Week 2 Recap: Revenue Rallies, Respect for Interpreters, and More
Return to the 2026 landing page here.
Week 2 of the 60-day 2026 legislative session is in the books. Here's the latest:
The Millionaires Tax: Coming Soon
There's still no bill number for what WFSE's lobbyists think is the revenue bill with the best chance to become law this short legislative session.
But that will change soon, probably next week. So what is the Millionaires Tax?
This proposal would tax individual earnings over $1 million a year at 9.9%. Early analysis shows this could raise nearly $3.5 billion a year from only 20,000 of the wealthiest people statewide, a small percent of the working population in Washington
With one of the most upside-down tax codes in the country, this tax would be an important step in rebalancing our tax code and stabilizing our state budget.
Download the Millionaires Tax Info Sheet Below
Revenue Rallies in Olympia and Spokane!
Short staffing, budget cuts, and an unfair tax code are pushing the vital services our members provide to the brink. Join the fight for progressive revenue at two upcoming rallies and help create a #WashingtonForAll:
- Spokane Rally, Saturday February 7, 2-4pm
- Olympia Rally, Tuesday February 10, 12-1pm
For the Olympia rally, fill out this short form to get updates on where the Green Machine will be parked with picket signs, buttons, and banners.
Both rallies will feature speakers, banners, picket signs and buttons. Wear your green shirts and look for the WFSE "Green Machine" van to get your picket signs.
Fix Our Upside-Down Tax Code - Pass HB 2100
The so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" passed by anti-worker extremists in Congress will cut an estimated $4 billion from our state budget every year beginning in 2027. House Bill 2100 would generate more than $5 billion per biennium with an excise tax for companies with salaries more than $125,000 annually.
Follow the bill's progress, sign in PRO, and learn more here.
Better Dental Care for WA's Most Vulnerable! Pass HB 2314 #WaLeg
Our friends and neighbors who live our residential habilitation centers like Rainier School, Yakima Valley School, and Fircrest School have extremely complicated and acute medical needs. WFSE Vice President Ashley Fueston, whose sister is developmentally disabled, speaks about the need for Washington's most vulnerable to have access to dental care centered around their specific needs.
Follow the bill's progress, sign in PRO, and learn more here.
Dignity and Respect for LNI Interpreters- Pass HB 2190 / SB 5944
Interpreters United, WFSE Local 1671 members who interpret for injured workers in medical settings for Labor & Industries play a vital role in protecting the health of Washingtonians with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
But if a patient doesn't show up for their appointment, the interpreter receives no pay—regardless of how far they drove to get there and how much of their time was wasted.
Interpreters United members who take appointments for HCA, DSHS and other agencies enjoy payment for no-shows and late cancellations. It's time for LNI interpreters to.
With no guarantee they'll receive payment, many interpreters have stopped taking LNI appointments. This shortage leaves LEP Washingtonians in the lurch. Good interpretation is vital for good health outcomes.
Follow along and track the status of this bill on the House and Senate sides: HB 2190 (Cortes)/SB 5944 (Cortes)
Union Rights for WaTech Office of Cybersecurity - Pass HB 2249!
A group seven cybersecurity workers at WaTech signed cards to unionize with WFSE.
We already represent workers at WaTech, the state agency in Washington that provides IT planning and support to all agencies and local governments.
We represent workers at other state agencies who have the same job classification as these seven workers.
But, to our surprise, a civil service exemption was cited as the reason they could not unionize. This bill would allow these workers to exercise their right to advocate for themselves and their profession through a union.
Follow the bill's progress, sign in PRO, and learn more here.
Regarding Juvenile Rehabilitation Populations: Amendments to HB 2389
Our members working at state juvenile rehabilitation centers like Echo Glen and Green Hill School spend too much of their time responding to crises, which means that at-risk youth don't benefit from the therapy and rehabilitative programs they're there to receive in the first place.
WFSE provided an amendment to this bill, which would modifying provisions related to individuals found to have committed criminal offenses when under the age of 18.
Follow the bill's progress and learn more here.
Reminders and Action Items
- Sign in Pro on the Well Washington Fund before 1/22!
Click here to sign in PRO on House Bill 2100 to create the Well Washington Fund and balance our upside-down tax code. Under organization, do not put your employer. Put WFSE member or leave it blank.
- RSVP for our Week 2 Legislative Update on Teams
Every Thursday at 5pm with our Legislative and Political Action Team on Teams. This call is for dues-paying members only and the link to RSVP is sent to members via email. If you're not a member, you can join our union here.
If you are not receiving WFSE emails, you can subscribe here.
- Sign our petition
Demand that our elected officials avoid cuts to vital services and ask the rich to pay their fair share. Sign the petition.
- RSVP for your lobby day
Come talk to your legislators face-to-face in Olympia for your lobby day. Find your lobby day.