Sen. Goehner, R-Dryden, at Beef Day on the Hill at the Washington State Capitol, April 9, 2025.

This past legislative session, citizens across Washington demonstrated the power of public engagement like never before. With remote testimony now a permanent option, residents can weigh in on bills that affect their families, farms, and businesses, without ever having to travel to Olympia.

In the House, over 11,700 people signed up to testify, while more than half a million registered their opinions online. The Senate saw similar participation, with over 10,000 speakers and more than 615,000 submitting input electronically. These numbers reflect a growing trend: Washingtonians want their voices heard, and technology now makes that possible.

Republicans played a key role in amplifying constituent voices on critical issues, including opposition to efforts to raise property taxes beyond voter-approved limits. At committee hearings, thousands spoke out, many remotely, to ensure lawmakers understood the impact these proposals would have on families and small businesses. Public engagement was so strong that controversial provisions were ultimately removed, showing the power of citizen involvement in shaping policy.

From the 12th District, this system enables residents from rural communities, farms, and small towns to participate, demonstrating that distance shouldn’t limit influence. Remote testimony has not only modernized the legislative process but also strengthened democracy, giving every citizen the chance to help guide decisions that affect daily life in Washington.