Washington lawmakers want to redesign the state flag—because nothing else is more important
Crime is rising, taxes are skyrocketing, but sure, let’s focus on the flag.
While Washington faces real problems like rising crime, unaffordable housing, and an ever-growing tax burden, lawmakers in Olympia have decided their top priority is changing the state flag.
House Bill 1938, sponsored by Rep. Emily Alvarado (D-Seattle), would create a Washington State Flag Redesign Committee to oversee the process of replacing the current flag with a new design.
Instead of focusing on public safety, economic relief, or fixing failing schools, this bill prioritizes spending time and taxpayer dollars on a cosmetic change that no one was asking for.
If HB 1938 passes, expect:
A taxpayer-funded commission to debate flag aesthetics for years
A ballot referendum on the new design while more pressing issues go ignored
More bureaucratic waste on a project with no real benefit to Washingtonians
This is what happens when politicians run out of real ideas.
What’s their problem with George Washington?
According to the bill’s sponsors, Washington’s current flag design is outdated and doesn’t reflect the state’s identity. Their main complaint? George Washington himself.
Lawmakers argue that Washington has "limited historical connection" to the state. Never mind the fact that the state is literally named after him.
They claim the flag is "uninspired" and "not representative of all Washingtonians." A vague justification that suggests Washington’s image isn’t inclusive enough.
They want a flag that “better reflects diversity”—but never explain how George Washington is somehow a bad representation of Washington.
This fits into a broader trend among progressive lawmakers to reframe historical figures through a modern political lens, often minimizing their significance or pushing for their removal from official symbols.
Instead of addressing actual problems—like crime, homelessness, and the cost of living—legislators would rather debate whether the first president of the United States is too problematic for Washington’s flag.
What HB 1938 does
HB 1938 would create a 17-member state commission to oversee the flag redesign process.
The committee would include politicians, historians, artists, and tribal representatives.
They would solicit public feedback, review submissions, and select a final design.
The final version would go to a statewide vote—ensuring this flag debate drags on for years.
Instead of tackling urgent issues, lawmakers are choosing to spend time and money redesigning a flag that nobody was complaining about.
Who benefits? Not Washington taxpayers.
Political insiders – More commissions and committees mean more jobs for bureaucrats
Consultants and designers – Taxpayer-funded contracts for branding experts and artists
Lawmakers looking for easy wins – It’s easier to rebrand a flag than fix the state’s real problems
Who doesn’t benefit?
Washington residents struggling with affordability
Small businesses being crushed by taxes and regulations
Voters who expect real solutions, not symbolic distractions
This bill does nothing to improve Washingtonians' lives—it’s just another example of politicians wasting time on pet projects.
What’s next?
If HB 1938 passes, expect:
A drawn-out debate over what the flag should look like
A referendum campaign, wasting even more taxpayer money
A final vote where most people will wonder why this was ever a priority
Meanwhile, issues that actually affect people's lives—like crime, inflation, and homelessness—will continue to get worse.
What can you do?
Call your legislators. Tell them no to HB 1938 and yes to focusing on real problems
Demand fiscal responsibility. Washington doesn’t need a new flag—it needs leaders who care about working families
Washington lawmakers are wasting time and money redesigning the state flag.
Contact your lawmaker and tell them to focus on issues that matter and stop wasting time and resources.