WASHINGTON — The 60-day legislative session kicked off with Governor Bob Ferguson addressing an evolving budget shortfall. Ferguson explained the difficulty of making additional cuts after last year’s significant reductions aimed at closing a $16 billion gap. This year, the shortfall is estimated at $1.6 billion.
Ferguson highlighted the challenge of investing in infrastructure and housing while managing different budgets. He said, “We have different budgets. So for example, our operating budget pays for K through twelve education, for example, that’s an A challenging situation. Other budgets, like our capital budget and transportation, budget, climate commitments, those are healthy.”
During the session, House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary emphasized public safety, education, and affordability issues in Washington. He criticized the budget’s structural imbalance, saying, “Every year for the past several years, the legislature has passed a budget that spends more money than it takes in.”
On the other side, Democratic House Speaker Laurie Jinkins pointed to federal actions as a major obstacle, particularly tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. She said, “This year there’s nothing we can do to stop the tariffs, but I think our focus has to be on doing all that we can just stop federal overreach from coming into Washington State.”
Both parties addressed public safety in light of recent developments. Jinkins supported legislation banning law enforcement officers from covering their faces, arguing it undermines public trust. She also discussed investments in law enforcement training academies.
Republicans have historically advocated for more officers on the streets to enhance public safety. The session includes various proposals, including the face-covering legislation, which mirrors a California law currently challenged by the Department of Justice.
