Washington House and Senate Release Competing Capital Budget Proposals

Lead negotiator Rep. Mike Steele of Chelan said the bipartisan House plan focuses on modernizing small school districts, improving seismic safety, expanding affordable housing, and supporting clean energy and salmon recovery projects. The budget calls for $77.8 million for K-12 school construction, $246.1 million for housing, $43 million for energy, and $65.3 million for natural resources. A public hearing on the House measure is scheduled for Tuesday, with a committee vote expected Thursday morning.

The Senate’s $723 million proposal follows the $7.5 billion 2025-27 capital budget passed unanimously last year. A significant portion focuses on water infrastructure, conservation, and flood recovery following severe December flooding. It includes $20 million for irrigation upgrades, fish passage improvements, and leak prevention, along with $50 million for flood recovery and preparedness.

The Senate plan contains $93.6 million for K-12 schools, with $71 million dedicated to modernizing buildings in small districts and tribal compact schools. It also includes $150 million for affordable housing construction, building on the record $776 million investment in the 2025-27 budget. Sen. Yasmin Trudeau of Tacoma emphasized the budget’s statewide reach. “Whether you live in an urban or rural area, our capital budget’s mission is to support critical infrastructure that improves our constituents’ quality of life,” she said.

The Senate proposal will be heard in the Senate Ways and Means Committee at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. The House and Senate must reconcile their proposals before the session ends March 12.