WEEK TWO DONE AND LOTS TO REPORT

State Representative Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) posted this to the news section of his legislative website on 2026-01-24 05:11:33

Dear friends and neighbors,

Writing to you from Olympia as we wrap up the second week of this 60-day session. The focus this year is to address the impact of federal cuts that threaten the well-being of communities across our state, with the greatest harm falling on our most vulnerable neighbors. As Speaker Laurie Jinkins outlined in her opening-day remarks, we are navigating real fiscal hurdles — but our commitment remains firm: we are ready to protect and make progress by standing up for Washingtonians.

In this newsletter, I’m sharing a brief overview of the state’s fiscal outlook; my first video update of the session; a section on my bills, tips on how you can participate in the legislative process; and a second chance to take my survey, if you haven’t already, so I can learn about your priorities.

Speaker Jinkins delivers opening speech on the first day of the 2026 Legislative Session.

2026 Challenges & HR1 Impacts

The other Washington has been a solid partner through most of our history, but the current administration is hindering this relationship by imposing tariffs and making deep cuts that hurt individuals, families, farmers, and businesses across our state.

We can no longer rely on federal support, so the challenge now is to deal with the detrimental impacts from HR1 on our state budget. Click here or on the image below to visit the Office of Financial Management website, where you’ll find specific information on the federal cuts from HR1 and when they take effect.

These cuts run deep. They aren’t just line items in the budget; they affect real people and real lives in every corner of our state. This session, our main focus is to approach the budget with a clear set of values: protect food, shelter, health care and, a big priority for me: access to higher education.

Video Update

Click here or on the image below to watch my first video update of 2026:

Your Voice Matters

Effective representation starts with listening. To better understand your priorities and concerns, please consider filling out my short survey to share what’s on your mind. If you already took it through the link in my previous newsletter, I thank you, but if you missed it, here’s a second opportunity. Your input is extremely valuable to me as it helps me represent you better.

A Quick Look at my Bills

These are some of the measures I am sponsoring this year with brief descriptions. Click on the bill numbers below to learn more about them and check out my bill sponsorship page to see where these bills are at any given moment throughout the session.

HB 2324: Supporting Military Families by Expanding Tuition Waivers

• My bill helps families of veterans and service members whose military service has left them permanently disabled — unable to continue working and supporting their families. When a parent’s service-connected disability ends their ability to earn a living, the cost of college can put higher education out of reach for their children. This bill expands access to tuition waivers at Washington’s public colleges and universities, helping these families stay financially stable and giving students a fair shot at building their future. It’s a meaningful way to honor service by making sure disability doesn’t close the door on opportunity. And it’s also a way to show gratitude — by investing in the people who have already given so much.

HB 2325: Boosting Washington Tourism Through Local Investments This is a great bill! It creates a new self-supported tourism assessment program to strengthen how Washington promotes itself to visitors. Instead of relying solely on traditional state funding, this approach lets communities come together, invest in shared tourism marketing, and collectively raise the profile of Washington destinations. The idea is to boost tourism promotion through contributions from local businesses and partners with the goal of bringing in more travelers, more economic activity, and more opportunities for small businesses and the communities they support. HB 2638: Property Tax Relief for Families After Line-of-Duty Loss This measure provides meaningful tax relief to surviving spouses and domestic partners of state and local law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other public safety personnel who died from duty-related injury or disease. Under my bill, the primary residence of an eligible survivor could be partially or fully exempt from property taxes, helping ease financial pressure during an already difficult time, and giving families more stability when they need it most. This change honors the service of those who served and protected our communities by supporting the loved ones they leave behind.

Ways to Participate in Your Democracy

It’s easy to get involved in the process! You can testify in-person or remotely on a bill in the House or Senate, or simply register as pro or con to share your opinion on a bill. Your input really does matter. Click here or on the graphic below to learn the many ways in which you can make your voice heard.

Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter and filling out my Priorities Survey.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent our community and keep you updated as the work moves along over the next few weeks. Don’t hesitate to contact my office with your concerns and feedback.

As always, it’s an honor to serve as your state representative.

Sincerely,