Washington State’s 2026 Legislative Session: Budget Challenges and Policy Priorities

Washington State’s legislative session kicks off on January 12th, launching a 60-day sprint as lawmakers work to finalize the state’s supplemental budget. This year’s session arrives amid mounting fiscal pressure: projected state revenue is expected to decline by more than $500 million, compounding ongoing budgetary concerns.

To put this in perspective, the 2025 session grappled with a staggering $12 – 16 billion shortfall. Lawmakers responded with a mix of $9 billion in new and reduced revenue measures, but the fiscal strain remains.

Later this month, Governor Bob Ferguson is expected to release a budget proposal that relies exclusively on spending cuts to close the gap. This proposal will serve as a blueprint for House and Senate budget writers as they shape the final plan.

With these challenges in mind, we’re focused on protecting essential services and advancing public health and safety. Here’s what we’re prioritizing:

• • Protect Medicaid Coverage – Healthcare cuts in 2025 put vital services at risk —including postpartum Medicaid coverage up to 12 months, which narrowly avoided elimination. We’re committed to defending this coverage and ensuring it remains intact.
  • Maintain and Expand Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Funding – Last year’s 16% reduction in funding for tobacco prevention programs at the Department of Health was a setback. We’re working to prevent further cuts and exploring strategies to restore and expand this critical funding.
  • Cardiac Emergency Response Plans in Schools – A bill introduced by Rep. Rule in the House aimed to establish cardiac emergency response plans in schools but was not scheduled for a hearing. We’re bringing it back with Sen. T’wina Nobles as our Senate sponsor and renewed momentum for passage.