Washington State Budget Crisis Deepens

Washington’s governor is sounding the alarm: agencies face the toughest budget cycle in years, with massive shortfalls looming for both operating and transportation budgets. Revenue just won’t cover current programs, let alone new ones. Agency leaders must submit spending plans by September 14th and immediately halt any new program launches — especially anything expanded since 2019. This marks the third straight legislative session grappling with deficits, forcing painful cuts, tax hikes, and even slashing childcare funding. With state spending now near $80 billion — up from $43.7 billion in 2017 — inflation and a 14% population surge are tightening the belt. A new high-income tax won’t kick in until next cycle and faces legal threats, leaving lawmakers with no clear relief on the horizon. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/564df8ced267aecf