Breaking down the three state budgets under consideration this session

Apr 13, 2023
|
Written by WR Communications
|

business teamwork with working new project. concept finance accounting in office

 

As the legislative session in Olympia approaches its final weeks, focus has shifted to the state’s budgets.

Washington state operates on three budgets, each following a biennial cycle. During the “long” 16-week legislative session held in odd-numbered years, the Legislature establishes these budgets.

The three state budgets include the operating budget (significantly the largest, currently just below $70 billion for the upcoming biennial cycle); the transportation budget (whose size is more challenging to define, as it comprises approximately $12 billion of state taxpayer funds plus additional federal contributions); and the capital budget (roughly $8 billion for the two-year period). The specifics of these budgets will not be finalized until the session concludes, which is currently set for April 23.

Read Rep. Jim Walsh’s (R-19) full commentary

    

Return to newsletter