Terrific Tuesday | Navigating difficult budget decisions for a stronger future

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||| FROM THE OFFICE OF REP. DEBRA LEKANOFF |||

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Caucus Priorities: A Budget That Works for Everyone

Washington is facing a budget shortfall, and once again, the choices we make will determine who bears the burden. For too long, our state has relied on a tax system that asks the most from those with the least while allowing the wealthiest to contribute far less than their fair share. We have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to change that.

Progressive revenue isn’t just about closing budget gaps; it’s about ensuring Washington can invest in the public goods that make our communities strong: quality schools, accessible healthcare, reliable infrastructure, and a safety net that catches people when they fall. By modernizing our tax code, we can build an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top. That means prioritizing policies that ease the burden on working families while making sure the wealthiest Washingtonians and big corporations contribute fairly.

This week, my colleagues and I introduced revenue proposals that bring balance to our tax code and ensure we can fund essential services—like schools, housing, and public safety—without putting the squeeze on those who can least afford it.

Here’s what we’re proposing:

A Financial Intangible Assets Tax (FIT) – This applies a tax on stocks and bonds owned by ultra-wealthy individuals (exempting the first $50 million) to generate $2 billion per year for K-12 education. Homeowners already pay property taxes on their biggest asset—their home. This ensures that those whose wealth comes from financial assets contribute their fair share, too.

School & Public Safety Funding Adjustments – Our proposal allows property tax growth to reflect inflation and population increases (capped at 3%) and ensures rural school districts receive fair funding. This brings in $50 million in 2026 and $150 million in 2027 for K-12 schools.

Surcharge on High-Grossing Corporations – We’re asking the biggest corporations and financial institutions—those making over $250 million a year—to pay a modest surcharge, generating nearly $2 billion by 2027. Small businesses won’t be affected, but this will help protect public services that working families rely on.

This isn’t just a fiscal debate—it’s a question of values. A budget is more than numbers on a page; it’s a reflection of what we believe in. And I believe in a Washington where opportunity isn’t dictated by zip code, where every child has access to a great education, and where no one is left behind simply because our tax code wasn’t built for them. Now more than ever, we need a budget that serves the people—not just the powerful.

House Budget Proposal: Protecting Families, Communities, and Our Future

This week, House Democrats introduced our 2025-2027 budget proposal—a plan that holds the line on essential services while making responsible adjustments to keep our state financially stable.

We know that Washington families are feeling the impact of rising costs, and the last thing we can afford is to cut the very services that help people stay housed, fed, and healthy. That’s why our proposal prioritizes critical programs like housing assistance, food security, education, and public safety—investments that make a real difference in people’s lives.

Here’s what’s in the budget:

Keeping People Housed & Fed – We’re maintaining funding for emergency food assistance, ensuring seniors, kids, and families don’t go hungry. We’re also securing $117 million for local governments to keep shelter beds available, because no one should be left without a place to sleep.

Protecting Schools & Education – Our children deserve every opportunity to succeed. This budget fully funds teacher salaries, school meals, and special education, while keeping college tuition stable so higher education remains within reach.

Standing Up for Working Families – We’re holding strong on key programs that support child care providers and early learning, ensuring families have access to care while keeping costs manageable.

Building Safer Communities – Public safety remains a priority, with $50 million in new funds for local law enforcement grants and critical investments in crime victim support and reentry services.

A Fairer Tax System for Washington – Our state’s tax code has long favored the wealthiest, leaving working families shouldering more than their fair share. This budget takes steps toward tax fairness, asking Washington’s biggest businesses and wealthiest residents to contribute equitably to the services that make our state strong.

While we had to make tough decisions, we refused to balance the budget on the backs of those who can least afford it. I will continue fighting to ensure that Washington remains a place where every family has the support they need to thrive.

As always, I want to hear from you. Your voices guide the work we do in Olympia. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your thoughts, questions, or concerns.

• You can find all budget documents, including the budget bill, OPR highlights, outlook, and agency details here.
• Watch the public hearing on the budget proposal here
• Watch the operating budget proposal press conference here

Town Hall Recap: Voices from Our Community

Thank you to everyone who joined our recent town hall—it was a powerful reminder of the challenges our communities are facing and the urgency of our work in Olympia. Your voices shape the policies we fight for, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to hear directly from you.

We heard loud and clear from many of you who turned out Saturday that you want the budget deficit closed through new revenue, particularly progressive revenue sources, and not through major cuts to services or furloughs for state workers.

Julie from Mount Vernon asked about how we’re addressing the budget deficit as it relates to childcare programs. She asked, “What will you do to raise revenue from those who can most afford it so we can prevent cuts and delays to childcare programs in our state?”

Thank you for your question, Julie, and for your concerns about childcare, job cuts, and education programs in our state. It’s clear that many of you want us to find ways to address the budget deficit through new revenue, especially from those who can afford it, rather than making cuts. I hear your plea to avoid implementing budget reductions; however, in this time of deep fiscal crisis, this is not a choice I can make right now. I understand the impact cuts can have on our communities and the essential services that families rely on. I can commit to making the hard decisions necessary while also putting my best effort forward to raise revenue and remove policy barriers that prevent programs and agencies from having the flexibility to meet the needs of citizens.

In recent years, Washington State experienced an increase in revenue from federal funding, which allowed us to invest significantly in the communities that needed the most support. These investments have proven crucial, as we have seen a substantial rise in the number of people signing up for assistance, highlighting the depth of need among our citizens facing serious hardships.

However, we are now facing a decrease in revenue due to a combination of factors: inflation affecting progressive taxes, increasing demands from communities across the state, and the impacts of federal budget cuts. This situation underscores the urgent need for us to develop sustainable, long-term revenue strategies.

In my time in office, I have worked with my colleagues on progressive tax measures to address the imbalance in Washington’s tax system, which disproportionately burdens lower-income families. Our reliance on sales tax, a flat tax that affects everyone the same way, means that lower-income families often pay a larger portion of their income compared to wealthier families. I will share this, as it is in my cultural teachings, to acknowledge the commitment of this small pool of taxpayers who are contributing to these progressive taxes.

To create a fairer system, we’ve introduced a capital gains tax on profits from selling high-value assets, targeting wealthier individuals. Additionally, we’ve established the Working Families Tax Credit to help lighten the tax load for low-income families.

The House Democrats are committed to investing in human services to ensure we save lives and support those most in need. This means creating a revenue-generating strategy that not only addresses budget reductions but also provides necessary assistance for our citizens struggling for survival. We must also support the volunteers and nonprofits that are at the heart of our communities.

By focusing on revenue from those who can afford it, we can protect essential programs like childcare, education, and job support, and continue to support our families and communities. I appreciate your engagement on this issue, and I am dedicated to finding solutions that safeguard vital services like childcare.

One of the biggest concerns was job cuts from the state budget, particularly at universities and colleges. Washington’s higher education system is a pathway to opportunity, but with staffing reductions, what does this mean for students, faculty, and the future of our institutions? I’ll be keeping a close eye on how these decisions unfold.

We also discussed the federal cuts to environmental programs and what they mean for Washington. Our parks, once places of refuge and recreation, are at risk. Without proper funding, basic services—like clean bathrooms and weather alerts—become neglected, turning our public spaces into safety hazards instead of community assets.

Medicaid cuts were another urgent topic, with many of you raising concerns about the impact on healthcare access. Patty Murray recently visited Washington, sharing her concerns on the impacts to our state. A recent Seattle’s Child article shed light on what this means for Washingtonians, and the reality is stark—fewer resources for those who need care the most.

We also heard from veterans, including a Native American vet whose daughter was recently laid off from the local Veterans office. Skagit County has the largest number of retired veterans in the state, yet many are unable to relocate for essential services. This is unacceptable. We must ensure our veterans can access the care and support they deserve, close to home.

Elders in our community shared their struggles with accessing services. One question that stood out: “Who is going to come see me if I fall?” No one should feel isolated or left behind. It’s a stark reminder that our policies must reflect the dignity and care that our seniors deserve.

Transportation and infrastructure also remain pressing issues. Our ferry system is vital for those living in island communities, and we must continue pushing for reliability and investment. And when it comes to housing, I heard resoundingly that communities want more local control. People know what’s best for their own neighborhoods—they need the resources and flexibility to make decisions that reflect their needs, whether that’s rent stabilization, affordable housing development, or tenant protections.

These conversations matter. They fuel the work we’re doing in the Legislature, and I am committed to making sure your concerns are heard in every budget and policy decision ahead. Thank you for lending your voices and sharing your stories—I will carry them with me as we continue the fight for a stronger, more just Washington.

Battery Energy Storage System – Share Your Feedback!

Sandy from Mount Vernon asked about the proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities outside Mount Vernon and Sedro Wooley. Sandy asked; “Skagit County has some of the best farmland anywhere. Why are we putting this at risk with these lithium battery storage facilities?”

As your legislator, I value your input on important community matters. Recently, the proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities in Skagit County have generated significant discussion. I encourage you to make your voice heard regarding this project, whether you support or oppose it. Below is a summary of the project’s background, benefits, impacts, and information on the permitting process at the county, state, and federal levels.

Project Background

The Applicant proposes to construct and operate a stand-alone 200 MW/800 MWh BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) in unincorporated Skagit County, Washington, located just outside the eastern edge of Sedro-Woolley, off Minkler Road, and less than 1 mile north of the Skagit River. The project area is situated within Agricultural-Natural Resource Lands (Ag-NRL) and Rural Reserve (RRv) zones. Currently, the land uses include pasture fields, a small section of scrub/shrub habitat, and existing structures that will be demolished as part of the construction.

Surrounding land uses consist of rural single-family residences, pastureland, and infrastructure. The project will utilize lithium-ion battery technology to receive energy from the PSE electric transmission system, store it on-site, and later deliver it back to the grid. The proposed facility will not emit air pollutants, will not require sanitary facilities, and will primarily use water for maintaining landscaping and fire protection.

The project, currently in the Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) permitting process, aligns with the goals set forth in the Clean Energy Transformation Act passed by the Washington legislature in 2019, aiming for a 100 percent clean electricity supply. Construction is expected to support up to 50 jobs during peak construction and create two permanent jobs during operations, along with generating additional tax revenue for Skagit County.

Summary of Benefits and Impacts

Benefits of the Project

• Supports Renewable Energy: Enhances the use of solar and wind energy, contributing to sustainability and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
• Improves Grid Reliability: Provides backup power during outages and maintains consistent energy delivery during peak demand.
• Stimulates Economic Growth: Creates job opportunities during construction and operations, fostering local economic development.
• Enhances Energy Management: Assists in balancing supply and demand, promoting more efficient energy use, and potentially lowering costs for consumers.

Potential Impacts of the Project

• Farmland Conversion: Risks changing agricultural land into industrial use, threatening food security and local farming practices.
• Environmental Risks: Potential harm to local ecosystems and aquatic habitats, particularly for endangered species like salmon.
• Community Displacement: Could lead to the relocation of families and businesses, impacting the social fabric of the community.
• Infrastructure Strain: May require upgrades to local infrastructure, including roads and utilities.

Permitting Process

The permitting process for the BESS project involves several layers of review at the federal, state, and local government levels. At the local level, Skagit County oversees land use decisions through the Planning Commission, which plays a vital role in streamlining the review process for Special Use Permits. This local authority allows for effective responses to community concerns and ensures alignment with the county’s Comprehensive Plan and zoning regulations.

At the state level, permits related to environmental quality, land use, and utility operations may apply, including reviews by agencies such as the Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC). Federal permits may also be necessary, potentially involving compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other related regulations.

For more detailed information on Skagit County’s process regarding this project, you can visit Skagit County Planning.

In conclusion, I encourage you to share your thoughts on the BESS project as these discussions will significantly influence our community’s agricultural heritage and energy future.

Constituent Corner

Honored to stand alongside Native Vote WA, working together to uplift Native voices and strengthen our democracy. Your voices matter, your votes matter, and together, we make a difference!

Grateful to join No Child Left Inside in supporting outdoor access and education for our youth. Every child deserves the chance to explore, learn, and grow in the beauty of our natural spaces!

Tell Your Story

Government should work for the people. It should make life safer, more affordable, and more just. But at the federal level, we are seeing the opposite—a concerted effort to dismantle our rights, threaten our democracy, and roll back the progress we’ve made. Here in Washington state, we are fighting back.  

Recently, Senator Patty Murray visited our caucus here in Washington state. Many of you have reached out, asking what you can do. For now, seek community. Find moments of joy. And most importantly—share your stories.

Senator Murray wants to hear directly from you about the real impacts you’re facing because of this chaos and destruction. Your experiences matter, and they deserve to be heard—loudly, clearly, and repeatedly.

If you have a story you’d like me to share with her, please fill out this survey. Your voice is powerful—let’s make sure it’s heard.

If you’re concerned about what’s happening at the federal level, reach out to your members of Congress—Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and your U.S. Representative Rick Larsen. But know this: no matter what happens in D.C., Washington state will continue to lead.

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