The 2025 Washington State legislative session officially concluded on schedule this past Sunday evening. Lawmakers faced steep challenges in addressing significant shortfalls—over $12 billion in the operating budget and $8 billion in the transportation budget.
Despite early skepticism, House and Senate Democrats advanced a final package that raises nearly $9 billion in new revenue over the next four years. This includes tax and fee increases, a 6-cent-per-gallon hike in the gas tax, and major programming cuts. Governor Bob Ferguson had previously urged caution, expressing concerns about relying too heavily on new revenue rather than deeper spending cuts.
The Governor has not indicated whether he will sign the budget and revenue bills as passed. He has the authority to approve them in full, veto specific sections, or reject them entirely. The deadline for his decisions on these and other late-session bills is 20 days from adjournment.
In Memoriam: Senator Bill Ramos
As the session came to a close, the Legislature mourned the sudden loss of Senator Bill Ramos (5th LD), who passed away on Saturday, April 19, while on a trail run with his beloved dog, Sadie.
Senator Ramos was elected to the State Senate in 2024 after six years of service in the House of Representatives. He served as Vice Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and was known as a respected, compassionate leader devoted to his constituents and colleagues. He will be missed.
WFIS will continue to monitor post-session developments and keep you informed on outcomes impacting private schools.
