Southwest Washington legislators schedule April town halls on taxes, budget

State lawmakers from the 17th legislative district

will host a series of in-person town hall meetings

throughout April at various locations within the district,

starting on April 7th.

With the 2026 session ending on Thursday, March 12th,

Senator Paul Harris, Representative Kevin Waters,

and Representative David Stuby will meet with constituents

to review the many significant decisions made

in Olympia earlier this year.

The recently concluded session featured

a major tax decision, another increase in the operating

budget, a historical debate, and numerous policy decisions

that will have lasting impacts on families, businesses,

and communities across the state.

One of the most significant developments

was the passage of a state income tax

by the majority party following an extended 24-hour

floor debate.

This policy represents a major shift in Washington's longstanding

tax structure.

In addition to new taxes, the legislature

approved an operating budget that now exceeds $80 billion,

continuing a pattern of rapid government growth and spending.

The three lawmakers will explain how the budget relies

on unstable revenue assumptions and shifts money

from reserves and other accounts to make the numbers work.

In addition to the new state income tax and massive operating

budget, these five town hall meetings

will provide a great opportunity for constituents

in the 17th district to ask questions, offer input,

and feedback, and have the legislators

address their concerns regarding state government.

The dates and locations of the five meetings, which

will run from 6 to 7.15 p.m. are as follows.

Location, White Sam and Valley Community Library,

77 Northeast Wana Avenue, White Sam and Washington, 98672.

Space Sprint Slash Baker Gallery Room, date Tuesday,

April 7, 2026, time 6 to 7.15 p.m.

Location Vancouver, Washington Space,

Marriott Town Place, Suits, 1777,

Southeast Millplane Boulevard, Vancouver, Washington, 98683.

Asterisk, Mount Hood Room, date Friday, April 10, 2026,

time 6 to 7.15 p.m.

Location, Goldendale, Washington Space,

Goldendale, American Legion Post 116108, North Grant,

Avenue, Goldendale, Washington, 98620, date Tuesday,

April 14, 2026, time 6 to 7.15 p.m.

Location, Canvas, Washington Discovery High School,

Project-based Learning Campus, 5125 Northwest,

Nan Henrichson Way, Canvas, Washington, 98607,

Date Wednesday, April 15, 2026, time 6 to 7.15 p.m.

Location, Stevenson, Washington,

Representative Stubi, unable to attend

due to prior engagement, Space, Hegelwald Center,

710 Southwest Rock Creek Drive, Stevenson, Washington,

98648, date Tuesday, April 28, 2026,

time 6 to 7.15 p.m.

Harris, Republican from Vancouver,

is the ranking Republican on the Senate Early Learning

and K-12 Education Committee.

He also serves on the Environment, Energy,

and Technology Committee, and the Health

and Long-Term Care and Transportation Committees.

Waters, Republican from Stevenson,

serves as the ranking Republican

on the House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee.

He also serves on the Capital Budget, Rules,

and Technology, Economic Development,

and Veterans Committees.

Stubi, Republican from Wash Eagle,

serves as the ranking Republican

on the House Local Government Committee.

Additionally, he serves on the Environment and Energy,

Health Care and Wellness and Transportation Committees.

Information provided by the Washington State House Republicans,

HouseRepublicans.wa.gov.