Tag Archives: $ave Washington

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

Boehnke, Senate Republicans push back on Democrats’ tax-heavy budget proposal

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

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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VIDEO

Sen. Matt Boehnke warns of rising taxes and tuition, emphasizing the impact on higher education. Tuition hikes across WA colleges will affect students statewide. He urges the public to stay engaged and voice concerns against increasing tuition.

WATCH

VIDEO | The flaws of the Democrats’ Mileage Tax

Sen. Boehnke warns about the Mileage Tax (HB 1921 & SB 5726) from Legislative Democrats. It would charge 2.6 cents per mile, plus a 10% surcharge—a tax on a tax—tracked by a GPS transmitter. Boehnke says the rate will keep increasing and urges you to tell your legislators to oppose the Mileage Tax.

VIDEO | MILEAGE TAX

Sen. Matt Boehnke highlights the Senate Republican Budget, which closes the $6.6 billion deficit with no new taxes, no tax increases, and no cuts. He says it proves new taxes aren’t necessary and that WA families can’t afford more taxes.

VIDEO | SENATE REPULICAN BUDGET

‘$ave Washington’ budget backed by Boehnke

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… Sen. Matt Boehnke and his Senate Republican colleagues have proposed a new state operating budget that would fund the shared priorities of Washington residents without tax increases or spending cuts.

Their “$ave Washington” proposal offers a commonsense approach that prioritizes financial stability while protecting essential services.

“Washington taxpayers deserve a budget that works for them, not one that asks them to pay more for the same services,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “This plan keeps our state financially stable while rejecting unnecessary tax hikes.”

“Instead of pushing new fees on state parks, hunting, and fishing, the $ave Washington plan makes responsible choices. No one goes backward under this budget — it’s an honest solution that prioritizes fiscal responsibility.”

The $75.6 billion proposal would have state government live within its means. While revenue growth is projected to be 7.6% for the 2025-27 budget cycle (an additional $5 billion), this plan would increase spending by just 5%, keeping the state on solid financial footing while maintaining vital programs.

“This budget challenges the idea that tax hikes are the only way forward. With state revenues expected to grow by $5 billion, we can maintain vital programs without demanding more from hardworking families. The $ave Washington budget protects education, public safety, and social services.”

“It also demands accountability in state spending, tightening the government’s belt where necessary while keeping Washington on a sustainable path. This is the right way to govern — without forcing taxpayers to foot the bill for unnecessary tax increases. Washingtonians have consistently expressed opposition to higher taxes.”

A recent poll found that 98% believe taxes are too high or about right, with 78% saying taxes are too high. Despite this, Democrats have proposed raising fees for state parks, hunting, and fishing, even though such hikes could reduce public participation.

“If we want a government that serves the people, we must make responsible choices. The $ave Washington budget does exactly that—balancing our state’s finances without cuts or tax increases. Instead of asking more from taxpayers, it controls spending and prioritizes what matters most—education, public safety, and services for vulnerable residents.”

The $ave Washington budget prioritizes education funding, ensuring K-12 receives a larger share of the budget for the first time in six years.

The plan also includes public-safety investments, such as funding Senate Bill 5060, backed by Governor Ferguson, which would provide grants to help communities hire more law enforcement officers. In addition, it would implement reforms at the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to reduce administrative costs and prioritize front-line workers.

The plan exempts public safety, social services, and K-12 education from across-the-board reductions, ensuring that vital services remain intact. However, it demands efficiency in other areas.

“If Democrats introduce a budget with tax increases, it’s because they want them—not because Washington needs them. This plan demonstrates that by freezing spending growth in key areas, we can balance the budget responsibly without burdening families or businesses.”

For more information on the $ave Washington plan, src.wastateleg.org/ave-washington.

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