RADIO | Capitol Report with Rep. Peter Abbarno: Accountability, affordability, and the start of the 2026 session

January 16, 2026

The 2026 legislative session is underway in Olympia, marking a fast-paced 60-day session that is already shaping discussions around the next biennial budget.

House Republican Caucus Chair Peter Abbarno said the majority party is once again pushing new taxes, including a state income tax, despite affordability challenges facing families, seniors, and small businesses across Washington.

Abbarno has introduced several bills this session focused on accountability and fairness, including legislation to improve transparency for injured workers, ensure crime victim penalty assessments are applied consistently, and protect clean drinking water in Centralia by holding publicly operated game farms to the same standards as private operations.

He also encouraged constituents to stay engaged in the legislative process, noting that public input is especially important during a short session.

Listen to the full Capitol Report above and visit RepresentativePeterAbbarno.com to learn more about what’s happening in Olympia and how to get involved.