Over the past several weeks, I’ve spent time talking with people across our communities — parents, healthcare workers, veterans, retirees, small business owners, educators, tradespeople, and working families.

And regardless of political affiliation, I keep hearing the same thing:

People are exhausted

Families are working harder, budgeting more carefully, and still feeling like they are falling behind. The cost of groceries, gas, utilities, insurance, housing, childcare, and healthcare continues to rise. Small businesses are trying to survive increasing operating costs while families are making difficult choices about what they can and cannot afford.

Many people are asking a simple question:

How much more can working families absorb?

Washington is a beautiful state filled with innovative people, strong communities, and hardworking families. But many residents feel that state government has become increasingly disconnected from the financial realities facing ordinary people.

Families have to live within their means every day. They make hard choices. They delay purchases. They prioritize necessities. They adjust their budgets when costs increase.

People are increasingly asking why government does not seem to operate with the same mindset.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Washington State Department of Revenue, Washington residents continue to face rising costs in housing, transportation, utilities, and consumer goods. Meanwhile, small businesses continue reporting pressure from increased labor costs, insurance costs, taxes, and regulatory burdens.

Many business owners I’ve spoken with are not asking for special treatment, they are asking for sustainability.

They want to keep serving their communities, employing local workers, and contributing to the economy — but many feel the environment is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate.

Some business owners have already moved operations out of Washington. Others are considering it. Others are quietly wondering how much longer they can continue.

That should concern all of us.

Because when businesses struggle, communities struggle.

And when people with the means to leave the state begin relocating elsewhere, it raises important long-term questions about the sustainability of our tax structure and future state budgets.

These are not partisan concerns.

They are real-life concerns.

People want safe communities, affordable living, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and leadership that understands the impact policies have on everyday families.

They want practical solutions, accountability, and transparency.

Most importantly, they want to feel heard again.

As I continue talking with people throughout the district, I will keep listening.

Because leadership begins there.

Not with political talking points.

Not with social media arguments.

But with listening to the people we are elected to serve.

— Dr. Kathleen Richardson
Candidate for Washington State House of Representatives, 28th Legislative District Position 1