Recent Updates
SUPPORT OUR EFFORTS TO IMPROVE WASHINGTON STATE
The Issues
Transportation
I have served as the ranking member of the House Transportation Committee over the past few terms. My priorities are first and foremost to the people of Washington State. I work to ensure the quality of transportation options and maintain accountability and transparency for a government that prioritizes the well-being of those who rely on our state’s transportation infrastructure.
For the past several years, I have been the primary sponsor on bills that prioritize the quality of transportation in our state and ensure affordability and transparency for the people of Washington State.
We have many challenges facing our legislative session, and I will continue my dedication to ensuring that our local government acts with integrity and in the best interest of our citizens.
Housing
Housing has been at the forefront of my service in the state legislature for almost a decade. Our state faces severe challenges in meeting the housing needs of all those who live in our communities. Our state produces the fewest housing units per household of any state in the union. With nearly 30 years of experience in private sector housing, I have key insight into creating legislation that will increase the amount of affordable housing in our beautiful state.
As a member of the housing committee, I work closely with all our representatives to improve the housing and overall livelihoods of those who choose to live in Washington State. For 2023-24, I have sponsored several bills that aim to improve housing opportunities and effectively lower the cost of housing:
- HB 1245: Lot Splitting (increases opportunities for ADU and other dwellings)
- HB 1467: Increased growth opportunities for rural areas
Read more:
Barkis joins Ari Hoffman show to discuss rent control realities and transportation funding ->>>
VIDEO: Barkis slams Dems’ rent control bill, which will make Washington’s housing crisis worse ->>>
“This is really bad policy.” – Reps. Connors and Barkis recap Tuesday’s rent control debate ->>>
Public Safety
Community safety continues to be an increasing concern across our state. Over the past few years, the majority party has passed several harmful policies that severely limit the ability of our law enforcement to keep our citizens safe and maintain the communities where we all live and work.
With rising crime rates, increasing addiction and overdose, and drastically reduced law enforcement numbers, it is time for our representatives to take action. Working with my party in the legislature, I stand committed to enacting better policies that will increase the safety of our communities and the beneficial effectiveness of our law enforcement.
State Budget
Over the past several years, I have worked with my party to push forward operating budgets that provide meaningful tax relief to Washington families. We have worked to propose sales tax relief, property tax relief, and to expand the Working Families Tax Credit.
Unfortunately, the majority party does not prioritize the people of our state.
Year after year, they continue to increase spending, while providing no transparency or accountability, and shutting out our ideas to provide direct relief to our citizens and their families.
We cannot allow this lack of transparency and out of control spending to continue. Record tax revenues should be put to work for the people of Washington, not just the majority party's interests. I am committed to continuing the charge to make our lawmakers accountable with their spending, for the benefit of all the people living in our communities.
Contact Team Barkis
Mailing Address
PO Box 8728 Lacey, WA 98509