By Sen. Keith Goehner,

Washingtonians have good reason to be distrustful of the policies coming out of the state Capitol. While the legislation itself matters, how it’s crafted is also important – and, increasingly, there is less transparency, bipartisanship, or accountability.

My goal as a state lawmaker is to work together and avoid partisanship, so I am greatly concerned that the new state operating budget was developed with little Republican input. Using the Senate as an example, our budget team was in the room for rounds one and two, then Democrats excluded our ideas the rest of the way.

During the final three weeks of this legislative session, Democrats from the Senate and House didn’t just shut Republicans out. They shut the public out as well, drafting the final version of the new operating budget behind closed doors.

Committee hearings were held at the last minute on the Democrats’ new tax bills. To say there was no bipartisan collaboration or transparency is not a political grievance, it’s the reality of how this budget was drafted and passed.

Budgets are about priorities. They fund our schools, roads, public safety, and essential services. They shape the future of our state. Yet when it came to the largest of the three budgets lawmakers had to adopt this year, the majority party decided that only its priorities matter — and that the voices of millions of Washingtonians represented by Republicans don’t deserve to be heard.

Worse yet, the Democrats didn’t just craft the operating budget in secret — they based it on the largest tax increase in state history.

We’re talking about billions in new taxes on families, homeowners, energy users, and small businesses.  Even those aimed at employers will be passed down to consumers sooner or later – and at a time when families are already struggling with high housing costs, basic living expenses and increasing utility bills.

The majority party claims these tax increases are necessary to fund state services. The truth is, Senate Republicans offered a better way. Our $ave Washington budget was a responsible and sustainable alternative that would have met the needs of our communities without raising taxes or cutting any core services. Our plan would have boosted public safety, special education, and mental-health funding — all while protecting your paycheck, respecting your family budget, and keeping the size of government in check.

Democrats had two chances to join us in adopting this no-new-taxes budget. Instead, they rammed their own plan through, The budget they sent to the governor wasn’t negotiated by anyone other than themselves. The majority party refused to listen, consider Republican amendments, or allow any real public input. They unveiled their final budget deal at the last minute, leaving no time for meaningful review or changes. The majority party didn’t just ignore Republicans, they ignored you.

We expect open government and deserve to know how our money is being spent. We deserve a transparent, accountable budgeting process that includes all voices and reflects all communities, not just those in the majority party. That is why I’m speaking out.

I will continue fighting for transparency and fiscal responsibility. Better outcomes come from open dialogue, not closed doors.

While we wait for the governor to either sign or veto the largest tax increase in Washington State history, remember, this is your government. You deserve a seat at the table, not just a larger tax bill in your mailbox.

Sen. Keith Goehner represents the 12th Legislative District, which includes Chelan County and parts of King and Snohomish counties. Goehner is the Republican leader on the Senate Housing Committee, the assistant Republican leader on the Senate Transportation Committee, and serves on the Senate Local Government Committee.