7th District lawmakers give an update on the 2026 session. Topics include: initiatives, wildfires, and the Democrat income tax bill

February 2, 2026

Live From Olympia on Okanogan Country Radio featured 7th Legislative District lawmakers Shelly Short and Hunter Abell with host Tracey Ellis. Rep. Andrew Engell was out this week.

The discussion began with two initiatives to the Legislature: restoring the Parents’ Bill of Rights and addressing fairness in girls’ sports. Abell and Short criticized the Democratic majority for declining to hold hearings, arguing the state Constitution prioritizes initiatives and that proposals backed by hundreds of thousands of signatures deserve at least a public hearing and vote.

Abell updated listeners on legislation responding to declining ungulate populations (deer, elk, moose) and predator impacts, thanking tribal leaders, sheriffs, local officials, hunters, and others who testified. He also previewed hearings on reorganizing the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee and creating a Global War on Terrorism memorial on the Capitol campus.

Short highlighted wildfire readiness, calling for full funding for Washington State Department of Natural Resources prevention and response, and discussed rising homeowners insurance costs tied to wildfire risk. The program closed with concerns about proposed new taxes, including an income tax, and an emphasis on transparency and public input.