Sen. Keith Goehner, R-Dryden/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… Despite bipartisan opposition, Senate Democrats today pushed through a $78.6 billion operating budget—the largest in state history, which relies on the largest tax increase in Washington history.

The move came after Democrats rejected Senate Republicans’ $ave Washington plan, a fiscally responsible alternative that balanced the budget without new taxes or spending cuts.

Senate Bill 5167, the Senate’s version of the 2025-27 operating budget, passed 28-21, with two Democrats joining Republicans in opposition. Once the House adopts an operating budget, which is expected to happen Monday, budget leaders from the two chambers will meet to work on a compromise version.

Senator Keith Goehner, R-Dryden, and Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Housing, issued this statement:

“This budget makes living in our state even less affordable while continuing the overspending that has already led to a multibillion-dollar shortfall. As a leader on the housing committee I’m especially concerned about the property-tax rate increase built into the Democrats’ budget. Majority leaders keep saying they want the wealthy to pay what they owe, even though we all know an increase in property taxes affects people at all income levels, including renters.”

“There are times when revenues don’t match the cost of what you want to do, and you must be concerned about the burden that overspending puts on the people we serve. Republicans laid out an alternative budget that did not contain cuts or new taxes. The majority chose instead to overspend, which does not fulfill the obligations we have as legislators. We need to put money away for harder times and the majority is not doing that in this budget.”

“It’s unacceptable that this budget would require $21 billion in new and higher taxes while including increases in tuition and failing to provide a single dollar for helping our communities hire more law-enforcement officers.”

“I was glad to have the opportunity to vote for the Senate Republican budget, because it balances without any tax increases – and avoids putting more financial strain on working families, seniors, and small businesses. Unfortunately, the majority stuck to its approach.”

“We should be focused on long-term stability, building reserves, and ensuring that the commitments already made to Washingtonians are fulfilled before creating new obligations that can’t be sustained. The Senate had a chance today to keep Washington affordable for the people who call it home, but the majority got it wrong.”

For more information on Goehner’s legislative work, visit keithgoehner.src.wastateleg.org.

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