Chair of the Senate Republican Caucus, Sen. Judy Warnick, is voicing her support for a recently unveiled budget proposal, ‘$ave Washington,’ saying it funds shared priorities without raising taxes or tapping the state’s rainy-day fund.

“Washington families have to live within their means, and our state government should do the same,” Warnick, R-Moses Lake said. “This budget is a smart, sustainable approach that prioritizes core services like education, public safety, and essential social services—without burdening taxpayers.”

The $75.6 billion two-year budget proposal represents a 5% spending increase while avoiding tax hikes or deep service cuts. The plan offsets costs by repurposing surplus funds, freezing certain spending increases, and implementing cost-saving efficiencies across state agencies.

“The Democrat-led approach presents a false choice between drastic cuts and tax hikes,” Warnick said. “Our plan proves we can invest in shared priorities while respecting taxpayer dollars.”

Key investments in the $ave Washington budget include:

• Increased K-12 funding, with more support for special education and classroom materials.
• 1,800 new higher-education slots for resident students while keeping tuition affordable.
• Programs aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism in schools.
• Maintaining services for seniors, people with developmental disabilities, and those needing behavioral health care.
• Public safety investments, including SB 5060 grants to help communities hire law enforcement officers.
• Government reforms, such as a 10% reduction in middle management and streamlining the Department of Children, Youth and Families to increase front-line staff.
• Freezing state park, hunting, and fishing fees.

“The people of Washington deserve a government that works for them, not one that continually reaches deeper into their pockets,” Warnick said. “I urge my colleagues to take a serious look at this proposal and prioritize responsible budgeting over unnecessary tax increases.”

For more details on the $ave Washington budget proposal, click here.