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May 27, 2025

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The 2025 legislative session has officially wrapped up, and as always, it was an intense 105 days filled with tough debates, key decisions, and opportunities to deliver for the 16th District. While some outcomes were disappointing—particularly the surge in new taxes—there were also major wins I’m proud to share, especially in local infrastructure, public safety, and education.

This update provides a closer look at the investments coming to our communities and some troubling decisions by the majority party that will affect every taxpayer in our state.

You’re invited! | Upcoming in-person town halls on May 31

Event #1 – Columbia Basin College (Pasco)

WHAT: 8^th and 16^th Districts joint town hall meeting

WHEN: Saturday, May 31 | 1–3 p.m.

WHERE: Columbia Basin College | Gjerde Center (H-Building, near the North H parking lot) | 2600 N. 20th Ave., Pasco

Event #2 – Walla Walla Community College (Walla Walla)

WHAT: 16^th District town hall meeting

WHEN: Saturday, May 31 | 6-7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Walla Walla Community College | 500 Tausick Way, Walla Walla

I hope you will be able to join me and my colleagues at one of these events. I look forward to seeing everyone.

Getting our fair share

Let’s begin with some good news. The state’s capital budget—funded primarily through bond sales—makes critical, long-term investments in physical infrastructure like schools, public facilities, and clean energy projects. I’m proud to report that the 16th District will receive over $111 million for projects that reflect community needs and local priorities.

These wins weren’t accidental. They resulted from direct input from our cities, counties, and local organizations. I worked to ensure your voices were heard and your tax dollars brought real value back home.

Highlights include:

• $4 million – Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Test Bed
• $1.03 million – Columbia Basin Health Association
• $1 million – Franklin County Fire: New Fire Station
• $1 million – Lions Park Community Center
• $1 million – Mid-Columbia Children’s Museum
• $773,000 – Port of Walla Walla: Tri-City Intermodal Project
• $700,000 – Grid-Scale Coordination for Washington
• $285,000 – Walla Walla School District #140: Center for Children & Families
• $160,000 – Christian Aid Center
• $103,000 – Preserving Washington’s Oldest Locomotive
• $27,000 – Walla Walla Interpretive Signage
• $25,000 – Walla Walla County Fairgrounds: Grandstand Renovation
• $22,000 – Key Capital Projects for Nonprofit Theater in Walla Walla

The Operating Budget – A spending plan I couldn’t support

While the capital budget reflects responsible investments, I could not support the operating budget passed by the majority. State spending now exceeds $77.9 billion, a dramatic $6 billion increase over the current budget and nearly an 8% spike in overall growth. With economic uncertainties looming, this is not sustainable.

It’s not that the state lacks revenue—far from it. Our tax collections continue to rise. The problem is overspending. Rather than planning for a downturn or exercising fiscal restraint, the majority continues to push forward with aggressive budget growth and minimal reserves.

Historic tax increases when families can least afford it

To fuel their unsustainable spending, the majority passed more than $9.5 billion in new and increased taxes—the largest tax increase in state history. These taxes will hit working families, small businesses, and even those trying to reduce their environmental footprint.

Here’s what some of the most impactful tax bills will do:

• HB 2049 – Authorizes a 55% property tax levy increase for local school districts
• HB 2081 – Raises business & occupation (B&O) taxes and imposes punitive surcharges
• HB 2077 – Imposes excise taxes on zero-emission vehicle credits (targeting Tesla and similar companies)
• SB 5814 – Expands the sales tax to include digital services, temporary staffing, and more
• SB 5813 – Hikes capital gains and estate taxes
• SB 5794 – Eliminates tax exemptions for items like gold, low-income energy credits, and storage units

These tax hikes disproportionately impact those already struggling with high grocery, gas, and housing costs. It’s the wrong approach at the wrong time.

[Click here to see the full list of new taxes.]

Transportation Budget – Missed opportunities and more costs

The final $15.5 billion transportation budget had a mix of wins and letdowns. While it funds important statewide priorities, it also introduces $3.2 billion in new taxes and fees, including a 6-cent increase in the gas tax, a 12-cent increase in the diesel tax, and automatic annual inflation adjustments that will drive fuel prices even higher over time.

Some of the largest allocations include:

• $11.8 billion – WSDOT
• $1.7 billion – Washington State Ferries
• $758 million – Washington State Patrol
• $753 million – Public Transportation
• $446 million – Department of Licensing

I ultimately voted no on this budget because it places unnecessary burdens on Washingtonians while failing to adequately fund key projects in our own district.

[Click here for a full list of transportation projects.]

Staying involved year-round

Although the session is over, my work representing the 16th District continues every day. Whether it’s advocating for state support, working on policy solutions, or simply hearing your concerns, I’m always here for you.

Please stay in touch. Thank you for allowing me to serve you in Olympia.

Sincerely,

Skyler Rude