The House’s proposed operating budget is similar to a $69.2 billion plan released by the Senate last week
Brett Davis
The Center Square Washington
The Washington State House of Representatives has rolled out its proposed $69.5 billion operating budget for the 2023-25 biennium that makes investments in housing, education and behavioral health.
“This budget is the ‘Resilient Washington’ budget and it reflects the values of our House Democratic caucus and the people of Washington state,” Rep. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, said during Monday’s press conference unveiling the budget.
The House’s proposed operating budget is similar to a $69.2 billion plan released by the Senate last week.
Perhaps the biggest difference between the two budgets is the fact that the House version assumes passage of Gov. Jay Inslee’s proposed statewide voter referendum that would allow lawmakers to fund a six-year, $4 billion housing construction program through bonds.
If approved by voters, the measure – part of Inslee’s proposed $70.4 billion operating budget released in December – would allow the state to issue bonds outside Washington’s debt limit.
According to the proposal, the additional money would pay for approximately 5,300 housing units in the upcoming biennium and 19,000 more in the ensuing three biennia.
“Our members want to see a greater level of effort on affordable housing and providing access to affordable housing across the state,” House Majority Leader Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, D-Burien, said at the press conference.
He added the governor’s bond proposal would remain under consideration, noting that it’s likely to be discussed until the end of session next month.
Inslee expressed his support on social media for the House’s proposed operating budget.
“I’m very encouraged to see the House propose larger investments to avert more homelessness in our state,” he tweeted Monday afternoon. “The stage is now set for discussions between the House and the Senate to develop a budget that will go big so people can go home.”
The House budget does not include any new taxes, although legislation increasing the real estate excise tax is still making its way through the Legislature.
House budget writers maintained a 9.8% reserve, or $3.2 billion, Ormsby said.
After the two budgets pass their respective chambers, House and Senate budget writers will negotiate to come to an agreement for a final budget that can pass the full Legislature before the April 23 end of session.
This report was first published by The Center Square Washington.
Also read:
- Opinion: Seven Things You Need to Know About the Governor’s Budget Proposal
Ryan Frost outlines seven key issues in Gov. Bob Ferguson’s proposed 2026 supplemental budget, focusing on taxes, spending growth, and long-term fiscal risks. - Opinion: Hidden costs, withheld documents, and a $17 billion question – Why the Interstate Bridge Replacement demands immediate oversight
Gary Clark argues that withheld documents, rising cost estimates, and rejected alternatives show the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program requires immediate independent oversight. - Letter: Hockinson is a ‘strong community and strong schools protect strong property values’
Brush Prairie resident Brush Prairie resident Brian Hebert argues that approving the Hockinson SP&O Replacement Levy is essential to protecting property values, community stability, and strong local schools.argues that approving the Hockinson SP&O Replacement Levy is essential to protecting property values, community stability, and strong local schools. - County seeks applicants for seven openings on Animal Control Advisory Board
Clark County is accepting applications for seven immediate openings on its volunteer Animal Protection and Control Advisory Board, with a deadline of Feb. 13. - Opinion: The IBR’s $10-$12 billion funding problem and lack of truthfulness
Rep. John Ley argues that escalating costs, funding shortfalls, and withheld information have undermined public and legislative confidence in the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. - Clark College officially opens Advanced Manufacturing Center in Ridgefield
Clark College marked the official opening of its Advanced Manufacturing Center in Ridgefield, a new facility focused on training students for careers in advanced manufacturing. - POLL: With updated estimates reaching as high as $17.7 billion, what should happen to the I-5 Bridge replacement project?
A new poll asks readers how the I-5 Bridge replacement project should proceed amid higher cost estimates and questions about transparency within the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program.
