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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete my recent affordability survey. Your feedback offers valuable insight into how people across our district are coping with rising costs and where you believe the Legislature should focus its efforts.
Every perspective helps paint a clearer picture of what’s working, what isn’t, and what deserves more attention as we look ahead to the 2026 legislative session.
The results show that affordability challenges are impacting nearly every aspect of daily life—from gas and groceries to housing, health care, and taxes. Below is a summary of what I heard from you.
If you haven’t had the chance to take the survey and would like to, please click here. The survey is still open.
Every day costs continue to strain families
When asked how rising costs have affected households, 83% of respondents said groceries and household essentials were among their biggest burdens, closely followed by housing (71%), and gas and transportation costs (70%).
Several people shared that even simple things—like filling a gas tank or buying a week’s worth of groceries—now require tough choices. One resident wrote that “fun money, eating out, and vacations have all been lessened substantially.” Another said that property taxes have become “the hardest hit,” especially for seniors living on fixed incomes.
These stories reflect what I’ve been hearing in conversations throughout the 31st District. Inflation and new taxes are straining family budgets, and many are questioning whether Washington state remains affordable for the average household.
Part of that strain includes the rising cost of child care, which continues to keep parents from working and small businesses from retaining employees. That’s why I’ll be reintroducing House Bill 1564 in the 2026 session, which would create a 100% business and occupation (B&O) tax credit for employers who help cover child care costs.
This approach supports both working parents and local employers – keeping families in the workforce and strengthening small businesses that invest in their employees. It’s one way we can tackle affordability from the ground up, rather than relying on slow-moving state programs.
To learn more about my efforts on House Bill 1564 during the 2025 session, read my op-ed: Investing in child care would be a win for Washington’s economy and working families, by clicking on this link.
I believe the state can do better by focusing on relief where it matters—at the local level and in everyday living costs.
Views on the 2025 tax increases—the largest tax hike in state history
When asked about the Legislature’s passage of what many consider the largest tax hike in state history, nearly 80% of respondents said the new taxes make Washington state “less affordable to live, work, and play.” Only 6% felt the increases were necessary to fund government priorities.
Across comments, people called for more transparency, accountability, and restraint in state spending. I agree – our tax dollars should be used where they have the greatest impact.
One example is our successful effort to keep Rainier School open, protecting individuals with developmental disabilities who rely on it for care and stability.
Rainier isn’t just a facility – it’s a home for some of our state’s most vulnerable residents. Preserving it showed what responsible, compassionate budgeting looks like: putting people first while ensuring resources are used wisely.
To learn more about my efforts to keep the doors open at Rainier School, read my op-ed: Rainier School is a home, not just a facility. WA lawmakers’ proposed closure cruel, by clicking on this link.
You can also visit this webpage: How we saved Rainier and Yakima Valley schools
Housing: A widening gap
Housing remains one of the district’s biggest concerns. More than 58% of respondents said lawmakers should address all major factors—property taxes, rent costs, and building regulations—to improve affordability. Another 23% favored focusing specifically on rent relief, and 19% prioritized limiting property tax hikes.
Many of you wrote about how excessive regulations and permit delays drive up housing costs and make it harder to build or buy. Others shared concerns about rising property taxes and the challenges small landlords face in providing affordable rentals.
Housing affordability isn’t a partisan issue—it’s a basic need. I’ll continue supporting efforts that reduce costs, streamline permitting, and ensure families can stay in the communities they call home.
Health care and family costs pressures
Health care costs also weighed heavily in the responses. With premiums expected to rise 21% in 2026 and $782 million in Medicaid funding cut from the state budget, 43% of respondents said lawmakers should both restore Medicaid funding and work to lower insurance premiums. Another 29% prioritized lowering premiums, while 7% focused solely on restoring Medicaid.
Many respondents expressed frustration with rising insurance costs and wasteful spending. One constituent urged lawmakers to “take a hard look at where the waste is going,” while others emphasized protecting health care access for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Health care is one of the most personal and complex issues we face. I’ll continue supporting policies that increase transparency, protect essential care, and make coverage more affordable for working families, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Top affordability priorities for 2026
When asked to rank the Legislature’s focus areas for the upcoming session, you identified your highest priorities as:
- State spending and overall taxes
- Housing, rent affordability, and property taxes
- Gas and transportation costs
- Groceries and household essentials
- Health care costs and access
Lower-ranked but still notable issues included child care costs, education expenses, small business fees, and outdoor recreation costs.
Together, these results show a clear picture: people want relief that makes a real difference in day-to-day life—not more bureaucracy or new layers of cost.
Looking ahead
Again, I want to thank everyone who participated in this survey and shared their stories. Your voice guides my work in Olympia and helps ensure our district’s needs are front and center in legislative discussions.
As we prepare for the 2026 session, I’ll continue advocating for policies that make Washington state more affordable, accountable, and livable for everyone—from young families just starting out to retirees trying to stay in the homes they built.
Thank you again for staying engaged and helping shape the path forward for our communities.
Sincerely,
Joshua Penner
