2026 Legislative Session

State Rep. Debra Lekanoff, a Democrat from Anacortes, pushed for the legislation to wipe state statutes clean of an unenforceable voter initiative.

The 9.9% tax on incomes over $1 million starts in 2029, funding child care subsidies, tax breaks for low-income families and sales tax breaks, and supporting the general fund.

Lawmakers took this year to close polluter loopholes in the state’s climate laws and advance a major bill to upgrade and expand the electrical grid.

Even as lawmakers cut funding for other early education and childcare programs, they expanded the state’s free preschool program during the recent legislative session.

Lawmakers have set aside $19 million to fill in the federal government's cuts to Medicaid.

The Washington Legislature wrapped up the 2026 session last week. Updates to the budget included cuts to childcare subsidies and a one-time pull from the state's rainy day fund.

Lawmakers avoided a multi-million dollar cut to state funding that helps programs such as rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters and legal aid.

Democrats and Republicans argued over whether spending and taxing plans will make Washington more affordable. Lawmakers will have to wrangle with a forecast deficit next year.

It would be the state's first-ever income tax. The Senate's final approval came after a historic 25-hour debate in the House.

In a 51 to 46 vote with four Democrats dissenting, the bill now has a clear path to the governor’s desk. If signed into law, it would become the first income tax for the state of Washington.