The Washington state legislative session has officially begun, focusing on a significant budget gap and key legislative issues ahead
Olympia: The 2025 Washington state legislative session is finally here! It kicked off with opening ceremonies at noon today at the Capitol. Everyone’s buzzing about the big budget gap, which is estimated to be between $10 billion and $12 billion over the next four years.
Democratic leaders are hinting that new taxes might be necessary to tackle this issue. On the flip side, Republicans argue that the state has a spending problem and that tax hikes aren’t the solution. Governor-elect Bob Ferguson, who will be sworn in on Wednesday, has proposed a budget plan that includes 6% cuts across most state agencies. However, even that might not be enough to close the gap. Ferguson is also steering clear of the idea of a new wealth tax, which some progressives are pushing for.
But wait, there’s more! Besides the budget, there are hot topics like capping rent increases, school funding debates, and new gun restrictions that are set to be discussed in the coming weeks. Plus, folks are curious about how the Legislature will react to federal policies, especially with the incoming Trump administration.
From now until the session wraps up, reporters will be on the ground at the Capitol, keeping everyone updated. If you want to catch up on what’s happening, there are guides available to help you out.
Today’s opening day was filled with excitement. House members were sworn in, and there were cheers all around. It’s a time-honored tradition that really sets a positive tone for the session ahead. So, let’s see how things unfold!
