Washington lawmakers just gave themselves a fat pay raise—while you struggle to pay rent

Because apparently, public service should come with a hefty paycheck.

While Washington families are struggling with rising housing costs, record inflation, and tax hikes, state lawmakers have decided now is the perfect time to give themselves a nearly 17% raise over the next two years.

That’s right—while they tell you they need higher property taxes, new gas taxes, and more government fees to keep the state running, they’re making sure their own salaries keep up with inflation.

Because, you know, priorities.

The pay hike: What you need to know

Washington lawmakers currently make $62,000 per year—already one of the highest salaries for part-time legislators in the country. Thanks to the Washington Citizens’ Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials, they’re getting a 17% raise over two years, pushing their pay up to $72,000 by 2026.

🔹 $10,000 pay increase per lawmaker—because $62K just wasn’t cutting it.
🔹 $1.2–1.5 million in total new spending—because apparently, this was the most pressing budget priority.
🔹 17% increase—while the average Washington worker sees 3–5% raises at best.

And all of this is happening while Washington faces a multi-billion-dollar budget shortfall.

You know, the one they’re raising your taxes to fix.

Their excuse? “We work hard”

Supporters of the raise—including Lt. Gov. Denny Heck—argue that lawmakers deserve higher pay because their job has become “essentially full-time.”

They claim:

✅ The workload is growing.
✅ The cost of living is increasing.
✅ Low salaries mean only the wealthy can afford to serve.

But here’s the reality:

🚨 Washington has a part-time legislature. The legislative session is 60 days in even years and 105 days in odd years—that’s 4 months of actual lawmaking per year.

🚨 They already get extra benefits. Lawmakers collect per diem payments, which add thousands more to their pay.

🚨 They just raised your taxes to “fix the budget.” Instead of trimming spending, they’re handing themselves a raise while demanding more from you.

Where’s the outrage?

While politicians are praising the pay hike, taxpayers aren’t as thrilled.

During public comment sessions, citizens overwhelmingly opposed the raises, pointing out:

🛑 Most private-sector workers aren’t getting 17% raises. Why should part-time lawmakers?
🛑 Washington is facing a massive budget deficit. Shouldn’t we cut spending first?
🛑 Legislators knew the salary when they ran for office. If $62K isn’t enough, don’t run.

Even Republican Sen. John Braun called the raises “way out of line”, suggesting the money could be better spent on education, public safety, or tax relief.

And longtime anti-tax activist Tim Eyman is already threatening a referendum to overturn the raises, calling them “an insult to hardworking Washingtonians.”

How Washington’s legislative pay stacks up

Washington lawmakers are now among the highest-paid in the country for part-time legislatures.

💰 Washington (2026): $72,000
💰 California (full-time): $128,000
💰 New York (full-time): $142,000
💰 Oregon (part-time): $33,000
💰 Idaho (part-time): $21,000

By comparison, Washington’s median household income is $84,247—meaning lawmakers will now make nearly the same amount as a full-time middle-class worker.

Except most of them aren’t full-time.

Why this raise is so infuriating

🔹 They’re raising taxes while raising their own pay. You’re being told Washington is out of money while lawmakers are pocketing thousands in extra cash.

🔹 Most Washingtonians don’t get 17% raises. If you’re lucky, you’re seeing 3–5% per year—if anything.

🔹 It’s completely tone-deaf. This is happening while housing prices, rent, and everyday costs are spiraling out of control.

🔹 You didn’t get a say. Lawmakers don’t vote on their own pay—the Washington Citizens’ Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials does. And once they approve a raise, it automatically becomes law unless a voter referendum overturns it.

This means no legislator had to go on record supporting the raise—but they’re all happy to take the money.

What can you do?

🚨 Call Your Legislators. Demand they reject this pay hike or donate it to charity.

🚨 Support a Referendum to Overturn the Raise. If opponents collect enough signatures, voters can block the raises.

🚨 Stay Informed. Subscribe to The Steelhead Alliance and make sure these tax-and-spend politicians don’t get away with it.

Washington Democrats are giving themselves massive raises while making you pay the bill.

Are you okay with that?