WA passes supplemental budget
By Terry Murry on Friday, March 11th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
OLYMPIA – The Washington Legislature adjourned its 2022 session Thursday seeing the Democrat majority approve a supplemental budget for $64.1 billion. Lawmakers said the budget invests heavily in working families, schools and job creation.
It increases spending by $3.2 billion to address educational funding needs, struggles in the behavioral health, long-term care, and developmental disability workforces, as well as to expand access to childcare.
In addition, the operating budget transfers $2 billion to the state transportation budget to fund Move Ahead WA transportation package, and $650 million to the state capital budget for housing, homelessness, and other construction programs. Washington’s paid family and medical leave program will also receive a one-time transfer of $350 million to address funding shortfalls created by the program’s popularity during the pandemic.
The budget also makes investments to address the climate crisis and threats to endangered salmon. It includes an additional $117 million to address the growing threat of wildfire.
The supplemental capital spending plan awaits Gov. Jay Inslee’s signature.
