Mar 31 2025 21 mins
I had the chance to sit down again with State Senator Drew MacEwen as we inch closer to the end of the legislative session. It’s budget season, and we got into some deep conversation about what’s in—and what’s being cut from—the latest proposals. Right out of the gate, we talked about wildfire prevention, which is especially relevant here in the 35th. Drew expressed serious concern over cuts to DNR’s budget, noting how prevention is always more cost-effective than fighting fires once they’re raging. It’s frustrating, especially since previous leadership worked hard to boost those funds.
From there, we dove into the broader budget landscape. Even though the state’s revenues are at record highs, Drew pointed out that overspending has created a situation where harmful cuts are now being made—cuts to wildfire prevention, funding for schools that serve Native and Hispanic communities, and even to local hospitals. All of this while $21 billion in new taxes are being proposed. He called the Senate Democrats’ budget “draconian” and was especially frustrated that not a single one of the Republicans’ budget suggestions was adopted.
A big sticking point was the proposed wealth tax, something the governor himself had previously said he wouldn’t support. Drew questioned whether the governor would stick to his word and use his veto pen, particularly given how that tax—while marketed as targeting the ultra-wealthy—could drive up local property taxes and other fees, like hunting licenses and the Discover Pass.
He made a strong case for zero-based budgeting, which he believes would bring better accountability. We also talked about state employee furloughs buried in the budget, the implications of raiding the rainy day fund, and the risk to Washington’s triple-A bond rating.
The gas tax increase came up too—a 6-cent hike with an inflation escalator attached. Drew explained how that money gets bonded out for transportation projects, which can be effective, but he argued there's a better way: redirecting existing sales tax from car sales to fund transportation long-term. He was happy to see funding secured for the Belfair bypass and improvements in Shelton, but the overall structure of the budget still concerns him.
On the Second Amendment front, we touched on the new permit proposal that would require live-fire training before buying a firearm—every single time. Drew sees it as another infringement on law-abiding citizens, especially when compared to the state’s leniency toward offenders.
We also talked about the recent town hall he held with Reps. Dan Griffey and Travis Couture. Taxes were far and away the top concern. Education came up too, especially with rising funding but declining student performance. He mentioned seniors calling in, saying they’re being taxed out of their homes.
Finally, we got into the potential federal cuts to education and what they could mean for Mason County. Drew said it’s too soon to say for sure, but he’s hoping the intent is to streamline the bureaucracy and not actually reduce support for local students.
There are a few weeks left in session, and we’ll see how it all plays out—especially if the governor sticks to what he said at the start. I’ll keep you posted, and I’ll be checking in soon with Dan Griffey and Travis Couture to round out the picture.
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