Republican leaders say new bills will raise costs for Washington families

Deputy Republican Leader Chris Corey and Senate Minority Leader John Braun told reporters they view affordability as the Legislature’s central concern and warned that proposals moving this session will make life more expensive for Washington families.

Corey said the House Republican caucus is watching several measures closely, including what he described as a new utility surcharge in House Bill 2275, an expansion of producer responsibility that would raise clothing costs, and House Bill 2421, which would add a fee to new tires. "This bill prohibits you from even knowing you're paying a fee," Corey said, arguing the majority is shifting unpopular costs onto consumers without transparency.

Braun said the Democratic majority’s agenda has included increases such as a proposal on tobacco and other levies that, in his view, contradict frequent references to "affordability." "They keep saying the word affordability, but yet ... most of the time in the first third of session ... has been hearing bills like an increase on the tobacco tax," Braun said, adding that some proposals could drive up pharmaceutical costs and the general cost of living.

Both leaders said they will press for transparency and for alternatives that do not rely on new or regressive taxes. Corey said Republicans will continue offering policy options "that can help fix Washington" and urged collaboration where possible. Braun reiterated the caucus would focus on affordability and oppose what he described as policies that would worsen the state's cost structure.

The press availability did not include formal votes or legislative actions; the leaders framed their remarks as the caucus position ahead of committee hearings and floor activity.

What’s next: Republican leaders signaled they will press for transparency on fee language and monitor the bills through committee and floor actions, but no formal legislative outcomes were announced at the event.