||| FROM THE OFFICE OF REP. DEBRA LEKANOFF |||
The session is moving quickly – we’ve already passed the Policy Committee Cutoff!
I wanted to take a moment to share an update on the work I’ve been doing on your behalf, from advancing policies that support housing stability and community resilience, to meeting with students, firefighters, and local partners who are shaping our priorities this year.
As always, my focus is on listening, staying grounded in real-world needs, and making sure our district’s voices are reflected in the decisions being made at the Capitol.
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Tell Us Your Story
We want to hear from you. How are things going in your community? How has ICE impacted you, your family, and your community? Your stories will help shape solutions that truly reflect our district’s needs.
Take the survey and share your voice today!
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You’re Invited!
I’m looking forward to spending time with you in Mount Vernon later this month for a community town hall conversation.
Please join me, Senator Liz Lovelett, and Representative Alex Ramel on Saturday, February 21, from 11:00 a.m. to noon at the Mount Vernon Commons.
This is a chance to hear what’s happening in Olympia, share what’s on your mind, and ask questions about the issues that matter most to you and your family. Whether you want to talk about the legislative session, local priorities, or just connect face-to-face, we’d love to see you there.
I hope you can join us!
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A fairer tax system that works for Washington families
For too long, Washington’s tax system has asked the most of those who have the least—and has asked the least of those who have the most. Built nearly a century ago, our upside-down tax code is failing to keep up with a growing state, rising costs, and the real needs of Washington families.
That’s why I strongly support the High Earners Income Tax—legislation that takes a meaningful step toward fairness by asking Washington’s wealthiest households to contribute more equitably, while reducing taxes for working families and small businesses.
This proposal establishes a 9.9% tax on annual income over $1 million, with a $1 million standard deduction per household. It affects less than 0.5% of Washington households and does not apply to the sale of your home or a family-owned small business. The tax would take effect in 2028, with revenues beginning in 2029.
The impact would be transformative.
The High Earners Income Tax is estimated to generate $3.7 billion annually, with the vast majority invested directly in what our communities need most: K-12 education, health care, higher education, and essential public services, while also strengthening public defense across the state.
Just as important, this plan is about tax relief, not just revenue. It would:
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Expand the Working Families Tax Credit to all eligible Washingtonians 18 and older, benefiting an estimated 120,000 more people.
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Double the Small Business Tax Credit, eliminating B&O taxes for businesses earning under $250,000 and helping around 150,000 small businesses.
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Remove sales tax from grooming and hygiene products, because basic necessities shouldn’t come with a tax penalty.
Even after recent progress, Washington still has the second most regressive tax system in the nation, with our lowest-income residents paying nearly four times more of their income in taxes than our highest earners. That is unconscionable and it’s why reform can’t wait.
At a time when federal funding for health care, education, and food security is being cut, Washington cannot afford austerity as a long-term strategy. Voters were clear: they don’t want schools, health care, or essential services cut so that extremely wealthy individuals can pay less.
The goal here is simple and shared by many of you: a fairer system where everyone contributes their fair share, affordability improves for working families, and our state remains strong, competitive, and compassionate.
Fixing our broken tax structure won’t happen overnight, but this is a critical step forward. I’m proud to stand with Washington families, workers, and small businesses in support of a tax system that finally reflects our values.
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ITLs: Protecting Rights, Rejecting Fear
This session the Legislature received Initiatives to the Legislature (ITLs): a process that allows Washingtonians to bring proposed laws forward for consideration before they ever reach the ballot. It’s a part of our democracy designed to let the people set the agenda. As House leadership said at a January 20 media availability: “we trust the people to do the right thing” — and that trust must mean protecting the rights and dignity of every Washingtonian.
These specific ITLs are rooted in attacks on transgender youth and attempts to roll back progress on students’ rights.
The two initiatives currently under review are:
IL26-638 — Transgender Student Athlete Ban
IL26-001 — Repealing Recent Parental Rights Law Changes
Rather than holding hearings on these initiatives, which would amplify harmful rhetoric and misinformation, legislative leadership has signaled that these measures are more appropriately resolved by voters at the ballot in November if they qualify.
As your representative, I stand for inclusive communities where every young person, regardless of gender identity or background, can thrive without fear of exclusion or discrimination. These initiatives do not reflect the values of equity and dignity that most Washingtonians share. I will continue to advocate for policies that protect all students, honor privacy and human rights, and strengthen our public schools as safe, welcoming places for every child.
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Bills On the Move!
As the 2025–26 session continues, I want to share a brief update on the bills I’m sponsoring that are still alive and moving forward. These measures reflect our shared priorities: protecting the environment, honoring tribal sovereignty and treaty rights, expanding culturally relevant health care, and strengthening transparent, effective government.
Here’s where things stand and why this work matters:
Protecting Our Waters
HB 2436 — Strengthening Oil Tanker Safety This bill improves safety requirements for oil tankers in restricted waters to help prevent spills that would harm our coastlines, fisheries, and communities.
Upholding Tribal Sovereignty & Treaty Rights
HB 2435 — Legislative Office on Indian Affairs Creates a dedicated office within the Legislature to improve consultation, coordination, and accountability in state–tribal relations — helping ensure tribal voices are heard early and consistently in lawmaking.
HB 2685 — Tribal Data Sharing & Protection Centers tribal authority over sensitive data by protecting culturally significant or confidential tribal information from inappropriate disclosure.
HB 1982 — Vacating Treaty-Rights Convictions Allows people to vacate convictions tied to the lawful exercise of treaty-protected fishing rights — correcting past harms and respecting treaty commitments.
HB 2554 — Treaty-Reserved Fishing Rights Repeals outdated statutory language that conflicts with judicially upheld treaty fishing rights, strengthening state–tribal cooperation to protect fish and cultural traditions.
Health, Healing & Public Safety
HB 2437 — Accreditation Fees for Opioid Treatment Programs Ensures sustainable oversight of opioid treatment accreditation so programs remain accountable while meeting community needs.
HB 2555 & HB 1583 — Medicaid for Traditional Health Practices These bills work to expand Medicaid coverage to include traditional health care practices — recognizing culturally grounded healing and improving health access.
Stronger Government & Community Access
HB 2520 — Emergency Meetings Clarifies how public agencies hold emergency meetings so the public stays informed when urgent decisions are made.
HB 2468 — Updating DSHS Terminology Makes technical corrections so the Revised Code of Washington reflects recent social and health services reorganizations — reducing confusion and improving service delivery.
HB 1144 — Additional Superior Court Judge in Skagit County Adds a judge position to help reduce case backlogs and improve access to timely justice for families and community members. (Bill in legislative process; summary available from bill tracking tools.)
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Affordable Homes and Real Solutions Nearly half of Whatcom County households struggle to afford basic necessities, especially housing. According to the ALICE Report, 45% of households earn too much to qualify for public assistance but not enough to cover essentials like rent, food, and healthcare. That reality is driving housing instability across our region. I’ve been grateful to meet with so many community housing partners working every day to address housing affordability and help families move from instability to security. One priority this session has been tackling policies that affect how we support people experiencing homelessness and increase the supply of affordable places to live. HB 2489 — the “Shelter, Not Penalties” Act I support HB 2489 because traditional “sweep and punish” approaches haven’t solved homelessness and too often make it harder for people to regain stability. Treating people with dignity while we expand real solutions like affordable housing and supportive services is both more effective and more consistent with our shared values. My goal is to work with community leaders, local officials, and residents to support policies that protect public safety and help people move out of homelessness for good. We can, and should, want both: healthy, safe neighborhoods and compassion for people in crisis. HB 2266 — Encouraging Supportive and Emergency Housing Both of these bills address different parts of the same challenge: how we respond with solutions that keep people safe, help households avoid the brink of crisis, and increase the supply of affordable, stable homes across Washington.
Community Corner! Flood Recovery & Resilience — Session Update After the record flooding this winter, much of our region’s water levels have receded, and communities are now transitioning fully into recovery mode. As the Legislature resumes session, we’re continuing to focus not just on response, but on long-term resilience — making sure families, local governments, and infrastructure are better protected before the next big storm. Latest from the Governor’s Office Governor Bob Ferguson has taken several steps in recent weeks to support Washingtonians affected by the historic December atmospheric river events:
This is a key priority in session work — ensuring that federal dollars reach everyday residents, especially homeowners and renters whose lives were disrupted by flooding. Work in Olympia I’ve been closely engaged in regional and county emergency coordination meetings to ensure local needs are informing state action, particularly in flood-prone areas like Skagit County. These conversations directly shaped HB 2520, legislation to strengthen our state’s emergency response and recovery systems so communities are better supported before, during, and after disasters. During committee testimony in late January, local leaders and emergency managers shared firsthand accounts of what worked, what didn’t, and where the state can do better, especially when it comes to coordination and long-term resilience. Their voices are critical as we work to make sure disaster response is faster, clearer, and more equitable. Looking Ahead While the floodwaters may have settled, the impacts will be felt for months. Our work to build stronger, more resilient communities is just getting started. I’ll continue to keep you updated as we advance legislation and support efforts to ensure federal assistance reaches those who need it most.
Supporting Firefighters & Emergency Responders Our emergency responders, from career and volunteer firefighters to EMTs and dispatchers, put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep our communities safe. But that service comes with a human cost: chronic stress, trauma exposure, long shifts, and shrinking staffing resources are contributing to burnout, health impacts, and declining recruitment and retention across the profession. Many departments across the state are struggling to keep staffing up as volunteer ranks shrink and the traditional pathways into service no longer support families and financial stability. In response, the Legislature is taking steps to support both the mental health and long-term viability of the emergency services workforce. First Responder Wellness & Peer Support — HB 2311 One key piece of legislation underway is HB 2311, a bill passed by the Legislature and enacted in 2024 that aims to strengthen mental health supports for first responders across Washington. This bill will:
This bill acknowledges what many in emergency services have long said: responders need peer-centered, trauma-informed support that reflects the realities of the job.  I had the privilege of meeting with local firefighters to talk about how we can better support our emergency responders! LaVenture Middle School Visits the House Floor  It was a pleasure welcoming students from LaVenture Middle School in Mount Vernon to the House floor! Future leaders getting a firsthand look at how our state government works.
Your stories and experiences guide my work every day. I’m committed to keeping you informed as session continues and to working collaboratively toward practical solutions that strengthen our communities now and into the future. Please don’t hesitate to reach out – I look forward to hearing from you.
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