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Washington Gov. Jay Inslee outlined a plan to boost state spending by nearly $2.5 billion in the next 18 months with the largest sums devoted to increasing behavioral health services, reducing homelessness, and combating climate change in mid-December. His proposal relies on higher-than-expected tax collections and robust proceeds from the sale of pollution allowances. It would supplement spending in the operating, capital and transportation budgets adopted by the Legislature in 2023. Washington runs on two-year budget cycles with the current...
The Washington Supreme Court ruled Sept. 7 the state is not required to fully cover school construction costs, dealing a blow to districts unable to raise the local tax dollars they need for new buildings and other facility upgrades. In its unanimous decision, the court said Washington’s constitutional mandate for the state to amply fund basic education does not extend to capital project expenses. Rather, it envisions the state and local school districts will “share the responsibility.” “It is certainly true that students need buildin... 
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As students return to Washington classrooms, state education officials are closely monitoring how three cash-strapped public school districts are spending money. La Conner, Marysville and Mount Baker districts, all located in Western Washington and part of Northwest Educational Service District 189, are in this position because they are beginning the school year without a balanced budget as the state requires. In August, each inked an agreement with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction requiring the districts to regularly file bud... Website
