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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we reach the first cutoff of the 2026 legislative session and near the halfway point next week, here is an update on what I am seeing in Olympia and how it affects people across our 9th District. Below are several issues I am actively working on this session that reflect an approach grounded in common sense, fairness, and respect for local communities. Be sure to also get the details below about our telephone town hall next week.
Democrats seek tax increases, Republicans seek affordability
I am increasingly concerned about the direction majority Democrats are taking this session. Affordability remains the number one issue for Washington families, yet once again, the focus has been on raising taxes rather than lowering costs. Just months after more than $9 billion in new taxes, the largest tax increase in state history, we are seeing proposals to raise taxes even further, including a state income tax. At the same time, no Democrat bills are moving that directly address the affordability crisis.
House Republicans have introduced multiple proposals to reduce costs and help families make ends meet. Unfortunately, many of these affordability-focused bills have not even been granted hearings.
Read more about unaffordable tax increases proposed by Democrats.
Stopping grocery bag fee hikes and addressing litter responsibly
I recently testified in support of House Bill 2284. This is legislation I introduced to address litter without increasing costs for families already struggling with higher prices. My bill would roll back a scheduled bag-rule change that would require thicker plastic bags—bags that do not change behavior and only add more plastic to the waste stream. Importantly, it also blocks proposals to raise grocery bag fees to as much as 20 cents per bag at the checkout counter.
HB 2284 takes a better approach than the Democrat-sponsored alternative by keeping current bag options in place, avoiding new fees, and creating a litter-solutions task force focused on practical, data-driven strategies to reduce waste on our roads and public spaces.
Learn more from my radio report.
Establishing a Washington State Commission on Boys and Men
I have introduced updated legislation to establish a Washington State Commission on Boys and Men. House Bill 2461 responds to years of data showing widening educational, economic, and social disparities affecting boys and young men, including higher rates of incarceration, homelessness, suicide, addiction, and declining educational attainment.
The commission would study these challenges, identify root causes, and recommend policies that strengthen families, support responsible fatherhood, expand mentorship, and create pathways to productive, stable lives. Addressing these issues is essential to building stronger families and healthier communities across Washington.
Learn more from my news release.
Defending fairness and opportunity in school sports
The Legislature has received two citizen initiatives regarding parental rights in education and transgender athletes in girls’ sports, which have gathered sufficient signatures to be certified by the Secretary of State’s office. Democratic leaders indicated they will not hold hearings on the measures, which means they may go on to the November ballot. House and Senate Republicans held Listening Sessions on Tuesday to allow the public to weigh in on the initiatives.
I recently issued a statement on the girls’ sports measure, Initiative Measure No. IL26-638. This initiative is rooted in the principles that led to the creation of girls’ sports following Title IX—fairness, safety, and opportunity.
Team sports offer lifelong benefits for both girls and boys, from confidence and discipline to teamwork and belonging. Preserving separate teams for boys and girls is essential to maintaining fair play and ensuring that students of all skill levels can participate safely and meaningfully. This initiative reflects the importance of protecting those opportunities for all students.
A glimmer of hope for Pomeroy—and a call for common sense
Closer to home, there is hopeful news in Pomeroy. A former funeral home is being transformed into new day care and learning center, thanks to the generosity of local community members. After nearly 25 years without reliable child care, this project represents hope for working families and the future of our town.
But that hope is fragile. Decades of rigid, one-size-fits-all state regulation have repeatedly shut down child care options in rural communities like ours, driving families and workers away. Child care is essential infrastructure, and it must be regulated with common sense, compassion, and an understanding of local realities. I will continue pressing state agencies to ensure this new daycare is given a fair chance to succeed.
Read my opinion editorial for the East Washingtonian newspaper.
Join me and Rep. Joe Schmick for our Feb. 11 telephone town hall
I’d like to invite you to join me and Rep. Joe Schmick for a live telephone town hall on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 6 to 7 p.m., where we’ll provide an update on the legislative session and answer your questions about issues affecting the 9th District.
This event works like a radio call-in program, allowing you to participate in your government from the comfort of your home. With many important issues still being debated in Olympia, this is a great opportunity for you to share how legislative decisions are affecting your family, farm, business, or community.
Call us at 509-257-6010 at 6 p.m. on Wednesday and join the conversation.
Please stay engaged and involved
Your involvement makes all the difference as we work to keep taxes low, productivity high, and accountability steadfast in your government.
As always, thank you for the privilege of serving as your voice in Olympia. I remain committed to standing up for affordability, local control, and policies that reflect the real needs of rural Washington. Please reach out to my office with questions, concerns, or ideas.
Sincerely,
Mary Dye
