Washington Democrats pass $77.8 billion budget on last day of legislature
Apr 27, 2025, 7:22 PM | Updated: Apr 28, 2025, 7:13 am
Washington legislators swear in and begin the 2025 legislative session in Olympia. (Photo courtesy of Washington State Democrats)
(Photo courtesy of Washington State Democrats)
Washington state lawmakers passed a $77.8 billion operating budget Sunday, wrapping up the 2025 legislative session. Washington Democrats say the budget provides new investments in education, law enforcement, and social services.
House Democrats, who spearheaded the budget plan, say it protects essential services while boosting K-12 education. The plan allocates $750 million for special education, $213 million for school materials and operations, and $200 million to support students in low-income districts through local effort assistance.
Despite facing a growing deficit, the final package calls for $8.7 billion in taxes without tapping into the state’s “Rainy Day” fund or implementing furloughs. To address future shortfalls, lawmakers plan $3.1 billion in cuts during the 2025-27 biennium, totaling $7 billion over four years.
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Reacting to the $77.8 billion budget
Gov. Bob Ferguson signaled support for the proposal, noting it relies less on new tax increases compared to earlier drafts. But Republicans are slamming the budget as regressive.
“Democrats openly admit that many of their new taxes are regressive, hitting low-income families the hardest,” Sen. Nikki Torres (R-Pasco) explained in a statement. “So, who’s really wearing the villain cape here? It certainly isn’t the hardworking Washingtonians now staring down higher costs for food, health care, energy, and fewer choices. The people of Washington deserve better than what they received today. We will continue to fight for policies that lift burdens, strengthen families, and honor the trust the taxpayers have placed in us.”
Republicans criticize the bill for a number of cuts and tax hikes, including $100 new fee on marriage licenses, 38% increase in hunting and fishing licenses, 50% increase in accessing state parks, 50% increase in liquor license fees, and sales tax increases on certain services.
But House Appropriations Chair Timm Ormsby (D-Spokane) said the budget reflects a balanced approach, avoiding major service cuts while addressing urgent education needs. Senate Ways & Means Chair June Robinson (D-Everett) called the budget a product of “hard, often painful choices” made to protect vulnerable communities.
The budget now awaits Ferguson’s signature.
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