Washington Senate Republicans Propose Budget That Avoids Tax Hikes, Focuses on Shared Priorities

Senate Republicans have unveiled a $75.6 billion two-year operating budget aimed at addressing Washington’s budget shortfall while prioritizing education and essential services without raising taxes. The proposal comes in response to a projected $6.6 billion budget gap and an additional $5 billion in expected state revenue over the next biennium.

The budget seeks to avoid the tax increases proposed by Democrats and focuses instead on making government more efficient and repurposing existing funds to meet the state’s needs. The plan includes a 5% increase in spending over the current biennium, with the expectation that revenues will grow by 7.6%.

The budget’s primary focus is on K-12 education, which would receive a $2 billion increase, ensuring it receives a larger share of the state’s budget for the first time in six years. It also includes funding for special education and materials for classrooms, as well as measures aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism. Additionally, the proposal seeks to maintain affordability in higher education by capping tuition increases and expanding access for resident students with 1,800 new undergraduate slots.

For vulnerable populations, the budget preserves funding for senior services, people with developmental disabilities, and those needing behavioral health care. The proposal also includes efforts to make childcare more affordable by freezing rates for state-subsidized care while introducing policies to reduce regulatory burdens on providers.

One of the significant aspects of the budget is the proposed savings of $4 billion by postponing pay raises for state employees and social-service providers, opting instead to provide a $5,000 bonus. Republicans argue that this approach would honor workers while maintaining financial sustainability. Additionally, the plan proposes cuts to middle management, with a 10% reduction expected to save $195 million over the next four years.

The budget also aims to reform various state operations, including prioritizing the use of surplus funds from pension systems, the Climate Commitment Act, and tobacco settlements. These resources would be redirected to fund key initiatives, including the Working Families Tax Credit and law enforcement hiring grants.

Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco, the assistant Senate Republican operating-budget leader, expressed her confidence in the plan, saying, “With this, Senate Republicans have completely transformed the budget conversation here in Olympia. It’s the plan no one else thought was possible – but anyone who takes the time to look will see this is a serious and viable proposal.”

While the budget avoids new taxes, it does not eliminate all planned spending increases, with some programs delayed or scaled back to ensure fiscal balance. Senate Republicans argue that this plan offers a balanced approach, ensuring critical services are funded without raising the tax burden on Washingtonians.

The $ave Washington budget is expected to face scrutiny from Democrats, who argue that new revenue is necessary to address the state’s growing fiscal needs. However, Senate Republicans maintain that the budget offers a viable path forward that does not rely on raising taxes or tapping into the state’s rainy-day fund.

As the state legislature prepares for further discussions on the budget, this proposal highlights a commitment to fiscal responsibility while protecting vital services for the state’s residents.