As 2025 session begins, here’s what to expect from Senate Republicans
Note: This article on the 2025 legislative session was written prior to Governor Ferguson’s swearing-in and inaugural speech Jan. 15 Those of us who take to heart President Lincoln’s words that government is “of the people” appreciate being asked to offer a forecast of an upcoming 2025 session. Our constituents and others, such as the […]
Legislature convenes Monday: Priorities, pessimism and political realities
The mood heading into Washington state’s 2025 legislative session January 13 is not exactly hopeful. According to the Cascade PBS/Elway poll, a majority of voters feel the state is headed in the wrong direction. Many Democrats and Republicans agree that the outlook for the state is bleak, with more than half of those surveyed saying […]
Ferguson lays out $4 billion plan to reduce state spending
OLYMPIA—Governor-elect Bob Ferguson announced his budget priorities, including a plan to save approximately $4.4 billion to address the more than $12 billion projected Washington state budget shortfall over the next four years. Ferguson will be sworn in as Governor at noon on January 15. “Washingtonians expect us to govern efficiently while upholding our shared values,” […]
Snohomish County state lawmakers talk 2025 legislative priorities
EVERETT—Under the theme “One County, One Voice,” Representative Mary Fosse (D-Everett) moderated a bipartisan forum hosted by the Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) on December 5 at Elks Lodge in Everett where panelists discussed housing affordability, behavioral health, childcare, economic development and labor force, transportation, infrastructure, and public safety. With Washington state facing a projected […]
With Paid Family and Medical Leave finances still troubled, payroll tax likely to increase
Who could have predicted this? A lot of us. The number of people tapping the taxpayer-provided Paid Family and Medical Leave fund is increasing every year. The paid-leave program, abbreviated PFML, was launched in 2020. It imposes a tax on employers and workers, whether or not the workers paying in ever use the program. The money […]
Major General Fund-State revenue collections 7.3% higher than forecasted
Article Summary Washington housing construction rebounded in the third quarter of 2021. Seattle-area consumer price inflation outpaced the national average in the year ending in October 2021. Major General Fund-State (GF-S) revenue collections for the October 11 – November 10, 2021 collection period came in $139.6 million (6.5%) higher than forecasted in September. Cumulatively, collections […]
Inslee to sign hefty $59 billion biennium state budget
As the end of the mostly virtual legislative session drew near April 25, lawmakers passed a hefty $59 billion biennium budget for 2021-23, an 8.3% increase to last period, that will funnel millions into childcare, public health, rental assistance and addressing the economic impact of a yearlong global pandemic. The budget includes a controversial capital […]
Senate Democrat spending plan increases state spending by 12%
By Sydney Brown | Washington State Journal It includes capital gains tax Republicans critical of tax increases Olympia, Wash., March 26, 2021 – Funding for health care, education and efforts to curb houselessness are promised in a $59.2 billion state budget proposal from the Washington Senate Democrats unveiled March 25. Budget details from the House […]
Inslee proposes equity-based budget for Washington state
For the first time, the governor directed state agencies to center budgetary decision packages and legislation around equity. By Office of the Governor Gov. Jay Inslee today announced a historic equity policy package for the upcoming 2021 legislative session, including $365M for equity-related decision packages and budget items. For the first time, the governor directed state agencies […]
