Dear friends and neighbors, 

As we continue working through a challenging budget year, our focus remains on protecting the essential services Washington families rely on every day. I want to share an update on where things stand, what I’ve been hearing from you, and how we’re responding as the session moves forward. 

WHERE THE BUDGET STANDS 

The Senate has unveiled and passed our proposed 2025–27 supplemental operating budget — an important step toward ensuring Washington families can continue accessing the health care, long-term care, behavioral health, and food assistance services they rely on every day. 

This year’s budget process has been especially challenging. Rising costs and increased demand for services — particularly in programs like Apple Health, the Washington College Grant, long-term care, and behavioral health — meant it would cost more simply to continue services already in place. At the same time, ongoing federal uncertainty has created the potential for additional costs to shift to states, putting further pressure on essential supports Washingtonians depend on. 

As a result, this proposal includes difficult decisions and reductions, none of which were made lightly. Throughout this process, our priority has been protecting the most critical services, preserving recent progress in expanding access to care and support, and maintaining long-term fiscal stability for the state. 

The Senate-passed proposal now moves to the House for consideration. Over the coming days, the House and Senate will work together to negotiate a final budget agreement before the end of the 60-day legislative session on March 12. Once passed by both chambers, the budget will head to the governor for signature. The full proposal is available here. 

 

WHAT WE’RE HEARING FROM YOU 

I’ve heard from many of you who are worried about rising health care costs — and what ongoing federal instability could mean for your coverage. 

That’s why I introduced SB 5808, which helps us provide additional premium assistance through our Cascade Care Savings Program. This proposal would direct a portion of excessive surplus from nonprofit health carriers into the State Health Care Affordability Account to support subsidies for Washingtonians purchasing coverage through the Health Benefit Exchange. 

At a time when federal decisions could shift more costs onto states and families, this is one way we can continue to keep coverage affordable and provide added support to those who need it most. 

 

THANK YOU FOR JOINING 

Thank you to everyone who participated in our telephone town hall on Tuesday! Reps. Mary Fosse and Julio Cortes and I truly appreciated you taking the time to listen and ask questions. If we didn’t get to yours or you weren’t able to join us, please contact our offices with your thoughts! 

STAY IN TOUCH  

Staying connected with the people I represent is one of the most important parts of this job. Your insights and feedback help shape the work we do in Olympia, and I value the conversations we have — whether it’s over email, on the phone, or in person. I encourage you to reach out, follow along for updates, and stay engaged in the legislative process as the 2026 session continues. 

Sincerely,   

Sen. June Robinson