In total, the proposed general government budget includes $136.5 million in General Fund savings over the four-year outlook period.

This includes the following:

• Reducing the Extreme Weather Grant – Military Department: This grant program supports preparedness projects to build capacity for emergency shelters. The grant is consistently underutilized. The proposal would reduce grant funding by half.
• Eliminate Digital Navigation Grant – Department of Commerce: This reduction rolls back a program that provided access to digital literacy and devices to low-income populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other reductions that reflect staff vacancies, underspending in programs, delays in starting new programs, and elimination of programs that overlap with other existing services.

These reductions are needed to fund essential items in the general government budget, including the following investments.

Children in Crisis

In 2024, the Legislature established the Washington State Children and Youth System of Care project to support children with complex needs, including state-dependent youth experiencing placement instability and others unnecessarily boarded in hospitals. Each child receives case management based on their unique needs. The program provides flexible funding to support these children with housing, caregiver support, and respite and relief services. Additional resources are needed to continue these critical services for children past June 30, 2025.

($6 million General Fund-State)

Legal aid for low-income immigrants

This funding will enhance a low-income grant program for complex, long-term immigration and legal aid cases for individuals living in Washington without guaranteed legal counsel, focusing on immigrants at the Northwest ICE Processing Center and those at highest risk for removal from the country. Resources previously redirected to short-term asylum seeker legal services will now be covered by coordinated funding from the Department of Social and Health Services, allowing this program to refocus on its original priorities.

($14 million GF-S)

Victims of Crime Act funding

Washington’s Office of Crime Victims Advocacy administers federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) assistance grants based on the state’s VOCA plan. Federal funding has steadily declined, creating a steep funding cliff for victim services such as crisis intervention, safety planning, emergency shelter, legal assistance, medical forensic exams, and more. This funding will bridge this gap to ensure victims of crime receive needed services.

($20 million GF-S)

World Cup safety and security

The 2026 World Cup will hold events at numerous locations around Washington and is projected to bring 750,000 visitors to the state. Funding will enhance local capabilities to handle anticipated large crowds. This includes securing commitments from non-Seattle law enforcement agencies to provide assistance, increasing personnel, pursuing early procurement to reduce costs, performing culturally competent local training and exercises, and boosting emergency response preparedness.

($5.5 million GF-S)

Needs assessment and strategic plan

The Commission will gain more information about the needs of all Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities through a needs assessment, data disaggregation, and strategic planning. The Commission will also be able to begin learning the needs of recently resettled South Asian refugees, mainly from Afghanistan.

($75,000 GF-S)

Department of Commerce

Expanding broadband to unserved homes

Washington is committed to expanding high-speed internet access to over 230,000 unserved households. A state match, combined with funding from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will reduce broadband inequity and ensure that Washingtonians have the connectivity they need to connect and participate in the digital world.

($230 million State Building Construction Account, $982.2 million federal)

Public Works Board construction program

The Public Works Board provides low- or no-interest loans to local governments for repairing, replacing, or upgrading essential infrastructure. This includes rehabilitating bridges, roads, sanitary sewer systems, domestic water systems, storm sewer systems, and solid waste/recycling systems.

($350 million Public Works Assistance Account)

Building Communities Fund (BCF)

The BCF is a key community development tool that provides state capital grants for acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation projects. Funding is provided to 38 construction projects for social service and multipurpose community center construction in a distressed community or serving low-income individuals.

($49.1 million State Building Construction Account) 

Department of Enterprise Services

Deschutes Estuary restoration

The 260-acre Capitol Lake Basin, a multi-biennium project, includes a new bridge that will allow the free flow of salt marsh habitat at the mouth of the Deschutes River. This funding will construct the bridge to make progress on restoring the estuary.

($25.5 million State Building Construction Account)

Fire and life safety and preservation projects

Major investments are needed to address fire and life safety for several buildings on the capitol campus. Funding is provided for critical fire system upgrades, HVAC control upgrades, and an arc flash study. Buildings will be modernized with elevator restorations and clean energy efforts. Restoration of legislative chambers, centennial skylights, and building cleanings are included.

($19.5 million State Building Construction Account)

This budget also proposes reductions to better align spending with program needs. In total, the proposed budget for human services includes $1.56 billion in General Fund savings over the four-year outlook period.

Reductions include general adjustments for staff vacancies and underspending in programs, in addition to the following:

Facility closures and delays

• Closing Rainier School and Yakima Valley School Residential Habilitation Centers, continuing Washington’s movement away from facility-based care and toward community-based settings. Fircrest School and Lakeland Village remain, with additional capacity becoming available at Fircrest School in fiscal year 2027, allowing options for individuals from Rainier and Yakima Valley Schools who need to remain in a state facility. Corresponding community investments are described further below.
• Closing the Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women due to declining numbers of women needing lower-security beds, which is described further below.
• Slowing growth in capacity for behavioral health by delaying a new unit opening at Maple Lane Campus. Trueblood wait times have decreased dramatically in the past year, and with units opening at other facilities, this additional space can be postponed. In addition, the governor request legislation designed to reduce the number of inpatient competency referrals will help slow overall growth and reduce strain on existing bed capacity.
• Claiming savings at the Special Commitment Center’s Fir Unit, which is closed, and Redwood Unit which is operating at half capacity.

Program delays and reductions

• Delaying Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) entitlement and expansion of Working Connections Child Care, which are described further below.
• Delaying the addition of acupuncture and chiropractic care to covered services under Apple Health, which was an upcoming expansion of coverage that is not yet implemented.
• Eliminating the requirement that the Department of Social and Health Services provide case management for people who have not requested or do not need paid services.

Reductions were taken in order to fund necessary items in the human services budget, including the following investments.

Continue support for senior nutrition program services

Food insecurity is increasingly prevalent among aging populations. The Area Agencies on Aging administers programs to deliver meals to homes and provides congregate meal settings for seniors at highest risk of losing access to nutrition.

($27.9 million General Fund-State) 

Expand support for individuals transitioning from nursing home to community

The cost of rent prohibits many individuals from securing independent living options, especially when living on a fixed income. By supporting transitions to affordable housing, individuals are empowered to live independently, and nursing facilities are better positioned to accommodate those who require acute care. This funding expands access to affordable housing for individuals who are stalled in acute care settings due to the lack of affordable housing.

($12.9 million GF-S, $7.2 million General Fund-Federal) 

Increase community respite rates and available service hours

Day habilitation rates cover a range of services for individuals with developmental disabilities including community respite. Community respite allows individuals with disabilities to get involved in community activities while receiving needed supports. It serves as an important support for clients and caregivers, promotes inclusion, combats isolation, and enhances quality of life. This funding will help to expand the choices available to clients.

($718,000 GF-S, $718,000 GF-F) 

Increase community residential nursing rate

Community residential service providers must employ nursing professionals to provide care to clients with high medical acuity. One-time funding is provided to increase payment rates to hire and retain permanent nursing professionals, reducing reliance on costly temp agencies. This will result in improved health outcomes, decreased hospitalizations, and expedited community placement.

($486,000 GF-S, $476,000 GF-F) 

Increase investment in community residential services

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have a right to personal choice in choosing a residential setting. Washington has continued to grow its community-based supports to promote greater community inclusion and integration for people with I/DD. To align with these principles, increased funding for community options is included to ensure individuals will have access to their choice of residential settings and services. These services will also support those individuals who choose community-based placement as the state pursues closure of Rainier School and Yakima Valley School by 2027.

($12.4 million GF-S, $11.6 million GF-F)

Continue support for unaccompanied immigrant children living with a sponsor family

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed 1,350 unaccompanied immigrant children in Washington with sponsor families in federal fiscal year 2023. The state provides support services for these families, including housing assistance, child care, transportation, and household supplies. Proposed funds continue these supports through state fiscal year 2026, at which time a long-term solution for supports and case-management activities can be assessed based on future recommendations made by a workgroup led by the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance.

($500,000 GF-S) 

Continue supports for individuals newly arriving to Washington

Between 2022 and 2023, Washington experienced a 400% increase in the number of newly arriving individuals. These individuals do not qualify for the federal Refugee Resettlement Program. This funding will sustain a coordinated, statewide response supporting the economic, social integration, and basic needs of this population through state fiscal year 2026.

($25 million GF-S) 

Waive collection of certain overpayments for Aged, Blind, or Disabled program

Effective July 1, 2025, the Economic Services Administration will be able to waive the requirement for Aged, Blind, or Disabled participants to pay back an overpayment that was caused by an unintentional error. The collection of the overpayment is burdensome to the participants and can make it more challenging for participants to meet their basic needs.

($308,000 GF-S) 

Continue funding for the Integrated Eligibility and Enrollment IT project

Washington continues to invest in an expedited and streamlined eligibility and enrollment system for medical and social support programs. This integrated system will simplify applications, save time for individuals, and improve efficiency for state workers. The funds also support continued work to create a transparent eligibility tracker and alignment with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ regulations.

($12 million GF-S, $23.8 million GF-F) 

Support culturally appropriate rehabilitation services for Tribes

Most Tribes in Washington are not receiving federal funding to support vocational rehabilitation services. The proposed budget includes funding for grants to federally recognized Tribes to develop culturally appropriate vocational rehabilitation services and to provide adaptive technologies for Tribal members with disabilities who are seeking employment. It is estimated that 261 Tribal members across the state will benefit from these services.

For Tribal members who are blind, low-visioned, or deaf/blind, funding will include support for culturally appropriate vocational rehabilitation, independent living, and youth services benefiting an estimated 87 Tribal members.

($1.3 million GF-S)

Support for Tribal health services

The budget provides ongoing support for Tribal facilities through a state match for federal funds. This will allow Tribal facilities to continue providing health care services for Medicaid clients regardless of Tribal status.

($70.9 million GF-S) 

Provide additional health care resources for justice-involved people

Justice-involved Washingtonians often lack access to essential medical and behavioral health care before their release, leading to instability and unmet needs. This funding will fill that gap as part of the Medicaid Transformation Waiver. Services will include Medication Assisted Treatment, a 30-day supply of prescription medications at release and case management services. Providing these services pre-release will stabilize clients, connect them with community clinicians, and promote a more successful re-entry.

($12.8 million GF-S, $81.5 million GF-F) 

Increase housing and employment support

Increased federal funding will allow community-based organizations and local housing authorities to provide housing support, rental assistance and employment counseling for clients in need.

($103 million GF-F, $45 million General Fund-Local)

Restructure Reentry Center portfolio

Reentry centers, formerly known as work releases, are a proven method of helping people who are ending their prison sentences be successful in maintaining employment, stable housing, and in paying legal financial obligations upon release. With changes to the prison population from recent sentencing reform and court decisions, the state’s 11 reentry centers are operating well below capacity. Also, in recent years providers operating several of the centers have chosen not to renew their contracts, leading to sudden closure of centers in areas with high demand. To rightsize the reentry center portfolio, this budget proposes to close three centers and convert three others previously operated by vendors into stable, agency-run facilities.

 ($5.5 million in savings GF-S)  

Reduce unneeded capacity for incarcerated women

The rapid decline of people with low-level drug offenses in the prison population following the recent Blake decision has left the department with excess bed capacity in its lower security level facilities. This budget proposes closing the Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women (MCCCW), a women’s minimum-security camp outside of Belfair. The current residents and programs at the camp will move to a reopened unit at the nearby Washington Corrections Center for Women. After the residents’ transfer, the department will continue to maintain the campus and could reopen it in the future if needed.

($15.3 million in savings GF-S)  

Increase access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder

Maintaining medical treatment for opioid use disorder reduces mortality rates, increases participation in other substance use disorder treatments, and reduces recidivism rates. This funding will provide enough medication to treat incarcerated individuals who have opioid use disorder and who were receiving treatment before entering the Department of Corrections’ custody.

($7.1 million GF-S) 

Provide staff coverage to improve safety and effectiveness

Prison custody officers fill a critical role in ensuring safety for incarcerated individuals, staff, and the public. While improved access to paid leave has benefited these employees, it led to significant gaps in staffing coverage for these 24/7 institutions. The department has covered these gaps with expensive mandatory overtime and unfunded positions, leading to overspending and diversion of resources for community supervision and reentry services. This proposal takes a large step toward fully funding required coverage of mandatory positions. Reducing mandatory overtime will positively impact staff fatigue, morale, and retention rates.

($38 million GF-S) 

Support access to virtual hearings and services

Virtual hearings are highly effective in ensuring incarcerated individuals receive legal, medical, and other services in a timely, safe, and cost-effective manner. Before March 2021, court proceedings were held in person, requiring multiple custody officers and transportation of incarcerated individuals for a variety of constitutionally required off-campus actions. If demand for hearings had remained stable, transitioning to virtual hearings could have resulted in cost savings. However, the demand for hearings has increased, and this budget proposes funding that increased use. The work to organize and facilitate these hearings will be done by an administrative assistant at each facility. Virtual venues give incarcerated individuals an opportunity to engage in legislative advocacy, access specialized medical care, and maintain essential family connections.

($2.5 million GF-S) 

Change correctional culture

The negative impacts of incarceration on both incarcerated individuals and correctional staff are well-documented. The Department of Corrections’ Washington Way initiative, through its collaboration with the Amend program at the University of California San Francisco, is an innovative culture change initiative to prioritize the health and well-being of both staff and residents. Funds to continue this partnership will sustain progress in reducing staff burnout, turnover, and mental health issues, while enhancing reintegration efforts.

($1 million GF-S)

Provide rate increases for foster care and extended foster care

This budget provides funding to increase the foster care rate. The current rate does not cover the cost of living experienced by foster parents providing care for young adults in extended foster care in supervised independent living arrangements. Due to fiscal constraints, the rate will increase to half the cost of care in the first fiscal year and phase up to the full cost of care in fiscal year 2029.

($7.3 million GF-S; $4.9 million GF-F) 

Maintain Family Preservation Services rate

This governor’s budget makes the new Family Preservation Services rate, which was increased last year, permanent and ongoing. These essential in-home services are among the most widely accessed services by families in the child welfare system.

($3.5 million GF-S) 

Continue to roll out reforms and practice improvements related to the D.S. lawsuit

In 2022, parties reached a settlement agreement in D.S. v. Department of Children, Youth and Families. Funding is provided to implement provisions of the settlement agreement such as expanding the adolescent transitional living program, investing in hub homes, and implementing solutions that will allow for the end of placement exceptions by calendar year 2024 as required in the implementation plan for the settlement agreement. This includes using leased facilities and expanding receiving care capacity to transition away from placement exceptions. Funding for plaintiff legal fees and fiduciary support of payment infrastructure for the required reforms is also included.

($19.9 million GF-S, $694,000 GF-F) 

Maintain in-home services model program for system-involved children and families

The Intercept program is an evidence-based, comprehensive in-home service model designed to support families and youth from birth to age 18. Youth and their families qualify for the program if they are involved in any of the following: child welfare, children’s mental health, or juvenile justice systems. Original funding was provided through fiscal year 2026 to help children and families impacted by the fentanyl crisis. This budget ensures the program’s two sites stay open through June 2027.

($872,000 GF-S, $1 million Private-Local Funds) 

Respond to substance use disorder in pregnant and parenting families

A “Plan of Safe Care” (POSC) is a family-centered prevention plan designed to promote the safety and well-being of birthing parents and their infants with prenatal substance exposure. This budget expands POSC for substance-exposed infants to all birthing hospitals and for pregnant people in three additional counties. In addition, funding is provided to continue contracting for the Rising Strong model, which provides family-centered drug treatment and housing programs for families experiencing substance use disorder.

($5.9 million GF-S) 

Fill service gaps for Tribal families to help them reunite with their children

Tribal children are disproportionately represented in the child welfare system. Culturally responsive programs for Tribal families are limited in some regions of the state. Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) is an evidence-based program developed by the National Indian Child Welfare Association for helping Tribal families reunite with their children. Funding and staff are provided to implement PIP in three locations underserved by culturally responsive programming, including locations in Western and Eastern Washington.

($777,000 GF-S, $112,000 GF-F) 

Blend preschool programs to improve social and learning outcomes

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Department of Children, Youth and Families will distribute one-time grants to school districts to blend Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and Transition to Kindergarten (TTK) classrooms. Some school districts offer both ECEAP and TTK but very few blend their programs. While ECEAP has income requirements and TTK does not, evidence shows mixed-ability and mixed-income classrooms lead to better social and learning outcomes for all children. This also further aligns ECEAP and TTK as complementary preschool programs.

($2 million GF-S) 

Delay ECEAP entitlement while investing in rates and slots

ECEAP is a preschool program that increases kindergarten readiness for three- and four-year-olds from low-income families. The program offers school day (six hour) and part day (three hour) slots. School day slots better meet the needs of working families and their children. Since 2013, nearly 10,000 slots have been added to the program in efforts to make ECEAP an entitlement by the 2026–27 school year. However, workforce challenges and budget constraints require adjusting the timeline to the 2030-31 school year. To support this updated plan, the Governor proposes:

• An 18% rate increase for school day slots starting July 2025 to stabilize providers and build slot capacity
• Creating 750 more school day slots starting July 2026 by converting 250 part-day slots to school day and adding 500 more school day slots
• Rightsizing the program by capturing 845 unfilled part-day ECEAP slots as savings

($48 million GF-S) 

Preserve current child care access and affordability

Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) helps eligible families afford child care and has grown by 10,000 new families since the passage of the Fair Start for Kids Act in 2022. This was made possible by expanding eligibility to 60% of state median income (SMI), increasing provider payments to the 85th percentile of 2021 market rates, and lowering family copays. Despite serving a total of 30,000 families,
WCCC still reaches only 77% of eligible families. This budget maintains progress toward closing the child care needs gap by maintaining current eligibility for WCCC but delays expansion to families with incomes up to 75% of SMI to fiscal year 2030.

In recognition of the importance of child care, the governor also funds:

• $510 million in DCYF’s base budget to raise provider subsidy rates up to the 85th percentile of 2024 market rates
• $66 million to comply with new federal Child Care Development Fund rules, which align subsidy child care with the private market and are required to maintain access to this federal grant program
• $4.8 million for eligible family outreach

Governor Inslee does not take the delay of WCCC expansion lightly. It is a cost avoidance strategy that avoids impacting current families, preserves and optimizes child care access to families currently eligible, and invests in enhancements to rate and pay practices that stabilize providers.

($582 million GF-S, $20.3 million GF-F)

Maintain rates for Independent Living providers

The one-time rate increase for Independent Living providers are made ongoing and permanent. Independent Living is a voluntary program designed to teach important life skills to current and former DCYF foster youth, including youth in care and those returned home, placed in a guardianship, or have been adopted.

($1.5 million GF-S)

Screen children for trafficking and enhance efforts to locate missing Tribal youth

The budget adds funding for two additional staff to screen commercially sexually exploited children statewide and integrate labor trafficking definitions into DCYF practices. These efforts allow the Department to meet its statutory obligations and will protect children. DCYF will also establish a missing Tribal youth locator position to address jurisdictional challenges with locating Tribal youth missing from care.

($1.1 million GF-S) 

Complete LifeSet expansion to preserve program availability and quality

LifeSet exists in King, Yakima, Spokane, and Snohomish counties. This funding will add two additional sites in Clark and Pierce counties and allow the state to leverage private philanthropic dollars for the program. LifeSet is a comprehensive, community-based intervention model designed to serve youth 17–22 years old who have been involved in the foster care, juvenile justice, or mental health systems or lack the necessary skills and resources to make a successful transition to adulthood.

($1.4 million GF-S, $430,000 Private-Local Funds)

Open new juvenile rehabilitation center

A new DCYF facility will open in early 2025 at the Stafford Creek Corrections Center and serve up to 48 young men ages 18–25. The facility will offer a unique leadership and peer mentor development program. This will address overcrowding at certain facilities and will ensure better access to services, education, and vocational programming.

($33 million GF-S, $581,000 GF-F)  

Establish perimeter security at Echo Glen Children’s Center

Funding is provided to enhance the safety of the community, staff, and youth at Echo Glen. Enhancements include establishing a perimeter fence, improving perimeter lighting, and contracting for private security services. Construction is estimated to finish in the fall of 2025.

($3.5 million GF-S)  

Support Reentry Opioid Use Disorder Intervention Program

Youth in incarceration settings experience higher risk for opioid use and overdose. Positive Outcomes Through Supported Transitions (POST) is a highly successful opioid use intervention program provided by Seattle Children’s Hospital. Teams work with youth in the months before and after their release from incarceration.

($2.1 million GF-S)

Maintain Fruit and Vegetable Incentive Program

Access to fresh fruits and vegetables is an important way to address avoidable chronic diseases associated with poor nutrition and combat food insecurity. The Fruit and Vegetable Incentive Program provides additional financial support to low-income households to purchase fresh produce.

($6 million GF-S)

Continue support for victims of violent crime

The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) manages the Crime Victims Compensation program that provides compensation for victims of violent crimes and surviving family members of homicide victims. In fiscal year 2024, L&I received 9,449 claims and estimate 20,044 claims over the next two years. These funds pay for direct reimbursements to medical providers who treat victims, as well as benefit payments to individuals to cover temporary wage losses, long-term disability, and funeral expenses. Funding also pays for sexual assault exams to collect evidence for criminal prosecutions.

($9.7 million GF-S, $1.4 million GF-F) 

Reduce workers’ compensation caseload count

L&I is charged with providing State Fund workers’ compensation Insurance benefits to over 3.8 million Washington workers, and processes 112,000 new injured worker claims annually. L&I is currently managing a 218-person caseload per each L&I adjudicator. The 2015 Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee report recommends a 141-person caseload. Proposed funds pay for a new claim unit to reduce caseloads over time, resulting in quicker and more personalized service for employers and injured workers.

($1.8 million Accident Account, $1.8 million Medical Aid Account) 

Expand capacity to service needs of Washington’s limited English proficiency workers

Approximately 8% of Washington’s population has limited English proficiency and Latino workers have the greatest risk of on-the-job injuries according to Labor and Industries workers’ compensation data. Proposed funds pay for staff and the translation of Spanish materials such as print, social, and web content explaining worker rights and support resources. Expanding additional bilingual staffing will help serve the urgent needs of King and Clark counties to provide direct assistance to limited English proficiency workers through outreach efforts.

($881,000 Accident Account, $887,000 Medical Aid Account) 

Continue support for poverty prevention program

The Economic Security for All program supports local community efforts to deliver services that help individuals overcome poverty and achieve self-sufficiency. During the 2023–25 biennium, the state invested one-time funding to expand services to those over 200% of the federal poverty level. This budget makes that expansion permanent and will allow continued supportive services such as training, education, and other resources to help individuals maintain or secure employment.

($5.4 million Employment Services Administrative Account-State) 

Maintain career-connected learning

Since launching the Career Connect Washington initiative in 2017, the governor has remained committed to providing students with career-connected learning opportunities so they are prepared for high-demand, high-wage jobs. Funding is provided to increase this investment and fill a gap in lapsing federal funds.

($6 million Administrative Contingency Account-State) 

Increase employment supports for justice-involved individuals

The budget establishes a two-year employment support pilot to help implement Governor’s Executive Order 24-03, Reentry 2030. The pilot consists of pre-and post-release employment readiness services for justice-involved individuals in Thurston, Snohomish, and Walla Walla counties. The intent of the pilot is to increase the rate of adults who are employed post-release and reduce recidivism rates.

($2.7 million Employment Services Administrative Account-State) 

Increase capacity to process claims and respond to customer inquiries

Funds are added for customer support staff for the Paid Family and Medical Leave and Unemployment Insurance programs to increase the department’s capacity to process claims and respond to customer inquiries in a timely manner.

($10.8 million Family and Medical Leave Insurance Account-State, $11.2 million Employment Services Administrative Account-State)

Continue Corrections Academy expansion

People hired as officers in local jails must complete a mandatory 2.5-month training course delivered by the Criminal Justice Training Commission. State law requires individuals to complete this training within six months of starting employment as an officer, yet the commission has not been able to provide enough training slots for the demand, and officers have faced long wait times. Last year the state doubled the number of training academies for these officers and saw wait times reduce from almost eight months to five. This proposal continues funding the academy expansion for two more years to keep the wait times within statutory requirements.

($2.6 million GF-S, $870,000 GF-L)  

Reduce officer complaint investigation delays

Since the 2021 reforms to state oversight of public safety officer accountability, the commission has experienced a sustained and significant increase in public complaints and agency notices of officer misconduct. This proposal increases the number of existing investigators by 50% to address the significant backlog of cases. Timely review, investigation, and resolution of these cases will maintain public trust, avoid potential further misconduct, and is fair to complainants, accused officers, and their law enforcement agencies.

($1.4 million GF-S)

Criminal Justice Training Commission

The governor’s proposed capital budget funds critical upgrades on the CJTC campus in Burien including construction of two new dormitory buildings, shooting range ventilation system upgrade, and HVAC upgrades in the mock city, virtual training center and modular building. Other projects include restroom renovations, roof replacements and American Disabilities Act upgrades on campus.

($47.9 million State Building Construction Account) 

Washington State Patrol

The Fire Training Academy at North Bend is in need of upkeep. Funding is provided for HVAC upgrades, roof replacements, and other building maintenance projects.

($2.2 million State Building Construction Account)

Department of Commerce

The Early Learning Facilities programs fund construction, renovation, and property purchases for school districts and eligible organizations to create and expand facilities for subsidized early learning. This increases capacity for early learning programs participating in the Early Achievers or Early Childhood Education and Assistance programs.

($58.6 million State Building Construction Account) 

Department of Children, Youth, and Families

HVAC system upgrades, backup generators, and electrical upgrades are needed at Echo Glen Children’s Center in Snoqualmie and Green Hill School in Chehalis. These additional investments focus on safety improvements, including enhanced security for visitor screening and visiting centers and perimeter lighting.

($22.6 million State Building Construction Account)

Department of Corrections

The Washington Corrections Center for Women near Gig Harbor requires improvements for safety, functionality, and quality of care. These projects include a new unit for older adults. Security will be strengthened by replacing the perimeter fence and security system.

Additionally, renovation and security upgrades will occur on several facilities across the state.

($64.5 million State Building Construction Account)

In total, the proposed budget for natural resources includes about $25.7 million in General Fund savings over the four-year outlook period. These include:

• Savings from better aligning funding with workload.
• A partial reduction to $20 million in ongoing funding used for maintenance on recreation lands managed by the departments of Fish and Wildlife and Natural Resources.
• A one-time partial reduction of $30 million in ongoing funds for contracts to increase biodiversity and species recovery plans.
• Reductions in support for county and local agricultural fairs.

These reductions are necessary to fund essential items in the natural resources budget, including the following investments.

State-Tribal Recreation Impacts Initiative

Funding is provided to assess the ecological health of public lands and support land management strategies that balance conservation and recreation. Capacity is provided to Tribal governments to engage in a collaborative effort that ensures cultural resources and practices are considered and incorporated into recreational management planning.

($1.7 million General Fund-State, $3.4 million Natural Climate Solutions Account)

Environmental justice

The management of natural resources inherently affects Tribes, Tribal treaty rights, and overburdened communities. By increasing staffing to complete environmental justice assessments, as required by the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act, and engaging with communities and Tribes, agencies will be aided in addressing historic environmental injustices and complying with federal equity requirements.

($365,000 GF-S, $2.3 million other) 

Invasive species management

Invasive species represent a severe and harmful impact on habitat, infrastructure, and recreational activities. The European Green Crab is an invasive species that poses a threat to marine areas in Washington. Additional capacity is provided for trapping, monitoring, and conducting research to inform long-term strategic management.

Idaho has confirmed the presence of invasive Quagga and Zebra mussels in the Snake River, so additional resources are provided for prevention activities, response readiness, public awareness, regulatory compliance, and preparation for extended management and mitigation.

($3.6 million GF-S, $3.6 million General Fund-Private/Local, $2.5 million Resource Management Cost Account, $542,000 Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account) 

Salmon recovery

Salmon are critical for Washington’s economy, culture, and communities and vital for Tribal cultures, sovereignty, and treaty rights. Funding is provided for salmon population monitoring, hatchery programs including support for the Toutle and Skamania hatcheries, fish passage permitting, predation mitigation, measuring toxicity in fish, and riparian mapping efforts.

These investments complement capital projects and existing programs to recover endangered salmon and steelhead.

($7.5 million GF-S, $1.9 million Model Toxics Control Operating Account) 

Hunger relief

The overwhelming demand for food assistance at community-based food banks and food pantries continues to climb, especially for people with lower incomes contending with high food prices. Direct emergency food resources are provided to underserved communities and increased support is offered to hunger relief organizations through the Emergency Food Assistance program.

($93.3 million GF-S)

Eradicate agricultural pests

Harmful pests including moths, Japanese beetles, and spotted lanternfly can have devasting impacts on the state’s forestry, landscaping, and agricultural sectors. Capacity is provided to continue trapping and treatment efforts to eradicate known populations and protect against future invasions.

($12.0 million GF-S, $1.4 million General Fund-Federal) 

Salmon habitat recovery

The Commission works to conserve natural resources through voluntary and incentive-based collaboration with conservation districts and other partners. This means investing in the Commission’s Science Hub to coordinate science-based management solutions, and in native plant propagation programs to support salmon habitat recovery projects across the state.

($1.0 million GF-S, $1.4 million NCSA) 

Mitigating toxic tire chemicals

The Department of Ecology has been working to address 6PPD and its transformation product, 6PPD-quinone, which is lethal to coho salmon and other aquatic life. Ongoing funding is provided to identify best management practices to treat 6PPD and other tire wear chemicals in stormwater runoff. Funding also continues work to find safer alternatives to 6PPD and conduct alternative assessments for possible replacement chemicals.

($4.4 million Water Quality Permit Account, $2.2 million MTCOA, $1.9 million Hazardous Waste Assistance Account)

Federal authority for BIL/IRA grants

The Department of Ecology received increased federal funding for environmental and public health initiatives, partially from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act. New funding will support water infrastructure improvements, pollution cleanup, and efforts to address the climate crisis across Washington.

($83.6 million GF-F)

PFAS response

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals are toxic to humans and do not break down in the environment. PFAS are used in many products, including waterproof clothing, furniture, food packaging, and firefighting foam. The Department of Ecology will enhance testing and monitoring of PFAS contamination throughout the state to identify sites requiring remediation and areas where clean drinking water is threatened. It will also work to reduce or eliminate the use of PFAS by businesses around the state and research PFAS in stormwater and municipal and industrial wastewater.

($3.9 million MTCOA, $100,000 WQPA)

Litter control and recycling market development

Solid waste generation rates continue to rise, recycling rates have remained stagnant, and litter pollution continues to increase. Investments in the state’s Recycling Market Development Center will help expand recycling markets and processing in Washington. In addition, the Department of Ecology will provide increased financial support to local governments, nonprofits, and state agencies for litter collection and prevention programs, including cleanup of roadways and highway interchanges.

($4 million Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Litter Control Account) 

Post wildland fire response

Frequent and intense wildfires, declining forest health, and expanding human populations next to forests increase the risk of debris flow after a wildfire. The department will continue assessing debris flow potential in recently burned areas, monitoring rainfall effects on burned slopes, and modeling debris flow potential to provide early warnings for emergency managers and communities.

($1.5 million Wildfire Response, Forest Restoration and Community Resilience Account)

Department of Ecology

Remedial Action Grant program 

With help from local governments, this program supports cleanup efforts at contaminated industrial sites that affect the state’s air, land, and water resources, including the continued cleanup of Puget Sound. Funding protects public and environmental health, creates jobs, and promotes economic redevelopment by allowing contaminated properties to be redeveloped. State funds leverage local matching funding.

($52.1 million State Building Construction Account, $28.6 million MTCA)

Clean up toxic sites in Puget Sound 

Funding is provided to clean up contaminated sites in Puget Sound, including in areas with sensitive shoreline habitats. This will protect public and environmental health, create jobs, and promote economic development in the Puget Sound Basin.

($3.2 million MTCA)

Product Replacement program 

This program identifies the sources of the worst chemicals reaching the environment and develops recommendations on how to reduce or eliminate those sources.

($9 million MTCA)

PFAS Response 

The budget reduces exposure to PFAS by decontaminating fire engines — one of the largest sources of PFAS pollution — conducts sampling to identify contaminated sites, initiates the cleanup process, and provides safe drinking water during cleanups.

($5 million State Building Construction Account)

($1.4 billion in additional salmon projects are included in the Climate section)

Recreation and Conservation Office

Puget Sound acquisition and restoration 

This funding protects and restore salmon habitat. A large portion of the habitat restoration is for chinook salmon, which provide one of the most critical food sources for Southern Resident orcas.

($50.6 million State Building Construction Account, $10.1 million Natural Climate Solutions Account)

Salmon Recovery Funding Board

This grant program implements the Salmon Recovery Act and provides funding for projects that protect or restore salmon habitat and other salmon recovery programs and activities across the state. This is Washington’s only grant program that focuses exclusively on protecting and restoring salmon habitat statewide. Projects are developed locally and evaluated to determine if and how well they will implement priorities addressed in federally adopted salmon recovery plans.

($25 million State Building Construction Account, $20 million Natural Climate Solutions Account, $80 million federal)

Estuary and Salmon Restoration program

This grant program funds enhanced protection and restoration of Puget Sound’s nearshore, a uniquely critical area for salmon recovery. Local communities throughout Puget Sound and recreational and commercial fishers are impacted by these restoration efforts. Tribes who are working to maintain federally protected Tribal treaty rights benefit from the Estuary and Salmon Restoration program (ESRP) nearshore project implementation.

($7 million State Building Construction Account, $11.1 million Natural Climate Solutions Account)

Washington Coastal Restoration and Resiliency Initiative

This program restores aquatic and terrestrial habitat on the Washington coast to protect salmon populations and provide jobs. Projects strengthen communities through job creation, more work options for local contractors, flood control, access improvement, climate resiliency, and more.

($5.8 million State Building Construction Account)

Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board 

This grant program provides funding to design and construct solutions to fish passage barriers. Completing these projects will restore access to salmon habitat and help rebuild whole salmon populations by opening watersheds.

($31 million State Building Construction Account, $15 million Natural Climate Solutions Account)

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Toutle River Fish Collection Facility

This project will upgrade the Toutle River fish collection facility to meet a 95% passage requirement and provide for safe and more efficient operation and maintenance. This is an 83% federal and 17% state cost-share agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers.

($15.2 million State Building Construction Account)

Other Hatchery expansions and renovations

This category includes multiple hatchery projects statewide, such as Spokane, Palmer Ponds, Kendall Creek, Elwha, Samish Adult Pond, Samish Friday Creek, Minter, Wallace River, Soos Creek, Sol Duc, Beaver Creek, Naselle, and Nemah.

($80 million State Building Construction Account)

Department Natural Resources

Webster Nursery expansion

This project will increase seedling production to meet the demand for post disturbance reforestation efforts and support new initiatives to restore riparian areas and mitigate climate change impacts.

($5.6 million State Building Construction Account)

State Parks and Recreation Commission

Nisqually new full-service park and day-use improvements

This project continues the next phase of funding for a new full-service park in partnership with the Nisqually Indian Tribe. A new park entrance, campground, and support facilities will be constructed.

($21.2 million State Building Construction Account)

Klickitat Trail: Suburbia Bridge and Trail

Funding for this trail system will complete the most significant gap in the 31-mile Klickitat Trail in South Central Washington. Key elements include the design and construction of a bridge over the Klickitat River.

($4 million State Building Construction Account)

Moran Campground Renovation and Staff Housing

This project funds design and permitting for campground renovations at the Northend and Midway campgrounds. Project elements include restrooms, utilities, paving, campsites, and other amenities. Housing will also be constructed to serve permanent and seasonal staff working at the park.

($1.8 million State Building Construction Account)

Sun Lakes – Dry Falls Visitor’s Center renovation

This project renovates the existing visitor center area, including an enhanced potable water system, provides accessibility improvements to buildings and grounds, and assists in the historic preservation of structures.

($6.4 million State Building Construction Account)

Statewide ADA compliance 

Projects funded in this category complete the design, permitting, and construction of access improvements to achieve ADA compliance for key buildings and landscapes at multiple state parks across Washington. This helps make state parks more accessible for a wide variety of ages and abilities, thus making state park access more equitable.

($3 million State Building Construction Account)

Recreation and Conservation Funding Board

Washington Wildlife and Recreation program

This grant program renovates new local and state parks, protects and restores wildlife habitat, and preserves working farms and forests. Projects funded by this grant program contribute significantly to economic opportunities and a healthier population.

($54 million Outdoor Recreation Account, $12 million Farm and Forest Account, $54 million Habitat Conservation Account)

Nonhighway and off-road vehicle activities 

This grant program develops and manages recreation opportunities for users of nonhighway roads (roads not supported by state fuel taxes), including hikers, equestrians, off-road vehicles, bicyclists, hunters, and other users of nonhighway roads.

($12.2 million NOVA Program Account)

Youth athletics facilities 

This grant program provides grants for projects that improve or renovate community athletic facilities and encourage people to participate in outdoor athletics. Outdoor recreation participation surveys show increasing demand for these facilities, and they tie directly to other public policy efforts to reduce childhood obesity and increase fitness.

($8.5 million State Building Construction Account)

Community Outdoor Athletic Facilities

This grant program funds the acquisition of, improvements to, or renovation of outdoor athletic facilities to increase availability for competitive play. The program focuses on youth athletics in communities that lack recreational opportunities, have underserved populations, and possess limited financial capacity.

($7.5 million State Building Construction Account)

Deploy speed cameras to reduce work zone injury and death

Crews that work on Washington’s state roadways take safety seriously. Yet despite precautions, there were 1,228 collisions in or near a work zone in 2023, and the number of fatal crashes doubled from the year before. Gov. Inslee’s budget funds a pilot that will purchase six speed cameras to deter unsafe driving in work zones.

($13.1 million Highway Safety Account)

Train 60 additional state troopers to enforce safety on state roadways

State troopers complete 37 weeks of training that prepares them to protect and serve the people of Washington across more than 7,000 miles of state highways. The governor’s budget funds two Trooper Basic Training classes. This investment will add 60 law enforcement officers to build state capacity.

($6.8 million State Patrol Highway Account)

Remove barriers to fish passage

The state re-opened 24 barriers to fish passage under state highways in 2024. These culvert corrections restore access to 76 miles of potential habitat. The governor’s budget furthers efforts to meet the requirements of the 2013 U.S. v. Washington court injunction. The funding will be used to design additional barrier corrections in anticipation of future funding for construction. Correcting barriers that hinder salmon and steelhead populations is vitally important to Tribes, ecosystems, and the economy.

($120 million Connecting Washington Account, in addition to agency request of $783 million multiple funds)

Improve ferry reliability

Washington State Ferries (WSF) carried nearly 19 million riders in 2023 alone. People rely on our marine highway system to access essentials like health care, child care, educational opportunities, and jobs. However, persistent crew shortages continue to disrupt services.

Gov. Inslee’s budget supports crew recruitment and retention, renews year-round daily interisland services in the San Juans, and increases winter service to match fall and spring levels on the Anacortes-San Juan Island route. The investment will improve WSF’s ability to recruit crew for this route and ultimately improve service reliability for those who depend on ferries.

($19.2 million Puget Sound Ferry Operations Account-State)

Prioritize equity and education in license suspension process

To encourage road safety and reduce inequity, Gov. Inslee’s budget improves the process for a driver to get their license back following suspension for traffic tickets. Funding supports a shorter suspension if the driver has completed the required safe driving course and insurance verification sooner than the current 60-day suspension. This proposal encourages drivers to learn safe habits sooner. It also reduces the burden on people who experience barriers to other modes of transportation, such as unmet disability accommodations or limited service in rural or under-resourced communities.

($143,000 Highway Safety Account-State)

Clean Transportation

Additional green transportation projects, such as ferry electrification, are included in the Climate and Energy portion of this budget proposal.