As a husband, father and representative of Washington’s 20th Legislative District, I hear from families daily about how hard it is to make ends meet. Unfortunately, working families face the same struggles my family faced over a decade ago—sometimes worse.
Washington is now the fourth-most expensive state to live in, with prices 8.6% higher than the national average. The cost of living is rising, wages aren’t keeping up and state policies continue to make things worse.
Everyday essentials are taxed at high rates, and inflation eats away at household budgets. It is no surprise that one out of every seven children in Washington faces hunger and that our state has some of the highest gas prices and taxes in the country.
If we don’t take action, things will only get worse.
It does not have to be this way. There are real solutions to make life more affordable for working families. My Republican colleagues and I have introduced common-sense legislation that would put money back in people’s pockets and remove unnecessary barriers that make your basic necessities unaffordable.
One major challenge for parents is the high cost of child care and basic needs for their children. House Bill 1307, sponsored by Rep. Michelle Caldier, would eliminate the sales tax on diapers and other essential baby products. Diapers are not a luxury — they are a necessity, yet one in four parents miss work or school because they cannot afford them. This tax break could save families thousands of dollars per year per child, making a real difference for those struggling to keep up with rising expenses.
Food costs are another pain point. Washingtonians spend the fourth-most on groceries in the nation, and food insecurity is rising. Visits to food banks have jumped 22% in just one year, and one in four Washingtonians now relies on them for help. Families should not have to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table. House Bill 1340, introduced by Rep. Deb Manjarrez, would eliminate the sales tax on prepared food, helping both consumers and small businesses.
Building stronger communities and a stronger Washington starts with stronger families that are financially secure and able to build intergenerational wealth. That is why I strongly support early learning facility grants in the capital budget and House Bill 1314, which I am a co-sponsor of. Reducing unnecessary restrictions and regulations in early learning programs ensures more families have access to affordable, high-quality childcare. These investments help parents take advantage of economic and educational opportunities and prepare children for school, setting them up for long-term success in school.
Businesses also prioritize helping working parents, as they want to recruit and retain valued employees. House Bill 1564, by Rep. Joshua Penner, would provide tax credits to businesses that help employees with childcare costs. This could come in the form of direct assistance or in-house childcare facilities, assisting parents in staying in the workforce without sacrificing quality care for their children.
Washington’s affordability crisis is not inevitable. It is the result of years of high taxes, overregulation, and policies that make life more expensive. And it hit parents exceptionally hard.
Families deserve relief, and these bills offer practical, targeted solutions.
Instead of making excuses, we should make it easier for people to live, work, and raise a family in our state.
It is time to put Washington families first. Let’s deliver the relief they deserve.
Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, is the House Republican Caucus chair and represents the 20th Legislative District in the state Legislature.
