Washington Lawmakers Pass $69 Billion Budget for 2021-2023 Biennium
Washington state lawmakers recently completed their budget work and approved a $69 billion operating budget for the next two years. The budget allocates funds for teacher and state employee raises, and provides additional financial support for mental health services, emergency housing, and rental aid. The budget approval marks the sixth consecutive year that lawmakers have finished their work on time, a feat made easier by Democratic-led majorities in the House and Senate. Over 450 bills were passed, with more than 150 already signed into law by Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee.
The legislative session was the first to have in-person committee hearings and floor debates at the Capitol since the start of the pandemic. Lawmakers passed significant legislation aimed at addressing the state's housing crisis, allowing duplexes and fourplexes to be built throughout most areas of the state, even in areas zoned only for single-family homes. Additionally, hundreds of millions of dollars were dedicated to housing affordability and homelessness programs.
While there was bipartisan agreement regarding massive state construction and transportation budgets, Republicans were unable to prevent action on gun restrictions, including a ban on the sales of many semi-automatic rifles, and other laws that they strongly opposed. Lawmakers were divided on a proposed negotiated compromise regarding criminal penalties for drug possession, which ultimately failed to pass, setting the stage for a possible special session in the coming months.
State Sen. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, believes the session was successful, citing the passage of abortion and gun laws, as well as increased special education spending. In a post on Medium, Gov. Inslee expressed his dissatisfaction with the failure to pass a drug possession law, calling it unacceptable. Inslee emphasized that decriminalization is not an option for him or the state of Washington and expects legislators to deliver a solution.