Floor SpeechBipartisan2026-01-21

HONORING THE LIFE OF LARRY BATTERTON

TaxesLabor

Context

On 2026-01-21, Representative Michael Baumgartner (R-WA-5) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF LARRY BATTERTON" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered labor policy.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE OF LARRY BATTERTON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 14 (Wednesday, January 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 21, 2026)] [House] [Pages H1127-H1128] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF LARRY BATTERTON (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes. Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor another of the bright lights of eastern Washington, but I also rise with sadness as I honor the life of Larry Batterton, a devoted husband, father, and community leader from eastern Washington who passed away on January 16 of this year. Larry dedicated his life to service--first to his country as an Air Force dependent, and later to his community in Spokane and Stevens Counties. He was active in We Believe, We Vote and active in civics, community, and government in Stevens County. In these roles he led with faith, kindness, and conviction, always working to strengthen trust in our elections and unity in our civic life. Larry and his wife, Susan, shared 54 years of marriage and built a wonderful family of four children and many grandchildren. His faith guided everything he did, and Larry's steady leadership left a lasting mark on eastern Washington. We give thanks for the life of Larry Batterton, his love of family, his enduring service to his community, and our State. When our Founders created this wonderful Republic that we live in, they thought of its foundation of good people like Larry Batterton. He will be deeply missed. In Opposition to Washington State's Proposed Millionaire's Tax Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the tax proposal in Washington State of Governor Bob Ferguson and his so-called millionaire's tax. Mr. Speaker, I hear frequently from folks back home that they are very pleased with the work of this Washington and what Republican leadership has done to give our country the largest tax reduction in history. They tell me how much they enjoy and look forward to no taxes on tips, no taxes on overtime, a tax deduction on interest for loans for American-made cars, and new tax credits for education. All the work we have done here in Washington, this Washington, reduces the cost of living for Americans, but I hear very frequently, as well, while this is going on, in the other Washington, my home of Washington State, that the Democrat leadership there is increasing taxes. It is time for a reality check about budgets. In Washington State, the legislative session has just begun, and the Governor has proposed a new income tax that would push Seattle's top earners into one of the highest tax brackets of anywhere in the country. There would be higher taxes in Washington State than even deep blue States like New York and California. It doesn't stop there. Other taxes are being considered, too, such as higher payroll taxes and higher business taxes for starters. It is sad. Just 3 years ago, Washington State had a $14 billion surplus, and instead of saving for a rainy day, the Democrats in Olympia spent recklessly. State revenues went up by 25 percent, billions of extra dollars, but it was all spent, all to wind up $12 billion in the red today. That is after last year when the Democrats gave our State the largest tax increase in history, and now they want even more taxes. [[Page H1128]] Implementing this tax will hurt job creators in Washington State, hurt our innovative economy, hurt our family farms, hurt job creation, and hurt growth. In the Federal Government we have a better record. Again, I voted for the largest tax reduction in history joining my Republican colleagues. The Democrats and Governor Ferguson in Olympia need to learn this lesson, not go even deeper into our pocketbooks and drive even more job creators out of the State. My message to Governor Ferguson is this: Get spending under control. Stop taxing the good people of Washington State. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE OF LARRY BATTERTON Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 14 (Wednesday, January 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 21, 2026)] [House] [Pages H1127-H1128] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF LARRY BATTERTON (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes. Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor another of the bright lights of eastern Washington, but I also rise with sadness as I honor the life of Larry Batterton, a devoted husband, father, and community leader from eastern Washington who passed away on January 16 of this year. Larry dedicated his life to service--first to his country as an Air Force dependent, and later to his community in Spokane and Stevens Counties. He was active in We Believe, We Vote and active in civics, community, and government in Stevens County. In these roles he led with faith, kindness, and conviction, always working to strengthen trust in our elections and unity in our civic life. Larry and his wife, Susan, shared 54 years of marriage and built a wonderful family of four children and many grandchildren. His faith guided everything he did, and Larry's steady leadership left a lasting mark on eastern Washington. We give thanks for the life of Larry Batterton, his love of family, his enduring service to his community, and our State. When our Founders created this wonderful Republic that we live in, they thought of its foundation of good people like Larry Batterton. He will be deeply missed. In Opposition to Washington State's Proposed Millionaire's Tax Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the tax proposal in Washington State of Governor Bob Ferguson and his so-called millionaire's tax. Mr. Speaker, I hear frequently from folks back home that they are very pleased with the work of this Washington and what Republican leadership has done to give our country the largest tax reduction in history. They tell me how much they enjoy and look forward to no taxes on tips, no taxes on overtime, a tax deduction on interest for loans for American-made cars, and new tax credits for education. All the work we have done here in Washington, this Washington, reduces the cost of living for Americans, but I hear very frequently, as well, while this is going on, in the other Washington, my home of Washington State, that the Democrat leadership there is increasing taxes. It is time for a reality check about budgets. In Washington State, the legislative session has just begun, and the Governor has proposed a new income tax that would push Seattle's top earners into one of the highest tax brackets of anywhere in the country. There would be higher taxes in Washington State than even deep blue States like New York and California. It doesn't stop there. Other taxes are being considered, too, such as higher payroll taxes and higher business taxes for starters. It is sad. Just 3 years ago, Washington State had a $14 billion surplus, and instead of saving for a rainy day, the Democrats in Olympia spent recklessly. State revenues went up by 25 percent, billions of extra dollars, but it was all spent, all to wind up $12 billion in the red today. That is after last year when the Democrats gave our State the largest tax increase in history, and now they want even more taxes. [[Page H1128]] Implementing this tax will hurt job creators in Washington State, hurt our innovative economy, hurt our family farms, hurt job creation, and hurt growth. In the Federal Government we have a better record. Again, I voted for the largest tax reduction in history joining my Republican colleagues. The Democrats and Governor Ferguson in Olympia need to learn this lesson, not go even deeper into our pocketbooks and drive even more job creators out of the State. My message to Governor Ferguson is this: Get spending under control. Stop taxing the good people of Washington State. ____________________