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As the 2026 legislative session gaveled to a close last night, lawmakers approved three supplemental budgets that will shape state spending over the next year: the operating budget, the transportation budget,...

March 13, 2026

Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, and Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, issued the following statement today after Democrats in the Washington State House of Representatives passed an income tax on high earners after...

March 10, 2026

We are heading into the final stretch of the legislative session, which means long days and even longer nights in Olympia. The pace always picks up this time of year as...

March 6, 2026

We are entering the last two weeks of the 2026 legislative session where budgets begin to finally take center state. The Legislature will pass supplemental budget for operating expenses, transportation, and...

Feb. 28, 2026

In Washington state, we have long understood something simple yet important: if you don’t like your elected sheriff, you can vote them out. If they commit misconduct, there is a constitutional...

Feb. 26, 2026

When the Democrats’ “high earners” income tax bill (Senate Bill 6346) had a public hearing in the state Senate earlier this session, over 61,000 citizens officially signed and said “NO!” Like...

Feb. 20, 2026

As we move further into session, things are picking up quickly in Olympia. There is no shortage of debate on major issues, especially proposals that could increase the cost of living...

Feb. 13, 2026

Join me and Rep. Mary Dye TONIGHT for our telephone Town Hall!Tonight, Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 6:00 PM, Rep. Mary Dye and I will hold a telephone town hall for residents...

Feb. 11, 2026

Washington’s Constitution gives citizens an important tool: the power to bring ideas directly to the Legislature through the initiative process. That process exists for a simple reason. When people feel unheard,...

Feb. 10, 2026

In a recent interview with Spokane radio host Doug Nadvornick, Rep. Joe Schmick discussed key legislative priorities focused on rural health care, economic challenges, and community well-being. Schmick highlighted his bill...

Feb. 4, 2026