Senate Republican leaders in Washington voiced concerns on March 12 following the Senate’s approval of a final supplemental operating budget for the 2025-27 biennium. The $80.1 billion budget, which was crafted by majority Democrats, has drawn criticism from Republicans who say it relies too heavily on new taxes and temporary funding to cover ongoing expenses.
The debate over the budget highlights ongoing disagreements about government spending and fiscal responsibility in the state. Republican leaders argue that the plan does not address structural imbalances and could lead to future deficits.
Senator Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup and budget leader, said, “With this new budget, the far-left majority is leaving Olympia having put Washington in worse financial shape than they found it. We needed a plan built on structural balance and restraint. Instead, they’ve delivered a budget as unstable as a house of cards.” Gildon also said that instead of controlling costs or pursuing reforms such as ending double Medicaid payments through Senate Bill 5258, lawmakers continued unnecessary spending supported by funds taken from other priorities. He added, “If that lack of discipline continues, structural deficits will keep coming back — because taxes can’t keep up with an endless appetite for spending.”
Gildon questioned whether offering tax credits to individuals earning more than $100,000 provides meaningful relief for working families. “The bottom line is this budget grows state government by more than 11 percent while our economy remains flat. You don’t make life in Washington more affordable by making it more expensive — and taxpayers deserve better stewardship than this,” he said.
Senator Nikki Torres, R-Pasco and assistant budget leader, also criticized the plan: “This supplemental budget grows government again, and the state is already on track for an $878 million deficit by 2028. That tells you everything you need to know. When lawmakers increase spending but still cut programs like Running Start and Transition to Kindergarten, raise copays, and walk away from commitments like public defense funding, the problem isn’t revenue — it’s priorities.”
The passage of this supplemental operating budget signals continued debate over fiscal policy in Washington as lawmakers look ahead to future sessions.
