Looking Ahead to 2025: Budget and Bills

District 20 Representative Peter Abbarno

By Peter Abbarno
For the C-C Chamber of Commerce

The 2025 legislative session is almost upon us. Beginning on January 13, 2025, the Washington State Legislature convenes the 105-day session to address many important issues like public safety, education, and the economy.

There are a lot of changes in Olympia.

Governor-Elect Bob Ferguson takes the reins as the new governor after Jay Inslee served as governor for twelve years. In addition, there will be a new Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner, and Lands Commissioner. All the new changes lead to speculation and uncertainty.

The Budget

There have been numerous reports from the legislative majority that Washington faces a multi-billion-dollar budget deficit. The artificial shortfall is a result of past overspending and can be remedied by delaying the start of new programs, implementing government efficiencies, and focusing on priorities. There is no need to increase or create new taxes when our state economy is growing and collecting more revenue now than it had in the past biennium.

Unfortunately, the majority party is looking to increase the capital gains tax, the business and occupation tax, payroll tax, and expand the taxing authority for local governments. These tax schemes have regressive impacts and are unnecessary. I will continue to focus on real solutions to fix the majority’s budget mismanagement and will continue opposing attempts to “pass the buck” to your family and business.

New Positions

This year, I was elected as the House Republican Caucus Chair and will serve on four committees in the House: Capital Budget (Assistant Ranking Member), Environment and Energy, Consumer Protection and Business (New Committee), and Rules (New Committee). These new leadership and committee roles help provide more opportunities to deliver for the residents of SW Washington and our state.

Pre-filed Bills

Prior to the legislative session beginning, legislators have the chance to pre-file bills. This opportunity helps members get a running start to the session. In December, I pre-filed several bills, including:

Permanent funding solutions for rural fire districts (House Bill 1001)
House Bill 1001 would create a grant program to help fire districts build, expand, and improve their facilities. This would relieve economic burdens on working families and small businesses while keeping our communities safe.
Supporting mental health for coroners and medical examiners (House Bill 1002)
House Bill 1002 would extend these protections to county coroners and medical examiners, who also face traumatic situations in their work. Ensuring these workers have access to the care they deserve is an important step in supporting their mental health.
Helping veterans and military families find work (House Bill 1016)
House Bill 1016 would provide tax credits to businesses that hire veterans and the spouses of active-duty service members. This program supports those who’ve served our country and helps boost local economies and small businesses.
Addressing the WA Cares Program (House Bills 1025 and 1026)
House Bill 1025 would reopen the opt-out window for private long-term care insurance workers. Many workers missed the 2022 deadline and were left without the option to secure better, private alternatives.
House Bill 1026 would allow spouses to share benefits. Right now, families are stuck with benefits that can’t be transferred.

Stay Connected

Although the legislative session is 105-days long, bills move quickly through committee and on to the floor for a vote. Be sure to stay connected through my legislative website at RepresentativePeterAbbarno.com, which also has a step-by-step video guide to help you navigate the process.

Don’t forget that I will be hosting monthly ‘Zoom’ legislative updates with the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce from 7:30-8:00am on January 23rd, February 27th, March 27th, and April 24th. Contact the Chamber Director for more information and the link.

Happy New Year!

•••

Rep. Peter Abbarno represents the 20th Legislative District and is the Ranking Member on the House Capital Budget Committee.