Washington state’s operating budget has increased by 230% since 2001, reaching $80.7B for 2025-27. This significant increase has raised concerns about the state’s fiscal sustainability. According to a presentation to the Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Budget Transparency and Fiscal Sustainability, the state’s operating budget has grown from $24.5 billion in the 2001-2003 biennium to its current level.

Causes of the Increase

The increase in spending can be attributed to various factors, including the 2013 McCleary decision, which required the state legislature to fully fund basic education. Prior to this decision, portions of basic education spending were covered by local school levies. House Budget Coordinator Andy Toulon explained that 42% of the increased operating budget spending since 2001 was in basic education, while social services made up 26% of the increased spending.

The state has also experienced a rise in tort claim liability in recent years, which could be as high as $1 billion annually. Much of this liability is due to lawsuits against the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Despite these challenges, state lawmakers continue to grapple with ongoing projected budget deficits, despite historic tax increases in recent years.

Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.