by Laurel Demkovich, Washington State Standard
January 11, 2025
Washington’s 105-day legislative session begins Monday.
Opening day will bring pomp, process and back-to-school energy as lawmakers — many new to the job — dive into four months of politics, lawmaking and budget writing.
The biggest topic of conversation so far is how to fill a $12 billion budget hole over the next four years, and what new taxes Democrats might propose as part of the fix. A bill to cap rent increases, debates over school funding, and Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson’s push to hire more police are among a range of other issues that will draw attention in the weeks and months ahead.
Over the last few weeks, the Standard’s put together a set of guides to help you follow all the action. Check out our previous coverage here:
The Standard’s guide to the legislative sessionThe Legislature, by the numbersA guide to understanding the Washington state budgetUnderstanding the budget deficitNew faces of the 2025 legislative sessionDemocratic and Republican leaders’ priorities
The Legislature’s website has even more information on the process. And, of course, the Standard’s reporters will be in the Capitol covering important stories until the final gavel drops at the end of April.
Happy lawmaking!
Washington State Standard is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Washington State Standard maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Bill Lucia for questions: [email protected].