OLYMPIA – State Senator Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island), chair of the Senate Ways & Means Committee, released this statement following today’s forecast from the state’s Economic and Revenue Forecast Council.

“While today’s revenue forecast reflects a slowdown in our state’s economic activity, I’m confident that the Senate remains in a strong position to deliver a balanced state budget with significant new investments for the foundational services people rely on. We are focused on supporting our students and teachers, addressing the housing crisis, strengthening our behavioral health system, improving public safety, and taking historic steps to protect our environment. Washington is the only state in the nation with a requirement to balance its budget over four years and that strong fiscal governance has made our state more resilient as we face today’s economic uncertainty and stubborn inflationary pressure.”