Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As the 2025 legislative session came to a close, one thing became clear: Washington State missed a key opportunity to deliver a sustainable, balanced budget that would not hurt hardworking families and small businesses. On May 21, the governor signed the majority party-sponsored $77.9 billion operating budget, passing it strictly along party lines and leaving behind the responsible alternative that Senate Republicans offered—our $ave Washington Budget.
The governor’s budget aims to close the shortfall caused by years of overpromising and overspending. However, instead of adopting a disciplined and thoughtful approach to live within our means, it imposes over $9 billion in new and increased taxes on Washingtonians. These taxes include expanded sales taxes on services such as IT support and temporary staffing, increases to the capital gains tax and estate tax, as well as higher business and occupation (B&O) taxes that will disproportionately impact job creators. These are not just numbers on a page—these tax hikes will affect every household and small business striving to stay afloat in an uncertain economy.
It is estimated that over the course of four years, these tax increases will total $2,000 per family, negatively affecting different families in various ways.
We presented a superior solution with better priorities and a brighter future for our state. The $ave Washington Budget was a comprehensive, balanced alternative that safeguarded essential services, such as public safety, K-12 education, and critical infrastructure, without increasing taxes. It aimed at reprioritizing existing funds, redirecting unspent pandemic-related resources, and prudently utilizing surplus pension reserves (with no effect on pension obligations) to help bridge the budget gap. Additionally, we pinpointed over $1 billion in strategic savings across state agencies—excluding vital functions—by reducing bureaucracy, cutting excessive administrative costs, and eliminating duplicative programs.
In simple terms, our budget demonstrates that it is possible to govern more effectively without imposing additional burdens on taxpayers. We don’t face a revenue issue—we face a spending issue. Since 2017, state expenditures have more than doubled. Yet working families are being asked to contribute even more, despite the challenges of rising inflation, soaring housing costs, and economic unpredictability.
The $ave Washington Budget was grounded in the belief that government should be a good steward of the people’s money. Rather than expanding the size of state government, we focused on achieving better results from the dollars we already collect. That’s what Washington taxpayers expect and deserve.
It is disappointing that the majority party rejected this reasonable alternative without holding a hearing or engaging in serious debate. Budgeting should not focus on political victories; it should be about finding the best path forward for all Washingtonians.
As your state senator, I will continue to advocate for fiscal responsibility, government transparency, and economic growth, particularly on issues that impact the Tri-Cities area. As we look ahead, I will continue to oppose unnecessary tax hikes and support policies that promote economic growth, rather than expanding government.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I am dedicated to providing responsible leadership in Olympia—because Washington taxpayers deserve nothing less.
