As the 2026 legislative session gets underway, state lawmakers face competing demands and limited resources

With the 2026 legislative session approaching, Washington lawmakers will be asked to make decisions that shape state finances, economic conditions, and government priorities. From taxes and spending to broader budget concerns, residents often have differing views on what deserves the most attention. This week’s poll asks which issue should rise to the top as legislators begin their work.

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Also read:

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  Opinion: The income tax proposal has arrived
  Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center argues that a proposed Washington income tax creates a new revenue stream rather than delivering tax reform or relief.
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  Opinion: ‘If they want light rail, they should be the ones who pay for it’
  Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance argues that supporters of light rail tied to the I-5 Bridge replacement should bear the local cost of operating and maintaining the system through a narrowly drawn sub-district.
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  POLL: If a sub-district is created, what area should it include?
  Clark County residents are asked where a potential C-TRAN sub-district should be drawn if voters are asked to fund light rail operations and maintenance costs.
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  Opinion: IBR falsely blaming inflation
  Joe Cortright argues that inflation explains only a small portion of the IBR project’s cost increases and that rising consultant and staff expenses are the primary drivers.
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  Letter: The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s $141 million bribe can be better spent on sandwich steel-concrete tubes
  Bob Ortblad argues that an immersed tunnel using sandwich steel-concrete tubes would be a more cost-effective alternative to the current Interstate Bridge Replacement Program design.