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Advocate summarizes tough 2026 legislative session and highlights bills affecting equity programs
Summary
Paula Sardinas summarized the 2026 session's turnover, a reported $15 billion budget shortfall, and impacts on bills and programs affecting K–12, ECEAP, Medicaid, and other equity-related programs; she noted 1,392 bills were introduced and 286 crossed over to the governor.
Paula Sardinas, CEO of FMS Global Strategies and lead for the Washington Build Back Black Alliance, delivered an overview of the 2026 legislative session and its implications for the African American community.
Sardinas said the session saw roughly 40% turnover in the legislature and a reported $15 billion budget deficit, describing the year as "one of the most difficult and challenging sessions in a while in Washington State." She provided session statistics: "2026 Legislative Bills – 1,392 introduced. 286 Crossed over to the Governor's desk." She also listed policy items and budgetary impacts of concern to the commission, including cuts to K–12 education, Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), and Medicaid, and highlighted bills such as SB 6346 (the "Millionaire Tax"), SB 5041 (unemployment insurance for striking workers), SB 6335 (electric transmission systems), HB 2523 (Community Reinvestment Plan grant), and SB 5855 (restrictions on face coverings by law enforcement).
Sardinas argued that the Millionaire Tax's revenue flow "will also not provide any immediate economic relief, and the flow of funds will not be readily seen until 2030," and urged focus on equitable distribution of any new revenues. The commission received the briefing; there were no votes on the listed bills during this meeting.
