Rep. John Ley outlines concerns over proposed tax increases, state spending, climate policy, and the rising cost of the Interstate Bridge Replacement project as the 2026 legislative session begins.

In the first week of the 2026 session, Rep. John Ley offers his latest legislative update

Rep. John Ley
18th Legislative District

The 2026 session is officially underway, and what happens in the next 60 days will have major implications for every Washingtonian.

Hang on to your wallet!

After passing the largest tax increase in Washington history, Washington democrats are now pushing for an INCOME TAX this year. The governor wants a 9.9% “millionaire” tax on income above $1 million. A Seattle Representative wants a 5% income tax on all income above $125,000. Bottom line – they’re coming for more of your money.

It will NOT just be “on the rich.” Don’t believe me? Trust an honest democrat member of the Legislature. “Why should we believe democrats?” was the question asked at an East King County Legislative Kickoff. “You shouldn’t,” was the answer given by Rep. Larry Springer who has been in the legislature since 2005. He said if we implement a progressive state income tax, then the state would need to eliminate the B&O tax and the sales tax, “the most regressive” taxes in the state. Click here to see the entire clip.

Washington state has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. Reckless spending by the majority party has turned a $15 billion surplus in the 2022 state operating budget into a multi-billion-dollar shortfall. They increased General Fund taxes by more than $9.2 billion last year and spending by $6 billion, bringing the total budget to $77.9 billion. Transportation taxes went up by an additional $3.2 billion.

Climate Commitment Act officials are fudging the numbers

Overall, the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) has taken about $4.2 billion out of local families’ budgets. It has increased the cost of your gas and diesel fuel, your electricity, your home heating with natural gas, and much more. Yet the Department of Ecology just admitted the amount of CO2 reduction was minuscule – just 78,000 tons of CO2 instead of the 7.5 million metric tons reported a month ago. “Washington state’s climate-fighting claim is hot air, officials admit” reads one headline. “State CO2 report shows 86% of Washington’s claimed climate benefits are probably fake,” reads another.

The majority party slashed Medicaid spending by nearly $800 million, cutting funding for children and families (DCYF) by over $1 billion and more in their budget last spring. I voted against that budget, and I will continue prioritizing proper spending WITHOUT raising your taxes.

Interstate Bridge replacement project in jeopardy?

The I-5 Interstate Bridge replacement project has escalated, with its cost now projected to reach as high as $17.7 billion. This is totally unaffordable for both Washington and Oregon. We know you don’t want tolling, and you also oppose light rail, especially if it requires higher taxes to fund TriMet’s operations and maintenance. Here are some recent news stories and opinions about this project.

The IBR’s $10-$12 billion funding problem and lack of truthfulness – Clark County Today

Interstate Bridge Replacement price tag hits $13.6 billion in draft cost estimate document – KGW News

Crossing the mighty Columbia River is getting mighty expensive – Clark County Today

Cost of replacing I-5 Bridge could be more than double $6 billion estimate – The Columbian

Hidden costs, withheld documents, and a $17 billion question – Why the Interstate Bridge Replacement demands immediate oversight – Clark County Today

The IBR team has been lying to us and thanks to a veteran Oregon journalist, we have the smoking gun – Clark County Today

I will continue fighting for a realistic, transparent solution and keep you informed along the way.

Legislation I’m sponsoring

House Bill 1857 is a carryover from last session after not quite reaching the governor’s desk. would reduce construction costs by exempting commercial aggregates from a costly policy, helping businesses, labor groups, and communities access more affordable local materials.

House Bill 2143 would prevent WSDOT from withholding funding solely based on population-based board composition and would cap representation for Clark County and Vancouver, preserving seats for smaller cities and protecting their voices.

House Bill 2180 would require background checks and mandatory child-abuse reporting training for youth sports coaches, giving parents better tools to protect children. This legislation was prompted after concerned parents encountered a convicted sex offender who failed to disclose his conviction while seeking to coach their children.

House Bill 2226 would provide communities with more flexibility in structuring transit governing boards, ensuring fair and balanced representation that reflects local needs.

I will continue to update you on these bills as the session progresses.

Helpful resources to stay informed and connected

There are many ways to stay informed and engaged with the Legislature:

My legislative website | Contact information, news releases, email updates, videos, opinion pieces, bills, and more.
The Capitol Buzz | A weekday roundup of legislative news. Click on the link to subscribe.
Track a bill| Find information on specific bills.
Testify or comment on a bill | Use these links if you want to testify or comment on a specific bill.
You can also view the bills I’m sponsoring by visiting my website and clicking “Sponsored Bills.”
The Week Ahead | Sent every Friday, this publication provides a look at which bills will receive public hearings in House committees and offers links on how to weigh in on them. Sign up by clicking here.

You can also stay connected by following us on social media and sharing our content.

Thank you, and please stay in touch

I’m grateful for your support and look forward to working together to build a better Washington. Thank you for your trust and for allowing me to serve you in the 18th District. Please continue reaching out and sharing your input and ideas. I look forward to meeting with you.

It’s an honor to serve you.

Under the Grok Lens

Analysis created with Grok

This independent analysis was created with Grok, an AI model from xAI. It is not written or edited by ClarkCountyToday.com and is provided to help readers evaluate the article’s sourcing and context.

Quick summary

In this opinion column and legislative update, 18th District Rep. John Ley argues that the 2026 legislative session could bring new tax proposals such as an income tax and says majority‑party spending is driving projected budget shortfalls. He also points to reported Climate Commitment Act (CCA) reporting errors and outlines sponsored bills he says focus on affordability, transparency, and child safety.

What Grok notices

Lists Ley’s sponsored legislation and briefly explains what each bill would do—such as HB 1857 related to aggregates and HB 2180 on youth sports safety—making his stated priorities easier to track.
Frames the fiscal argument around spending growth over time and presents tax proposals as a consequence of budget pressure, encouraging readers to connect short‑session decisions to longer‑term fiscal trends.
References CCA reporting adjustments or errors and points readers to related news coverage, emphasizing the author’s theme of transparency and verifiable program outcomes.
Includes a quote attributed to Rep. Springer on possible tax shifts and provides resources for following legislative activity, giving readers tools to monitor proposals.
Suggests follow‑up reporting angles, such as checking the newest bill statuses and verifying any updated CCA dashboard figures as agencies correct or clarify their reporting.

Questions worth asking

If an income‑tax proposal advances, how might thresholds and definitions be structured over time, and what safeguards (if any) would limit expansion to middle‑income households?
What oversight, auditing, or standardized calculation requirements could reduce the likelihood of major discrepancies in future CCA reporting and evaluation?
How might Interstate Bridge project cost changes affect tolling discussions, transit service plans, and regional mobility options for commuters?
How do Ley’s proposals related to board representation or governance (as described) balance local control with broader regional transportation or planning needs?
If lawmakers want to avoid new revenue sources, what specific spending reductions or reforms have been proposed to address the projected shortfall, and what programs would be affected?

Research this topic more

Also read:

VIDEO: Income tax bill passes WA Senate after hours of heated debate
Senate Bill 6346, imposing a 9.9% tax on income over $1 million, passed the Washington Senate after hours of debate and multiple rejected amendments.
‘Absolutely good news’: WA financial outlook brightens as budget talks heat up
A new forecast projects $827 million more in revenue for Washington’s current budget, offering relief as lawmakers finalize a supplemental spending plan.
Vancouver middle school student joins Rep. John Ley in Olympia as a House page
Jackson Bumala, a 14-year-old middle school student from Vancouver, served as a page in the Washington State House of Representatives with sponsorship from Rep. John Ley.
Pro-business, bipartisan legislation from Rep. Stephanie McClintock receives House approval
The Washington State House passed House Bill 2207, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie McClintock, to update alcohol warehousing statutes and allow licensed warehouses to store and handle beer under the same framework as wine and spirits.
Legislation from Rep. John Ley to support construction and infrastructure projects in Washington is passed by the House
The Washington State House passed House Bill 2605, sponsored by Rep. John Ley, updating regulations on naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials used in construction.