We are now a little more than halfway through the 2025 legislative session and getting close to receiving our first glimpse of state budget proposals.
As part of this process, we recently heard from Gov. Bob Ferguson regarding his suggestions to help close a budget gap, which is estimated to be roughly $12 billion over the next four years.
The combination of one-time federal money, inflation, higher demand for state services and other factors has created a difficult budget situation. Senate budget writers (me included) are going through our own process to streamline and reduce costs while ensuring our schools are funded, health care costs are stable, and other essential needs are met.
I appreciate Gov. Ferguson’s efforts. Our state faces a significant budget challenge, and cuts have real consequences. The all-cuts budgets of the Great Recession created the housing crisis, cut K-12 education funding and caused other issues we still grapple with today.
We must leave Olympia with a balanced budget, but just as importantly, one that protects Washingtonians and their needs.
TEACH WITH TVW
I recently had the opportunity to appear on Teach with TVW to answer questions from students participating in the Senate Page Program.
I appeared on the show with Sen. Ron Muzzall, who is a Republican member on the committee I chair, Agriculture & Natural Resources.
This discussion was a lot of fun, and I hope educational for the pages and everyone who watched. You can check out my appearance here and here.
WAVE SCHOLARSHIP
Here’s a great opportunity for top career and technical education students in our state. If that’s you or someone you know, you should apply for the 2025 Washington Award for Vocational Excellence, a merit scholarship that helps pay for college and training.
The application is open until March 17. Learn more and apply here.
For any questions about the 2025 WAVE scholarship, please contact the Workforce Board at wave.award@wtb.wa.gov.
STAY IN TOUCH
Our office is always ready to help you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us and share your thoughts or concerns. This work can’t — and shouldn’t — happen without you.
Thank you for being such an essential part of our community and for your continued trust. It is an honor to serve you in Olympia.
Sincerely,
Mike Chapman
