Published date: January 15, 2025

APWA – Legislative Session is Upon Us!

The 2025 legislative session begins on January 13 and is scheduled to run through April 27—a total of 105 days. This is a budget year, and the grim financial outlook for both the operating and transportation budgets will overshadow nearly all other discussions.

The operating budget faces a projected shortfall of $12 billion over the next four years. Similarly, the transportation budget is expected to see a $6.6 billion deficit over six years. Discussions about potential tax increases are widespread. Governor Inslee’s proposed aspirational budget relies on approximately $13 billion in new tax revenue, while Governor-Elect Ferguson’s budget principles emphasize over $4.4 billion in cuts, signaling a preference to avoid a “tax-first” approach. There is also growing interest in addressing Washington’s regressive tax system, which is currently ranked the second-most regressive in the nation, behind only Florida.

The outcome of these budget challenges remains uncertain, particularly with a significant number of new legislators. Moreover, many experienced lawmakers have not encountered a budget deficit of this magnitude. By my count, only three House members remain from the Great Recession’s budgetary struggles. To make matters worse, the next fiscal forecast is expected to reveal an even grimmer outlook.

Governor Inslee’s budget will dominate the first week of the session, as fiscal committees hold hearings on his proposed plans. Afterward, it will mostly be ignored, since after this initial focus, budget discussions are likely to slow until the March 20 revenue forecast. Revenue forecasts are typically issued to the Governor and Legislature on or before November 20, February 20 (in even-numbered years), March 20 (in odd-numbered years), June 27, and September 27.

Upcoming Events

Below are the hearings I’m tracking for APWA. While the first week of a long budget session with newly elected legislators typically involves introductory committee work sessions, this year is off to a fast start, with over 500 pre-filed bills already on the agenda.

  • HB 1198 – Public Hearing – Making 2025-2027 fiscal biennium operating appropriations.
  • HB 1197 – Public Hearing – Making 2023-2025 fiscal biennium second supplemental operating appropriations.

Ways & Means (Senate) – SHR 4 and Virtual – 1/13 @ 4:00pm

  • SB 5195 – Public Hearing – Concerning the capital budget.

Transportation (Senate) – SHR 1 and Virtual J.A. Cherberg – 1/14 @ 4:00pm

  • SB 5161 – Public Hearing – Making transportation appropriations for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.

Ways & Means (Senate) – SHR 4 and Virtual – 1/14 @ 4:00pm

  • SB 5166 – Public Hearing – Making 2023-2025 fiscal biennium second supplemental operating appropriations.
  • SB 5167 – Public Hearing – Making 2025-2027 fiscal biennium operating appropriations.

Environment, Energy & Technology (Senate) – SHR 1 and Virtual J.A. Cherberg – 1/15 @ 8:00am

  • SB 5033 – Public Hearing – Concerning sampling or testing of biosolids for PFAS chemicals.

Transportation (House) – HHR B and Virtual JLOB – 1/15 @ 4:00pm

  • HB 1226 – Public Hearing – Making supplemental transportation appropriations for the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium
  • HB 1227 – Public Hearing – Making transportation appropriations for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.

Capital Budget (House) – HHR B and Virtual JLOB – 1/16 @ 1:30pm

  • HB 1216 – Public Hearing – Concerning the capital budget.

Local Government (House) – HHR E and Virtual JLOB – 1/17 @ 10:30am

  • HB 1054 – Public Hearing – Concerning county ferry maintenance and repair contracts.

 

Back to top