Washington State legislative candidates debate budget and business policy

Legislative candidates in Washington State participated in forums and debates addressing regional and state-level issues ahead of the November 3 election.

In the Snoqualmie Valley, candidates for Districts 5 and 12 met with the Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce. Discussions focused on small business support, including the state’s Business & Occupation (B&O) tax, workforce housing, and the construction timeline of State Route 18. Candidates expressed general agreement on the need for tax incentives to help small businesses remain in the state and the necessity of streamlining costly permitting processes.

In District 10, candidates for the State House seat, incumbent Democrat Dave Paul and Republican Tim Hazelo, debated approaches to the state budget and ferry services. Paul emphasized the need for fiscal balance and careful consideration of new policies given the governor's stance against tax increases. Hazelo advocated for significant expenditure cuts and the elimination of ineffective state-funded programs to improve efficiency without raising taxes or regulations.