Because state government operates on a two-year budget cycle, new operating, transportation and capital budgets must be approved during the 2021 session. Last week, the majority released its three budget proposals, and to the surprise of few the operating-budget proposal relied on unnecessary tax hikes – even though the state now has nearly $5 billion more in state revenue over the next four years than budget writers expected in November. And that is without new taxes and before one even considers the nearly $15 billion the state is receiving in federal dollars.

You may read more about the budget situation and more in this issue of the Report from Olympia.