News Releases

OLYMPIA — Senate Ways & Means Chair June Robinson (D-Everett) issued a statement in response to the release of Gov. Bob Ferguson’s supplemental operating budget proposal Tuesday:  “Gov. Ferguson’s proposed supplemental operating budget reflects how challenging the state’s fiscal landscape is again this year, and I appreciate the care and deliberation he took in developing it.  “I ...

OLYMPIA — Senate Ways & Means Chair June Robinson (D-Everett) issued the following statement on Tuesday's Economic and Revenue Forecast Council meeting: “Today’s revenue forecast confirms what we’ve been warning — Washington’s economy is under strain from both uncertainty and federal actions. As the most trade-dependent state in the nation, we’re feeling the impact of the president’s tariffs, which ...

OLYMPIA — Legislation to make health care more affordable for public and school employees was signed into law Tuesday.   Senate Bill 5083, sponsored by Sen. June Robinson (D-Everett), sets new standards for how much state-purchased health plans pay hospitals and providers, helping reduce the rising costs of hospital care and shift investment toward ...

OLYMPIA — The Legislature passed a $77.1 billion operating budget Sunday that protects essential services while significantly boosting support for K-12 education.  The budget includes both targeted reductions and new revenue streams to responsibly address the state budget deficit. It makes $3.1 billion in cuts in the 2025-27 biennium, contributing to $7 billion in ...

OLYMPIA — The Senate approved a $78.5 billion operating budget plan Saturday that protects essential services while putting Washington on a stronger financial footing.  The proposal, which passed with a 28-21 vote, includes both targeted reductions and new revenue streams to address the state budget deficit. Over the four-year budget outlook, $6.5 billion will be made in cuts ...

OLYMPIA — Senate budget leaders unveiled a $78.5 billion operating budget plan Monday that puts the state on a path toward long-term fiscal stability while preserving essential services.  The proposal includes both targeted reductions and new revenue streams to address the state budget deficit. Over the four-year budget outlook, $6.5 billion will be made in cuts and $16 ...

OLYMPIA — Senate Ways & Means Chair June Robinson (D-Everett) issued the following statement on Tuesday's Economic and Revenue Forecast Council meeting:  “Today’s revenue forecast shows a modest decline in projected revenue, which is what we expected. While it doesn’t change the broader fiscal challenges we face, it reinforces the need for a balanced and sustainable approach as ...

OLYMPIA — Senate Ways & Means Chair June Robinson (D-Everett) issued the statement below Tuesday in response to Senate Republicans’ budget proposal:  "I appreciate the work my Republican colleagues have put into crafting their proposal and their willingness to engage in this important discussion. But while they’re calling this a ‘no-cuts’ budget, the reality is it includes $6 ...

OLYMPIA — A bill to address rising health care costs and access to primary and behavioral health care passed the Senate Tuesday.  Senate Bill 5083, sponsored by Sen. June Robinson (D-Everett), aims to lower health care costs for public and school employees by curbing rising hospital expenses and expanding access to essential services. The ...

OLYMPIA — A bill to merge three of Washington’s closed retirement plans passed the Senate Monday. Senate Bill 5085, sponsored by Sen. June Robinson (D-Everett), creates the Legacy Retirement System by combining the Law Enforcement Officers’ and Firefighters’ Retirement System Plan 1 (LEOFF 1), the Public Employees’ Retirement System Plan 1 (PERS 1), and the ...