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WA’s 2026 Legislative Session Is Getting Underway. Will Anyone Be Smiling when It’s Over?
Governor proposes $1.6 billion supplemental budget and considers tax shifts to close a $2.3 billion deficit while lawmakers debate revenue and voter initiatives.
- On January 12, lawmakers convene in Olympia, starting a 60-day session with the House and Senate holding opening formalities including Lt. Gov. Denny Heck's remarks.
- Facing a $2.3 billion gap, Gov. Bob Ferguson proposed a supplemental budget targeting $1.6 billion without raising taxes, excluding his millionaires' tax that would start in 2029.
- Gov. Bob Ferguson's plan relies on cuts including an $800 million reduction, using roughly half of the Rainy Day Fund, with university cuts of 1.5% and an additional $1 million annually for infrastructure needs.
- Lawmakers can adopt initiatives or send them to the November ballot; organizers submitted more than 415,000 signatures each for two initiatives, and the Secretary of State's office will verify them over several weeks.
- Key cut-offs run through March 12, Gov. Bob Ferguson will deliver the State of the State address on Tuesday, and he requested bills banning false identification and regulating AI chatbots.
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14 Articles
14 Articles
The Columbian+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
WA’s 2026 legislative session is getting underway. Will anyone be smiling when it’s over?
Washington state lawmakers begin a 60-day session today, in which a fiscal reckoning, flood recovery, and their own reelections loom large.
·Vancouver, United States
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Krem2 NewsReposted by 
King5 News
King5 NewsWashington's legislative session kicks off Monday
Lawmakers' biggest challenge this session is a $2.3 billion budget gap.
·Spokane, United States
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FOX 28 SpokaneReposted by 
KHQ Right Now
KHQ Right NowWashington state 2026 legislative session focuses on budget and infrastructure
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The 2026 legislative session in Washington State is set to begin on January 12, with the state budget and infrastructure taking center stage. Governor Bob Ferguson has introduced a supplemental budget proposal aimed at addressing a $1.6 billion shortfall, with assurances that this can be achieved without raising taxes or eliminating corporate
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left3Leaning Right0Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
L 33%
C 67%
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