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Dear Neighbor,
I hope this message finds you and your family safe and well. As we close out the year and look ahead to the 2026 legislative session, I want to share essential resources, reflect on what I’ve been hearing from you, and highlight ways to stay connected and involved in the weeks ahead.
The past several weeks have been challenging for many communities across our state—especially here in Southwest Washington. At the same time, families, retirees, and small businesses continue to feel the strain of rising costs and uncertainty about what comes next. Your voices and real-life experiences continue to shape my work in Olympia, and I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to stay engaged.
Flood recovery resources and disaster preparedness
Washington state recently experienced record-breaking floods, and Lewis County was among the hardest-hit areas. In response, House Republicans created a centralized online resource page with up-to-date information on recovery efforts, emergency updates, and available assistance.
In addition to connecting residents with resources, I’ve worked to advance legislation focused on disaster response and recovery. I sponsored legislation (House Bill 1990) to help utilities manage and recover disaster-related emergency costs while protecting customers from sudden rate spikes. I’ve also cosponsored legislation (House Bill 2020) creating a state-administered public infrastructure assistance program to help local governments and tribes repair critical infrastructure damaged during declared disasters.
As the assistant ranking member of the House Capital Budget Committee, I have also worked to direct funding to the Chehalis Basin Flood Authority to continue flood-mitigation efforts. Over the past 5 years in the Legislature, I’ve seen our communities make progress towards catastrophic flood mitigation. However, the recent flooding in the Chehalis Basin is evidence that much more work lies ahead.
As disasters become more frequent and severe, I will continue working across the aisle to support practical, responsible legislation that strengthens disaster preparedness, response, and recovery for our communities.
In the media: Voices, commentary, and coverage
Keeping you informed on the issues that matter to our families, businesses, and communities is a top priority for me. Over the past several weeks, I’ve been active in sharing perspectives and insights through local media and op-eds—breaking down complex issues in clear, straightforward terms and responding to key issues in Olympia and beyond.
Here are a few recent highlights:
Don’t blame the national GOP for WA Dems’ failures | Joint op-ed with Rep. Travis Couture of the 35th Legislative District.
In this piece, Rep. Couture and I respond to an opinion by Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins that shifted blame for Washington’s challenges and crises to national politics. We take readers through the real drivers of affordability, housing, public safety, and homelessness struggles here at home, in this Washington, and explain why local policy decisions—not Washington, D.C.—are the root of these issues.
Washington must spend within its means | Op-ed
This op-ed focuses on fiscal responsibility as we head into the 2026 legislative session. Rather than growing government without restraint, I argue we should prioritize disciplined budgeting and real relief for families.
Beyond my op-eds, you’ll also find coverage of community visits, legislative priorities, and video updates—from “Principal for a Day” at South Ridge Elementary to discussions about tax policy and school facility needs in rural districts.
For the full list of news releases, commentary, and media coverage, please visit my News & Media page and stay connected with what’s happening in Olympia and in our communities.
What’s ahead in the 2026 legislative session
The 2026 legislative session begins Monday, Jan. 12, and will run for 60 consecutive days. This “short session” comes at a critical time for our state.
While Washington is one of the most beautiful places to live, work, and raise a family, policy decisions over the past decade have made life increasingly difficult and expensive for many people. Today, our state faces some of the highest gas, housing, grocery, child care, and overall cost-of-living costs in the nation.
House Republicans remain focused on tackling this affordability crisis and advancing policies that allow families to keep more of what they earn.
During session, lawmakers will also finalize supplemental operating, transportation, and capital budgets. A significant point of debate will again be the state’s ongoing operating budget shortfall. Already, bills have been pre-filed that would raise taxes even further—including renewed pushes for a state income tax.
Washingtonians cannot afford another tax hike, especially following the largest tax increase in state history passed in 2025. I will continue working to protect families and taxpayers while advocating for responsible budgeting and long-term solutions.
What you told me: Affordability survey results
Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in my recent affordability survey. More than 185 constituents responded, and your feedback paints a clear picture of the financial pressures families are facing across our region.
When asked how rising costs have affected you most, respondents consistently pointed to everyday essentials.
- 77% said rising gas and transportation costs are impacting their household.
- 73% cited higher grocery and household costs.
- 64% pointed to housing costs, including property taxes, rent, and insurance.
- 44% said health care costs are a significant concern.
Your responses also sent a strong message about taxes. When asked about the largest tax increase in Washington state history, passed in 2025, nearly 72% of respondents said it made Washington less affordable to live, work, and do business.
Housing affordability was another top concern. When asked what the Legislature should prioritize, a majority of you supported a comprehensive approach—addressing property taxes, rent affordability, and burdensome regulations—rather than focusing on just one piece of the problem.
Health care costs also ranked high. With premiums projected to rise sharply, most respondents said lawmakers should work to lower insurance premiums while protecting critical services, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Across the board, your responses reinforced a consistent theme: Washington families are stretched thin, and affordability must be a top priority in the 2026 legislative session.
Your feedback will continue to guide my work in Olympia as I advocate for responsible budgeting and real relief for households and small businesses.
You can view the full results of this survey by clicking here.
Share your perspective on education
As we head into session, Washington’s education system faces important questions about student outcomes, accountability, and how effectively resources are being used.
Despite our state’s education spending levels, many families and educators continue to raise concerns about academic performance, chronic absenteeism, and whether students are graduating truly prepared for college, careers, or the workforce. At the same time, parents are navigating rising back-to-school costs while districts face enrollment shifts and funding uncertainty.
Your input is essential as these issues are debated in Olympia. I invite you to take a few minutes to complete my education survey and share your perspective on what’s working, what isn’t, and where the Legislature should focus its efforts to serve students, families, and teachers better.
Click here to access the survey or scan this QR code.
Stay connected and involved
With session right around the corner, staying engaged matters.
The best place for timely updates, bill information, surveys, and legislative resources is the House Republican website, where you’ll find caucus priorities and ways to stay involved throughout session—including opportunities to weigh in on key issues and legislation.
I also host the Fix Washington podcast, where we take a deeper dive into the policies shaping our state and the real-world impacts on families and communities.
Recent episodes include:
- House Democrats push for a new income tax on wages | Listen and watch here
- What’s really happening across the Cascades | Listen and watch here
- Farmers may never financially recover from this | Listen and watch here
- Why is it so expensive to live in Washington? | Listen and watch here
- Washington’s costly new taxes and what’s coming next | Listen and watch here
New episodes are added regularly, and I hope you’ll tune in and share them with your network.
Happy Holidays!
As we approach the holidays, I want to wish you and your family a safe, joyful, and restful season. Thank you for the honor of representing you and for your continued engagement in our work.
Sincerely,
Peter Abbarno
