WA Democrats propose $1.5B spending increase despite multi-billion dollar deficit

Democratic lawmakers in Olympia unveiled supplemental budget proposals Monday that would increase state spending by $1.5 billion, despite a looming $2 billion deficit. The plans rely heavily on tapping Washington’s "Rainy Day" fund, with the House and Senate eyeing withdrawals of up to $880 million to cover rising costs and federal funding cuts. Republicans are criticizing the move, arguing it leaves the state with dangerously low reserves and relies on "one-time gimmicks."