 PO Box 40402, Olympia, WA 98504 | 360.786.7602 | Jim.McCune@leg.wa,gov
FOR ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT MY LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT:
Matthew Smith | matthew.smith@leg.wa.gov | 360-786-7602
 March 12, 2026
Fighting for you until the end
Olympia targets your rights and your wallet in 2026 Session
 Dear friends and neighbors,
Today marks the final day of the scheduled 60-day regular legislative session for 2026. While we are constitutionally required to finish our business by midnight, there is a distinct possibility that we may be headed into a "special session" for a few days as the majority party continues to try to force through their full agenda.
Last week, on March 2nd, we reached the cutoff for fiscal committees, and our deadline for bills to pass from the opposite house was March 6th. Much of our focus lately has been on the updates to the state’s operating, transportation, and capital budgets.
I am particularly concerned about the majority’s push for an unconstitutional income tax, a measure that interferes with the right of local communities to choose their own sheriffs, and yet another irresponsible budget that spends too much while raiding important funds. Perhaps most frustrating is the refusal of the majority to listen to the people on critical issues like affordability, parental rights, and the need to protect the fairness of girls' sports.
Below, I dive deeper into these issues and what they mean for the 2nd District.
As always, it is an honor to serve you every day in the Washington State Senate.
Sincerely,
 Sen. Jim McCune, 2nd Legislative District
Video Update:
Anti-Sheriff Bill: Defending public safety and local control
 Click to watch.
In this video from the Senate floor, I speak out against 2SSB 5974, a dangerous measure that threatens to undermine the authority of our local communities.
For over a century, the people of Washington have had the right to elect their own sheriffs—leaders who are directly accountable to the citizens they protect. This bill represents a dangerous shift of power away from you and toward unelected state boards.
By allowing a centralized bureaucracy in Olympia to interfere with local law enforcement, the Democrats are jeopardizing public safety and undermining the very foundation of our constitutional republic. I will always fight to keep power in the hands of the people, not the government.
 Action Alert:
Unconstitutional income tax headed to Governor
 In a disappointing turn of events, the majority party has officially passed SB 6346, creating a 9.9% income tax on everyone, with a temporary exemption for the first $1 million. This bill has now cleared the Legislature and is headed to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.
Make no mistake: this is a foot in the door for a broad-based income tax on every Washingtonian. This measure completely ignores the fact that voters have rejected an income tax ten times at the ballot box. Washington has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. A recent poll showed that 50% of those targeted by this tax plan to leave the state and take their businesses with them, which will devastate our economy.
I am urging every concerned citizen to contact the Governor immediately. Demand that he respect our State Constitution and the will of the people by vetoing this unconstitutional income tax.
The $80 billion operating budget: More unsustainable spending
Despite last year’s record $12.3 billion tax increase, we still faced a $1.5 billion gap this cycle and a projected $4.3 billion deficit over the next four years.
I am very disappointment with the 2026 Supplemental Operating Budget adopted by the majority to address this deficit. It relies on irresponsible spending and gimmicks, and puts growing government ahead of people. The state budget is growing twice as fast as median household incomes; since 2015, spending has surged 110% while incomes rose only 54%.
Rather than exercising fiscal restraint, the majority is risking our financial future by draining $2.3 billion from reserves and raiding $880 million from the Rainy Day Fund. They have also diverted $375 million from the Public Works Fund and $395 million in school construction revenue to mask a self-inflicted shortfall.
Most concerning is that education is being sidelined. For the first time since 2012, combined funding for K-12 and higher education has dropped to less than half of the total budget. Instead of finding efficiencies, the majority increased spending by $2.3 billion—53% more than the actual deficit.
I could not support this budget. You deserve a government that lives within its means and prioritizes your family over state bureaucracy.
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 Status of citizen initiatives to the Legislature
 This session saw significant public engagement regarding two major initiatives to the Legislature: Initiative 26-001 (Parental Rights) and Initiative 26-638 (Fairness in Girls' Sports).
Despite these initiatives receiving hundreds of thousands of signatures, the legislative majority did not bring these measures to the floor for a vote or provide them with full public hearings before the session deadlines. House and Senate Republicans held a standing room only listening session, where hundreds attended to make their voices heard.
Under the state constitution, when the Legislature fails to act, initiatives to the legislature go to the November general election ballot for the voters to decide directly.
Capital budget invests in our communities
 I am pleased to share positive news regarding the 2026 Supplemental Capital Budget. Unlike other state spending, the capital budget is a bipartisan effort focused on "bricks and mortar." It is a vital tool for bringing your local tax dollars back home to fund the infrastructure that sustains our quality of life.
This year’s $889 million supplemental update builds on the $7.5 billion biennial budget we unanimously approved last year. Key statewide investments include over $100 million for school modernization and seismic safety, alongside $200 million to address housing and homelessness.
I am particularly pleased with the specific funding we secured to ensure our district's infrastructure keeps pace with our growth:
- Funding for Eatonville High School to replace critical West and South retaining walls and improve campus access.
- Significant investments for City of Roy Well Improvements, Bucoda Main Street stormwater upgrades, and Skookumchuck River irrigation and conservation projects.
- Community Preservation:
- A new roof for the Bucoda Town Hall.
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Tenino Community Service Center.
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Meridian Grove: Vital support for local housing and community needs.
- Window and floor replacements in Benston Hall Senior Center in Graham.
These projects are about more than construction—they ensure the 2nd District remains a safe, vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family. By working across the aisle, we are ensuring our community’s needs remain a top priority in Olympia.
 Transportation budget:
2nd District project updates
As we finalize the 2026 supplemental transportation budget, my priority is ensuring that your tax dollars return to our district to improve safety and reduce congestion. The current budget includes significant funding for several key corridors in the 2nd District:
- I-5 Corridor Improvements: Continued investment in the I-5 JBLM Corridor and the I-5/Dupont to Lakewood Shared Use Path. Over $63 million is allocated this biennium for the I-5 Nisqually Delta area.
- SR 510 Yelm Loop: Continued funding for Phase 2 of the Yelm Loop with over $63 million allocated, keeping this bypass on track.
- Public Transit: Support for Intercity Transit projects, including Zero Emission H2 demonstrations and new limited-stop services to Lacey and the Sounder Station.
Your voice matters!
While the legislative session is reaching its conclusion, my commitment to you is permanent. I represent you year-round. Even after we head home from Olympia, my office remains open to assist with questions about state agencies or concerns regarding the direction of our government.
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Stay Updated: Watch committees and floor debates on TVW.org.
- Contact My Office:
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