Income tax, Fairfax Bridge, survey results and district priorities

Sen. Phil Fortunato sent this bulletin at 02/25/2026 09:31 AM PST

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Thank you for the opportunity to serve our community in the 31st Legislative District. In Olympia, I’m focused on practical solutions that keep Washington affordable, ensure accountability, and reflect the common-sense priorities of the people I work for every day.

Today marks another deadline — Policy Committee Cutoff in the opposite chamber. From here, the focus shifts across the rotunda: Senate bills are being reviewed in the House, and House bills are now before us in the Senate for further consideration.

Unfortunately, several problematic bills cleared the Senate before the cutoff and are now moving through the House process. The most significant — and, I believe, by far the most controversial — is Senate Bill 6346, the proposed 9.9% state income tax.

Earlier this month, nearly 62,000 people saw through claims that the income tax proposal would affect only “millionaires” and signed in CON ahead of its Senate committee hearing — making it the most opposed bill in Washington state history.

This week, before its public hearing in the House Finance Committee, opposition surged well past 100,000.

Proponents of the bill have focused on a small percentage of duplicate sign-ins — something that occurs with nearly every high-profile proposal. But even after accounting for duplicates, more than 100,000 Washingtonians registered CON. That still makes SB 6346 the most opposed bill in state history based on public sign-in participation.

That’s the real story.

Unfortunately, rather than address the unprecedented number of Washingtonians who signed in to oppose this deeply flawed bill — compared to the far smaller number who signed in to support it — Democratic proponents chose to focus on a small percentage of duplicate entries. That misses the point entirely. The overwhelming majority of sign-ins are valid, and the public’s message could not be clearer.

I do not support this proposal and have spoken out against it (see my video here). But no matter where you stand on this issue, your voice matters. Public engagement is an essential part of the legislative process — and it truly makes a difference.

Fairfax Bridge: Where things stand

One issue that remains a top priority for me — and for many of you — is the Fairfax Bridge.

My legislation to fast-track the emergency replacement of the Fairfax Bridge — strongly supported by Wilkeson Mayor Jayme Peloli — did not receive a vote before the House of Origin cutoff. That was disappointing, especially given the ongoing public safety concerns and economic impacts the closure has had on Wilkeson, Carbonado, and the surrounding communities.

You can watch my recently recorded legislative update video explaining what happened in the final half hour before the cutoff, including the procedural actions taken on the Senate floor and why the Fairfax Bridge Senate Joint Memorial did not ultimately receive a vote.

However, and this is important, funding for the project is included in the proposed Senate Transportation budget. The proposal includes $1.5 million for the Fairfax/Wilkeson/Carbon River State Route 165 Bridge Closure Mitigation project, along with legislative intent to provide an additional $1.5 million in the 2027–29 biennium.

Although my stand-alone bill did not advance, securing this funding in the transportation budget is a meaningful step forward and will allow the advanced geological and engineering work to move ahead. I will continue pushing to ensure this project remains a priority as budget negotiations continue.

The bridge remains a priority for me, and I will continue advocating for a permanent solution that restores safe, reliable access for our communities.

SSB 5855: Mask Mandate on Law Enforcement

Another bill that generated significant controversy this session is Substitute Senate Bill 5855.

As I mentioned in a previous update, SSB 5855 would prohibit all law enforcement officers — including state, local, and certain federal officers from wearing face coverings while interacting with the public, with limited exceptions for undercover operations and specific protective situations. In effect, the bill applies broadly across all levels of law enforcement. It would also create a civil cause of action, allowing individuals detained by masked officers to sue, potentially increasing local governments' legal liability.

I voted no on SSB 5855.

Because the issue generated strong opinions on both sides, I hosted a Zoom meeting to hear directly from those who supported the bill and disagreed with my position. My office called and emailed individuals who had expressed opposition to my vote, inviting them to participate.

Unfortunately, no one who opposed my position chose to join the conversation.

I remain open to respectful dialogue. Even when we disagree, I believe it’s important to have the conversation.

If you have thoughts on SSB 5855 or any bill moving this session, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

New survey results: What you told me

I recently conducted a legislative survey to hear directly from you on several major issues moving through Olympia. Specifically, I asked whether you support or oppose creating a state income tax, whether the state should continue purchasing and distributing chemical abortion pills, and whether penalties for unregistered vehicles should be increased. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond.

On the proposed income tax (SB 6346), 80.93% of respondents said they oppose creating a state income tax. Only 6.51% said they support it, with the remainder undecided or selecting “other.”

On Senate Bill 5917, which would continue the purchase and broader distribution of chemical abortion pills, 71.36% of respondents said they oppose the policy.

On increasing penalties for unregistered vehicles, responses were more divided: 45.12% support increasing penalties, while 33.49% oppose it.

I truly appreciate hearing from you. Your input helps inform my approach to these debates in Olympia and ensures I’m representing our district’s priorities.

Stay engaged

Thank you for taking the time to stay informed about what’s happening in Olympia. The legislative process can move quickly, but your involvement truly makes a difference.

I encourage you to stay in touch. Visit my website to track my activities, review legislation, watch my videos, and read my Capitol updates. You can also follow along to learn more about the work being done by the Senate Republican Caucus. You can also follow us on social media: Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

It’s an honor to represent the 31st District. I will continue working every day to protect your freedoms, your tax dollars, and the values that make our communities strong.

It is an honor to serve you in Olympia,