Home | About Andrew | News & Media | Email Updates | The Ledger | Contact
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
One of the most important parts of this job is hearing directly from the people I represent. Last night, I joined my seatmates, Rep. Hunter Abell and Sen. Shelly Short, for a town hall in Omak. We had a great turnout, thoughtful questions, and meaningful conversations about the issues facing our communities. We also spent time meeting with leaders from the Okanogan School District and officials from the cities of Omak and Okanogan to discuss local priorities.
These conversations matter. They help shape the work we do in Olympia and ensure your voice is part of the decision-making process. We will be holding additional town halls across the district in the coming weeks, and I encourage you to attend if you are able. It is a valuable opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and stay informed.
Cusick Town Hall
Monday, March 30 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Camas Center in Cusick located at 1821 LeClerc Rd. N
Colville Town Hall
Thursday, April 2 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Ag Trade Center located at 317 W Astor Ave.
East Wenatchee Town Hall (also with 12th District Rep. Brian Burnett)
Thursday, April 16 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
East Wenatchee City Hall located at 271 9th St. NE
Citizen involvement and the initiative process
Public participation does not stop at town halls. This session also included two citizen initiatives focused on parental rights and fairness in girls’ sports, each supported by hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians.
Despite that level of engagement, the Legislature declined to hold public hearings on these measures. In response, House and Senate Republicans organized listening sessions in Olympia so that people on both sides of the issues could be heard.
These initiatives deserved a full and transparent process. If they had been brought to the House floor, I would have supported both. Now, they will go directly to the voters, where the final decision belongs.
State budgets, taxes, and long-term stability
This session, lawmakers approved an operating budget exceeding $80 billion. While budgets are always about priorities, this one raises serious concerns about both affordability and long-term stability.
Those concerns were amplified during a more than 24-hour floor debate over legislation creating a state income tax. This proposal is unnecessary, unpopular, and likely unconstitutional. It conflicts with long-standing Washington Supreme Court precedent and will almost certainly face legal challenges.
Relying on revenue that may not withstand scrutiny in the courts is not a responsible way to build a state budget. It creates uncertainty and risk at a time when families and employers are already dealing with significant economic pressures.
Affordability and economic warning signs
At the same time, the broader economic picture is becoming harder for many families. A recent study by the Washington Roundtable found that Washington is now the fifth most expensive state in the country, with costs for housing, groceries, and transportation rising sharply over the past decade.
We are also beginning to see signs of wealth migration. Data shows Washington experienced a net outflow of income, while nearby states with lower tax burdens are gaining both residents and investment. These trends are not random. They reflect policy choices and the overall cost of living.
When affordability declines and costs continue to rise, families adjust. When businesses face higher costs and uncertainty, they look elsewhere. These are warning signs we should take seriously as we consider future policy decisions.
Update on my legislation
This session, I was pleased to see two bills I sponsored signed into law, focused on practical solutions that came directly from conversations with people in our communities. You can click here for a previous email update that has more information on these two proposals.
Another bill I sponsored addressing defective license plates passed the Legislature and was also signed into law this week. This legislation ensures that vehicle owners are not forced to pay to replace license plates that fail prematurely, providing a fair and commonsense fix to a problem many Washingtonians have experienced.
Not every proposal made it across the finish line this year. My bill to restore a residency focus to charity care and protect access to services in border communities did not advance, and legislation to downlist wolves as a “sensitive” species, allowing for more balanced management while maintaining protections, also did not pass.
These are important issues for our region. I will continue working with stakeholders throughout the interim and will bring these proposals back next session with the goal of finding practical, durable solutions.
Looking ahead
As we move forward, I remain focused on the issues I hear about most from constituents: making life more affordable, supporting safe communities, creating opportunities for economic growth, and ensuring government is accountable and living within its means.
That includes working toward policies that reduce the cost of housing and child care, support local employers and small businesses, and provide responsible budgeting without unnecessary tax increases.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to stay engaged, attend meetings, and share your perspective. It is an honor to represent you, and I look forward to continuing this work together.
Sincerely,
Andrew Engell
