Rep. Andrew Engell outlines priorities as 2026 legislative session begins

With the 2026 Washington state legislative session set to begin next week, Rep. Andrew Engell, R-Colville, said budget shortfalls and renewed calls for tax increases will dominate the conversation in Olympia, even after last year’s historic tax hikes.

Despite more than $9 billion in new taxes approved by Democrats in the previous session, the state is once again facing a projected budget deficit driven by unchecked spending growth. Engell said that reality underscores the need for a more disciplined and transparent approach to state government.

“Families and employers were told last year that massive tax increases were necessary to stabilize the budget,” Engell said. “Now we’re being told we need even more taxes because spending wasn’t brought under control. That’s not sustainable, and it’s not fair to the people who are already struggling with affordability.”

Engell said he will continue to oppose new and higher taxes this session and will push for policies that prioritize efficiency, accountability, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.

“As lawmakers, we have an obligation to live within our means just like the people we represent,” Engell said. “Before asking anyone to pay more, the state should prove it can manage what it already collects.”

In addition to budget issues, Engell highlighted progress on local legislation aimed at addressing everyday frustrations faced by constituents. House Bill 2114, which is scheduled for a public hearing next week in the House Transportation Committee, would eliminate or reduce fees for replacing defective vehicle license plates that become unreadable within five years of issuance.

“This is a simple customer-service fix brought to me by a local constituent,” Engell said. “When the state issues a product that fails well before its expected lifespan, people shouldn’t be punished with extra fees to correct it. This bill is about fairness and restoring trust in basic government services.”

Engell also noted positive momentum on legislation he introduced last year, which is now scheduled for a potential executive session next week. His proposal, House Bill 1311, would require the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife to designate gray wolves as “sensitive” rather than “endangered,” while maintaining protections and giving the department greater flexibility in managing conflicts.

“This is about giving wildlife managers the tools they need to respond to growing conflicts while maintaining appropriate protections,” Engell said. “Down-listing recognizes reality on the ground and allows the department to manage wolves responsibly, not reactively, while balancing conservation success with the needs of rural communities.”

Engell said he looks forward to working on practical solutions this session that respect taxpayers, protect rural communities, and deliver more accountable government for all Washingtonians.

For more information:
House Bill 2114 – Public hearing on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 4:00 PM in the House Transportation Committee.

House Bill 1311 – Possibly executive session on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 8:00 AM (to be voted out of committee) in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov