Washington State Senate Passes Budget Proposal for 2025-27
The Washington State Senate has recently approved a proposed budget for 2025-27. This budget emphasizes key areas like health care, education, and behavioral health, aiming to secure essential services for families.
The revised budget is around $79.3 billion. It addresses increased demand for services such as Apple Health coverage and long-term care for seniors and people with disabilities. Rising costs for these ongoing programs are also a factor.
Included in the plan are about $1.7 billion for ongoing services. This is necessary due to more people needing help and rising costs in programs like Medicaid. According to recent data from the Health Care Authority, nearly 2 million Washington residents rely on Apple Health. Maintaining support in this area is crucial as the state navigates financial challenges.
To balance commitments and cope with budget constraints, the proposal incorporates a $750 million transfer from the state’s Budget Stabilization Account. This careful planning aims to maintain access to vital services while safeguarding the state’s long-term financial health.
Looking ahead, the Senate budget will help preserve around $1 billion in the Near General Fund balance and over $3 billion in reserves. This should put Washington in a strong position to face any economic uncertainties.
The budget also prioritizes assistance for seniors, disabled individuals, and low-income families. Services like long-term care, food assistance, and developmental disability support are critical for helping these communities thrive at home.
Interestingly, the proposal avoids broad-based tax increases, which could be a relief for many residents. In a recent poll by a local news outlet, 65% of respondents expressed concern over potential tax hikes.
Sen. June Robinson, who chairs the Senate Ways and Means Committee, highlighted the tough choices involved. “Our priority has been to protect the services people rely on and ensure that Washington can continue investing in its communities,” she stated.
As the House and Senate prepare to negotiate the final budget, the timeline is tight. They must finalize the budget by March 12 and secure the governor’s signature for it to become law.
For those interested, you can read the full proposal here.
This budget reflects the state’s commitment to maintaining stability and ensuring essential services remain available for everyone.
