Senate approves $7.3 billion capital budget

The state Senate, which often hears a wide range of opinions between Democrats and Republicans, gave rare unanimous approval March 5 for a $7.3 billion capital budget.

“It was important to be responsive to the needs of all Washingtonians, regardless of the district they live in,” said Sen. Yasmin Trudeau, D-Tacoma.

The budget allocates $2.25 billion to natural resources, $1.2 billion for higher education, $1 billion for K-12 schools, and $770 million to housing projects.

Funding for natural resources will go toward a variety of projects, including repairing the Yakima-Tieton irrigation systems damaged by the 2024 wildfires and restoring the natural floodplains in Chewelah. Other projects will clean up contaminated areas around the Puget Sound, transforming them into affordable housing developments while creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

Trudeau praised Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, for collaborating on the legislation. According to Trudeau, Schoesler’s work helped her better understand the needs of districts east of the Cascades.

“What we have is a capital budget for the entire state,” Schoesler said, prior to Saturday’s vote. “...We looked at this budget and saw fewer resources, so we made tougher decisions every step of the way.”

The K-12 funding will dedicate $563 million to school construction projects, $201 million to modernize facilities in tribal schools and small districts, and $143 million for seismic safety updates at schools near active fault lines. According to Sen. Perry Dozier, R-Waitsburg, the state has a duty to ensure there is enough financial support for K-12 education. The budget also includes a reserve of $222 million for the second year of the biennium. Due to economic fluctuations and emerging needs, the reserve is important to address unforeseen issues during next year's session according to Schoesler. The House is considering a $7.6 billion capital budget similar to the Senate version. Once voted on, the two chambers will converge to create one final version.