Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2026 legislative session is well underway, and work is moving quickly in Olympia. As key decisions begin to take shape, I want to keep you informed about what’s happening at the Capitol, what I’m working on, and how the priorities of the 8th Legislative District are guiding my work.
The 8th District is home to me, and that perspective comes with me into every committee meeting and floor debate. From agriculture and energy to small businesses and family-wage jobs, our region is built on hard work, innovation, and a strong sense of community. The Tri-Cities’ way of life matters, and you deserve policies that respect your effort, protect local industries, and keep our communities affordable, safe, and strong. That’s the lens I bring to my work each day.
Before turning to other legislative priorities, I want to address an issue on the minds of many families in our community.
Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) housing issue
 On Monday, I joined Reps. April Connors and Stephanie Barnard, along with Sen. Nikki Torres, for a community meeting hosted by the City of Kennewick to discuss the proposed less restrictive alternative placement of sexually violent predators in our area. While legislative responsibilities kept us in Olympia, we participated remotely to listen, answer questions, and ensure the concerns of local families and neighborhoods were clearly heard by city officials, law enforcement, and state agencies.
This issue has my full attention. I am actively engaged — working with local leaders and advancing efforts in the Legislature — to push for stronger oversight, clearer notification, and policies that put public safety first. There is additional legislative work underway, and I will share a more detailed update later this week on where things stand and how I am addressing these concerns through legislation. More to come.
Survey results: Putting the Tri-Cities first
 Before session began, more than 750 of you took the time to respond to our district survey, and I’m grateful for that input. You were clear: rising costs are putting pressure on household budgets, and people want their communities to remain safe, affordable, and prosperous.
You told me taxes are your top concern — especially property taxes, which far outpaced every other tax issue raised. Energy costs are close behind, with many families worried about fuel and utility bills. Housing affordability remains a growing challenge as our region grows, and public safety continues to be a priority, with concerns about fentanyl, crime, homelessness, and law enforcement staffing. You also emphasized the importance of Hanford cleanup for public safety, environmental protection, and the family-wage jobs it supports.
These survey results reflect the same conversations I’m having across the district, at town halls, in grocery stores, and with neighbors throughout Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, and surrounding communities. Families here work hard, play by the rules, and expect their government to do the same.
That feedback is shaping the work my Senate Republican colleagues and I are advancing this session: lowering costs, strengthening public safety, and expanding opportunity. As Ranking Member of the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee, I’m also focused on energy solutions that balance environmental stewardship with affordability, including dependable clean energy options like advanced nuclear technology, while pushing back on policies that drive up fuel and utility costs for Eastern Washington families.
What you’ve shared is directly shaping the work I’m doing this session. I appreciate everyone who took the time to speak up, and I encourage you to stay engaged as decisions move forward.
What’s next and staying connected
 In a few days, I’ll be back with another legislative update, breaking down the bills I’ve introduced and the legislation moving through the process. In the meantime, I encourage you to stay connected and stay involved.
My website is the best place to follow my bills, and sign up for email updates. You can also follow the Senate Republican Caucus on Facebook, Instagram, or X for timely updates, videos, and highlights from Olympia.
Most importantly, thank you. Your engagement makes this work better, and I’m grateful for the trust you place in me.
It is an honor to serve you.
Go Hawks!
Senator Matt Boehnke
8th Legislative District
|
