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Governor Moore signs operating budget, touts protections for core services while citing $16 billion shortfall
Summary
Governor Moore signed the operating budget (Senate Bill 5 1 6 7), saying it addresses a $16 billion shortfall while preserving Medicaid, SNAP and K–12 funding and directing about $800 million more to special education; he also described vetoes totaling roughly $25 million and pledged further review ahead of the supplemental budget.
Governor Moore signed the state operating budget, Senate Bill 5 1 6 7, and described it as a balanced response to an inherited $16 billion shortfall that preserves core services while making targeted investments.
Moore said the operating budget adds more than $1 billion in new K–12 spending, including $800 million targeted to special education, and maintains cash-assistance programs such as SNAP, TANF and current Medicaid eligibility. The budget also provides $25 million to the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance and $14 million for legal aid for asylum seekers and refugees.
The governor said he conducted a line-by-line review with his team and vetoed a set of smaller items—totaling approximately $25 million—because they were not affordable at this time. He emphasized preserving the Rainy Day Reserve Fund to protect the state's AAA bond rating and to provide flexibility if federal funding is cut.
Moore said the budget uses the state’s revenue forecast from the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council rather than the statutory maximum growth assumption. He framed his approach as pragmatic and hands-on, noting he could not perform a true line-item veto and therefore used targeted section vetoes where permitted.
Asked by reporters about the interim review process and whether revenue bills might change, the governor said he expects additional conversations with legislators and stakeholders and did not rule out substantive adjustments in the supplemental budget. He said some revenue streams require closer scrutiny to avoid unintended consequences and that his office will collaborate with the legislature over the coming months.
Moore also defended the balance struck between revenue increases and spending cuts, saying many difficult reductions were necessary but that the package still protects key services for working Washingtonians and investments in education and public safety. He thanked budget riders and staff—singling out Katie Chapman and multiple budget leaders—for their work on the bill.
The signing event included ceremonial photos and the exchange of commemorative pens.
