Washington legislators pass $78 billion biennium operating budget
This year’s 105-day Washington state legislative session was in many ways a trudge. There was a multibillion-dollar budget deficit to solve. Sharp debate on parental rights and capping rent increases. Clashes over tax policy. Tensions between the new Democratic governor and legislators in his own party. And the unexpected deaths of a sitting senator and a […]
Ferguson rejects both House and Senate budgets, dismissing tax hikes and wealth tax
OLYMPIA—Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson said he will not be signing off on either House or Senate 2025-27 operating budget proposals during a press conference Tuesday, April 1, explaining he cannot stand by the tax hikes proposed, especially during a time of federal uncertainty. [Watch video of Ferguson budget presser at end of article]. “Hope […]
Washington House passes $78 billion state operating budget, Senate and governor to weigh in
The Washington state House passed its operating budget just after midnight on Tuesday, setting the stage for negotiations with the Senate and the governor on a spending blueprint to address a looming multi-billion-dollar shortfall. The House approved the two-year $77.8 billion operating budget on a 54-44 vote in which five Democrats joined all Republicans in opposition. The five Democrats who […]
Republicans disrupt budget conversation with no-new-taxes, no-cuts plan
Being on the minority side in the state Senate means playing defense against a lot of bad pieces of legislation, but there are times when we can still take satisfaction in a job well done. One way or another, and at one stage or another in the lawmaking process, Senate Republicans managed to keep hundreds […]
Inslee proposes $70 billion biennium budget with new 1% tax increase for wealthy
OLYMPIA—Governor Jay Inslee held a press conference on Tuesday, December 17, addressing his proposed $69.8 billion 2025-2027 biennium state budget in what very well might be the last press conference he ever holds as Governor. “I want to express pride in Washington today and this announcement we’re making today. I was so in love with […]
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 […]
