News Releases

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 ...

OLYMPIA — Senate Ways & Means Chair June Robinson (D-Everett) issued the statement below Thursday in response to Gov. Bob Ferguson’s budget savings plan:  “We appreciate the work the governor and state agencies have done to reach this point. Like them, we recognize that budget reductions are necessary and will carefully consider all the options that have been ...

OLYMPIA — A bill to restrict corporate involvement in medical care decisions was heard in the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee Friday.  Senate Bill 5387, sponsored by Sen. June Robinson (D-Everett), would establish restrictions on corporate ownership and management practices that could undermine providers’ clinical decision-making authority. The bill builds on existing case law to ...