OLYMPIA… Sen. Matt Boehnke is among the Senate Republicans sounding the alarm over the 2025-27 operating budget proposed Monday by the Senate’s majority Democrats, which calls for nearly $78.5 billion in spending and includes significant tax increases that would burden Washington families and businesses. The plan, which outspends the no-new-taxes, no-cuts Senate Republican “$ave Washington” proposal by $3 billion, prioritizes government expansion over real solutions for working families.

Senator Boehnke, R-Kennewick and Ranking Member on the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee, issued this statement:

“Washingtonians are already struggling with the high cost of living, yet Democrats are pushing a budget that demands billions in new taxes while cutting critical services. This plan fails to support working parents and small businesses and creates additional barriers for students to access higher education. It’s clear where their priorities lie—growing government instead of easing financial burdens on taxpayers and increasing college attendance. The ‘$ave Washington’ budget from Senate Republicans proves we can fund essential services, fully support K-12 education, and protect our most vulnerable citizens without raising a tax or cutting a single service.”

“The Democrats’ budget proposal requires the largest tax increases in state history, yet it still leaves behind those who need help the most. Cutting financial aid while raising tuition, slashing childcare support, and making outdoor recreation more costly is not the way to move Washington forward. On top of that, the Senate majority’s plan would even double the annual bed fees in long-term care facilities like nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. Republicans have proven there is a better way—we can fund key priorities, invest in public safety, and balance the budget without burdening families with higher taxes.”

The 105-day legislative session began Jan. 13 and is scheduled to conclude on April 27.

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