Senator Phil Fortunato (R-Auburn) has introduced legislation to address the growing housing and affordability challenges in Washington. The proposed bill, SB 5939, would create the Washington Is Simply Unaffordable Fund. This fund aims to help lower-income residents who are unable to afford living in Washington by assisting with relocation costs to more affordable states.
According to Fortunato, rising taxes and state policies have contributed to making Washington one of the most expensive states in the country. Residents are facing increasing expenses for housing, rent, food, and other necessities.
“It is becoming harder and harder for families to keep a roof over their heads and put food on the table,” Fortunato said. “Rent goes up. Gas goes up. Food goes up. And Olympia’s answer keeps being more taxes and higher costs.”
Fortunato highlighted that government spending in Washington has increased at about twice the rate of median worker wages over the past decade. At the same time, job growth has slowed significantly compared to national trends.
He criticized policies such as automatic minimum wage increases tied to inflation measures like the consumer price index (CPI). According to Fortunato, these policies raise wages across all levels, contribute to inflation, and encourage automation—making it harder for young people entering the workforce.
“Instead of reducing costs for low-income residents by removing the sales tax on prepared food and clothing — a change that would primarily benefit those households — Democrats have focused on expanding government and layering on more policies that place the greatest burden on people who can least afford it,” he said.
If passed, SB 5939 would reimburse moving expenses for individuals earning less than 300% of the federal poverty level who relocate out of state due to unaffordability. Eligibility would be limited to moves into states ranked as providing better value per dollar based on economic climate rankings determined by Washington’s own metrics.
The legislation proposes an initial $7 million appropriation for establishing this fund.
“When people are being priced out of their own state, that’s not success,” Fortunato stated. “If we want families to stay, work, and build their lives here, affordability has to come first.”
The next legislative session will run from January 12 through March 12, 2026.
