment and job creation, a new payroll tax on higher wages paid by employers, a higher real estate excise tax that would drive up housing costs, and a new excise tax on firearms and ammunition that targets lawful citizens rather than criminals. These are not just bad policy ideas, they are dangerous ones.
Washington is already projected to see zero job growth in 2026. Piling new taxes on employers, investors, and working families is not a path to economic stability. It is a recipe for fewer jobs, higher prices, and continued budget instability.
The budget and tax fight will be ugly. Meanwhile, my focus remains on fighting for Northeast Washington and advancing legislation rooted in local priorities and common sense. This year, I am proud to sponsor several bills that reflect the values and needs of our district.
One bill would provide for establishment of family burial ground cemeteries (House Bill 2239), ensuring families and communities can preserve these sacred places that tell the story of who we are and where we come from. This bill has a hearing in the Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee on January 23 at 10:30 AM, and, if you’re interested in the subject, I strongly encourage you to testify. For more information and to sign up to testify remotely on this bill, click here. Another addresses ungulate management (House Bill 2221), recognizing the real impacts of predator overpopulation on agriculture, public safety, and rural livelihoods. I am also advancing legislation to improve retirement flexibility for port district employees (House Bill 2179), ensuring fairness and workforce stability in communities that rely on their ports for economic development. This bill is specifically for Port of Pend Oreille workers.
I also seek to articulate our district’s values on broader issues facing our state and country. As a result, I am working to establish a Global War on Terror memorial on the Capitol campus (House Bill 2514). Washington men and women heroically answered the call after September 11, 2001, and many paid the ultimate price. This memorial would honor those who served and died in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn, while also recognizing the ongoing toll these wars have taken on veterans and military families. It is high time that those who gave “the last full measure of devotion” in these wars are honored on our Capitol campus.
I am also proud of another bill establishing a Washington State Religious Liberty Commission (House Bill 2342). This commission would serve as an advisory and educational body to help protect the free exercise of religious belief and conscience, as guaranteed by both the Washington State Constitution and the U.S. Constitution. I am concerned about the state of religious freedom in Washington, especially with a recent report from the Napa Legal Institute finding Washington as among the worst in the nation in terms of religious freedom.
Finally, I am also sponsoring legislation to designate English as the official language of Washington state (House Bill 2197). This bill promotes unity and civic engagement while respecting constitutional rights and encouraging expanded English-language education and citizenship training for non-native speakers. A common language is essential to living out our unofficial national motto of “E pluribus unum” – “out of many, one.” If adopted, Washington would join over 30 other U.S. states in designating English as their official language. It’s time we joined them.
Serving you in Olympia is an honor and responsibility I take seriously. I will continue to stand up for our district, fight against policies that make life less affordable, and work to ensure rural voices are heard loud and clear.
As always, thank you for the honor of representing you.
Sincerely,
Hunter Abell
