Opinion: Is a state income tax coming, and the latest on the I-5 Bridge project

Rep. John Ley shares a legislative update on a proposed state income tax, the I-5 Bridge project, the Brockmann Campus and House Bill 2605.

Rep. John Ley provides his latest legislative update

Rep. John Ley
18th Legislative District

As we move deeper into the 2026 legislative session, we are approaching the House of Origin cutoff date on Feb. 17. Over the next week, lawmakers will work long days and late nights to advance bills out of their respective chambers. This deadline is significant because any policy bill that does not pass either the House or Senate by that date is generally considered done for the year.

Along with the usual debates over public safety, education, and affordability, one of the major issues taking center stage is the majority party’s renewed effort to implement a state income tax. Proposals are being discussed as part of broader conversations about revenue and spending, and this will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched topics of the session.

Senate Bill 6346 would create a new state income tax by imposing a 9.9% tax rate on individuals or married couples with more than $1 million in Washington taxable income, beginning in January 2028. Because the threshold applies to combined household income—not per person—it would affect many small business owners and families. The policy has passed its fiscal committee and is expected to receive support from the majority in the Senate before coming over to the House.

As your representative, I remain focused on protecting taxpayers, promoting affordability, and ensuring responsible budgeting. While the other party talks about our regressive tax system, I have yet to see them offer any bill that cuts the sales tax or property taxes for low- and middle-income families. I will continue to advocate for policies that strengthen our communities, support working families, and keep Washington a place where opportunity thrives, including supporting tax cuts for you.

Finally, you should know the majority party has attached an emergency clause to prevent you from using our Constitution’s referendum clause to get to vote on this new income tax. That is disappointing and disingenuous.

Update on the Interstate-5 Bridge Replacement Program

I also want to update you on the latest developments in the Interstate-5 Bridge Replacement Program. I recently recorded two videos about the project, including discussing my bill calling for an audit of the project and another discussing the various unnecessary add-ons that are causing the estimated cost to soar. Click on the images below to watch these videos:

I was also recently joined by my fellow Southwest Washington legislators, Rep. Ed Orcutt, of the 20th District, and Sen. Jeff Wilson, of the 19th District, in authoring an op-ed regarding the IBR project. This column was in direct response to a recent article in The Columbian: I-5 Bridge project urgent, vital.

Click on the link below to read our response and learn more about this project and why the current trajectory is heading in the wrong direction.

Unnecessary, unaffordable add-ons likely to spell doom for the I-5 Bridge Replacement Project

It’s time for lawmakers to demand transparency, eliminate excesses, and refocus on a simpler, more affordable crossing that reduces traffic congestion. Anything less risks wasting billions while more pressing infrastructure crumbles elsewhere. As always, I will keep fighting for the best possible solution.

Is there hope for the Brockmann Facility to open this year?

Earlier this week, Rep. Carolyn Eslick and I met with two representatives of a private firm seeking to secure the state’s approval for a public-private partnership to open the Brockmann Campus. The need for mental health care facilities is well known. This firm believes that if the state says “yes,” it could have the facility open by the end of the year. They met with numerous legislators from both parties, including the House Speaker, Laurie Jinkins.

The firm has several different options it can offer, some of which would cost the state nothing. The secretary of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services acknowledges the urgency of the matter. We hope we can get the governor’s staff and DSHS to receive a formal presentation and “offer.” Getting the Brockmann Campus open and treating patients ASAP is one of my top priorities.

Fibrous silicate materials legislation still alive

Lastly, here’s a quick update on House Bill 2605. This legislation to modernize Washington’s regulations governing the use of naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials in construction recently received unanimous approval in the House Environment and Energy Committee. The bill addresses naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials found in common construction products such as commercial aggregates, asphalt, and concrete. These materials are widely used in roads, housing, and public works projects across Washington.

Washington’s current asbestos laws were written to stop the intentional use of asbestos in building materials, which is necessary. However, they were never meant to penalize materials that contain extremely small, naturally occurring trace amounts that pose minimal risk and are impossible to completely eliminate. This bill would make building new homes, apartments, roads and sidewalks more affordable. It is currently awaiting a vote on the House floor.