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The largest tax and spend proposal in Washington’s history
We were on the House floor until midnight debating and attempting to amend the majority party’s proposed 2025-27 state operating budget of more than $78 billion. This is the largest state budget proposed in Washington’s history.
I’m concerned about the size and growth of our state operating budget. In the 2013-15 fiscal year, it was $33.88 billion. In 10 years, spending has doubled, even though our population and inflation have not grown that large. It’s unlikely that many of you reading this update have not experienced this kind of growth in your home budgets. Yet, those on the other side of the aisle are proposing to take spending to the next level in this latest budget — a $6 billion increase from the 2023-25 operating budget, about 8% higher.
Today’s newsletter is 497 words, a 3-minute read.
How the majority party plans to pay for its excessive spending
The budget passed last night on party lines and relies on a lengthy list of massive tax increases, between $15 billion and $20 billion. These would be the most significant tax increases in our state’s history and devastating to families, businesses, and jobs across Washington state. I voted “no” along with all of my House Republican colleagues.
Let’s be clear—we don’t need to increase taxes to balance the state budget. Senate Republicans have proposed a no-new-taxes budget that funds and protects vital services without deep cuts. Also, tax revenues are up in Washington—perhaps growing more slowly than in recent years, but still increasing by $4.5 billion in the two-year budget that begins July 1, followed by an expected $5.4 billion more in the 2027-29 budget.
Even Gov. Bob Ferguson agrees. This afternoon, the governor told the press that he will not sign budgets passed by Democrats because they “propose far too much in taxes.”
To see the list of those tax increases, go to this website.
14th District Virtual Town Hall provides valuable input
I want to thank all of you who attended my first virtual town hall meeting with my seatmate, Rep. Gloria Mendoza. We had the opportunity to provide an update on the 2025 legislative session and hear your ideas and concerns. You can watch it online here if you could not attend the meeting.
In the news. . .
After the late-night budget debate, I was on the radio this morning discussing what happened and other issues, including the bills that would gut the Parents’ Bill of Rights. Listen to my interview on KIT Radio.
Stay involved
The Legislature is in the final weeks of the 2025 session. We are scheduled to adjourn on April 27. However, we still have many issues to resolve, including the operating, transportation, and capital budgets. Your involvement is vital to the legislative process. Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns about this email update or the legislative session. I appreciate your input and feedback.
Sincerely,
Deb Manjarrez
