Opinion: Fighting for affordability and protecting your rights

Rep. John Ley provides a legislative update focused on affordability, parental rights, healthcare costs, and major transportation challenges, including the IBR project.

Rep. John Ley provides his latest legislative update

Rep. John Ley
Legislative update

Thank you for the honor of serving as your voice in the Washington State Legislature. Since my last update two months ago, I’ve been actively engaged across our district and state, advocating for your priorities and working to address the challenges we face together.

Fighting for Mental Health Services

I’ve met with advocates pushing for better mental health treatment and toured the Brockmann Center. This $43 million state-built facility remains closed due to a lack of operational funding in the 2025 budget. Alongside Rep. Stephanie McClintock, Sen. Paul Harris, and Rep. Carolyn Eslick, we’ve identified a private firm willing to potentially enter a public-private partnership to open this center sooner and serve our community’s urgent needs.

Standing against new taxes

The state’s latest revenue forecast reveals a $400 million shortfall in the current two-year budget and a $900 million deficit over four years. In response, some in Olympia are reviving calls for a state income tax — despite voters rejecting it 11 times, including Initiative 2111 in 2024.

Meanwhile, former Rep. Mark Harmsworth warns that a proposed 9.9% tax on income over $1 million (based on Adjusted Gross Income) would hit most small businesses, forcing owners to raise prices, cut wages, reduce hours, or lay off workers. I remain firmly opposed.

Lastly, this spring, the majority party passed $9.5 billion in General Fund tax increases (via Senate Bill 5814, now in effect), burdening over 90,000 small businesses with new tax collection duties. An additional $3.2 billion in transportation taxes — mostly from higher gas taxes — further strains families. I voted NO on both, because affordability is your top concern.

Rising costs hitting home

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner recently approved a 21% average increase in individual health insurance rates, impacting nearly 300,000 Washingtonians.
PeaceHealth recently laid off 2.5% of its workforce amid escalating healthcare costs.
Property taxes, utility bills, and insurance premiums continue to climb—squeezing families and retirees.

Protecting Parental Rights

A lawsuit has been filed challenging House Bill 1296, which undermines the voter-approved Initiative 2081 on parental rights in education. I stand with parents and will continue defending your right to be in control of your children’s schooling.

Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) – Major setbacks

The IBR program has slashed projected transit ridership by 84%, cut operating costs from $22 million to $10 million annually, and reduced TriMet’s demanded contribution from Clark County to $4.1 million/year. Despite this, light rail and tolls remain in the plan — both strongly opposed by our community.

Program Administrator Greg Johnson announced his departure without providing an updated cost estimate or addressing the 10,000+ public comments submitted during the NEPA process. As a member of the bi-state legislative oversight committee, I’ve asked for an in-person meeting (no Zoom) to confront these failures. The project cannot proceed to construction without completing the NEPA process, a Record of Decision, and Coast Guard approval — and federal funding expires if work doesn’t begin by September 2026.

Listening and acting on your ideas

I recently met with:

Jake Thomas, advocating for stronger background checks in children’s sports and activities. He provided bill language to fast-track this protection.
Veteran Michael Langsdorf, who shared specific funding proposals to support our veterans better.

Your input drives my work. Please contact my office anytime with concerns, ideas, or assistance needs.

Thank you for your trust and partnership.