Washington State

Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday signed a two-year, $78 billion state operating budget into law. The budget addresses a projected $16 billion shortfall through a mix of new taxes, account transfers, and modest spending cuts. The budget includes about $4 billion in new and higher taxes for the upcomin...

Despite nearly $3 billion in cuts, the state’s $78 billion budget for 2025–27 includes new funding for special education, law enforcement hiring, and homelessness services. Lawmakers prioritized core programs while delaying others, aiming to address immediate needs without tapping the state’s ...

The newly adopted state budget closes a $16 billion projected shortfall with nearly $3 billion in cuts, including delayed program expansions, reduced health care investments, and the phasedown of select services. While lawmakers avoided furloughs and preserved reserves, the final plan postpones or s...

Lawmakers approved a suite of tax increases to help close Washington’s projected $16 billion shortfall. The new taxes total $4.3 billion over the next two years as part of the state’s $77.8 billion operating budget. Business & occupation tax The largest share—$2.1 billion—comes fro...

Washington drivers will pay an extra 6 cents per gallon at the pump starting in July, part of a $3.2 billion transportation funding package passed by the Legislature. The increase—the first in nearly a decade—raises the state gas tax to 55.4 cents per gallon and adds a 2% annual inflation adjust...

The Washington Legislature passed a bill this week to cap most annual rent increases at 7% plus inflation, or 10%, whichever is lower. The measure cleared both chambers over the weekend and now awaits the governor’s signature. If enacted, the new caps would take effect in 2026 and apply to both...

Washington state lawmakers wrapped up their 2025 legislative session this weekend by approving a $71.7 billion operating budget, a $15.5 billion transportation budget, and a $9.3 billion capital budget. The three spending plans now head to Gov. Bob Ferguson for final approval. The two-year, $71.7...