Reps. Hunter Abell and Andrew Engell discuss the second week of the 2026 legislative session with Chris Hansen from KPQ Radio

January 23, 2026

Rep. Hunter Abell, R-Inchelium, and Rep. Andrew Engell, R-Colville, join Chris Hansen on KPQ Radio to discuss the 2026 legislative session. They talk about the state’s budget shortfall and remind listeners that Democrats passed the largest tax-increase package in state history just last year. Despite calls from the majority party for more taxes, including a potential income tax, the two lawmakers say the state needs to prioritize and abandon the “tax and spend” mentality that turned a multibillion dollar budget surplus just a few years ago into another multibillion shortfall today.

Abell also proudly recalls how his daughter was chosen to sing the national anthem during the opening day ceremonies. He talks about his bill to reorganize the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, his proposal to create a Global War on Terror Memorial on the state Capitol Campus, and his legislation to allow small, rural burial grounds on family property.

Engell discusses his bill to address the ever-increasing wolf numbers in Northeast Washington, his legislation to reduce regulations and costs for small gravel pits, and a constituent-requested proposal to place a warranty on state-issued license plates, requiring the state to replace them for free if they wear out and become unreadable before their expected lifespan.