A Reality Check for Washington State

To the Editor,

Let’s take a reality check on what is happening in Washington state.

We have seen the highest tax increase in history. With most of the state being rural, which means a lot of people have 10 to 50 miles, or even farther in some cases, to get to their job. The recent tax increase amounts to over 59 cents for a gallon of gas. Then, all the other tax increases that have been imposed on Washingtonians since 2019.

Thanks to the legislative pile of increased taxes and unnecessary regulations, we have become one of the costliest states in America for families and employers alike. There is only one way to fix this, and that is to change Olympia. The ruling majority has not worked to improve the quality of life for the hard-working taxpayer or preserve the incentive for start-up businesses that have, in the past, made Washington an economic powerhouse.

But the Democrat Majority has an addiction to tax increases, which it uses heavily to grow government and expand government overreach. This is why, if you want to put Washington State back on track as the gem of the West in the 2026 and 2028 elections, you have a chance, and the party that is for individual freedom and reducing taxes has the most prosperous agenda for the state.

That party just happens to be the Republican Party. Still, you have to vet the candidates and get the best with the right people. We can revive Washington.

-Erin Hartford, Lyle, Wash.