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OLYMPIA – More than 3,000 people participated in the recent telephone town hall put on by 7th District state legislators, with several hundred remaining on the line for full hour-long event, the legislators announced in a news release.
“We had terrific participation in this year’s telephone town hall meeting, just as we always do in the 7th Legislative District,” said Sen. Shelly Short, R-Addy. “Our district is so spread out that it takes a meeting of this type to give everyone a chance to participate. I don’t think it’s any surprise that the people of North-Central and Northeastern Washington are concerned about the budget, taxes and government overreach.”
Lawmakers gave a quick update on the 2025 legislative session and took questions from constituents during the telephone town hall, in which people joined a group call with the legislators March 27.
“It’s widely known in Olympia that our legislative district has more involvement in telephone town halls than any other district,” said Rep.
Andrew Engell, R-Colville. He said among the questions were inquiries about protecting the Second Amendment, housing concerns, wolf management and protecting natural gas.
“The best way to represent our constituents is to communicate and hear from them as often as we can,” said Rep. Hunter Abell, R-Inchelium.
“Fighting for our collective values and prioritizing their interests is what we were elected to do.”
Abell said the Republican legislators can do that best by working in a bi-partisan manner when possible and holding the line when they need to.
With state budgets still being finalized, a survey was offered on the Road Usage Charge where drivers would be taxed on a per-mile basis. Nearly 82% of those taking the poll said they hated the idea. In further discussions about proposed tax increases, including a potential gas tax increase, property tax increase, and an increase in the state’s Business and Occupation tax, a majority of those on the line were staunchly opposed, according to the news release.
Abell, who serves on the House Finance Committee, said state government has taken in record revenues over the past few years.
“It’s very evident that our people want Olympia to live within its means, stop the overspending, and for sure stop coming back to them for more,” he said.
“We heard our constituents loud and clear. New and increased taxes are not something they’re interested in.”
Engell said there are things that legislators on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers can compromise on, but tax increases are not among them, noting the state budget has doubled in the last 10 years.
