January 6, 2026
By David McGimpsey, TVW
January 6, 2026
Washington’s 2026 legislative session convenes January 12, with opening ceremonies scheduled at noon under the Capitol dome, but the budget debate is already underway.
Gov. Bob Ferguson on Dec. 23 unveiled a proposed supplemental budget he says is balanced, raises no taxes and eliminates select corporate tax breaks while preserving funding for K-12 education, reproductive health care and the Working Families Tax Credit.
House Republicans criticized the plan as fiscally irresponsible and draining the state’s rainy day fund, unveiling an alternative proposal they call “Affordability First.”
The 60-day session runs through March 12, with Democrats holding majorities in both chambers and the governor’s office.