230% Spending Increase: Inside Washington’s Budget Explosion

Washington state spending has surged more than 230% since 2001, pushing the state operating budget to roughly $80 billion. But with new tax increases, record revenues, and another potential budget shortfall ahead, lawmakers in Olympia are facing questions about long-term spending growth. Center Square Washington investigative reporter TJ Martinell joins host Tim Clouser to examine what drove the increase, how education funding and new state priorities changed the budget, and what it means for Washington taxpayers. As lawmakers prepare for the next budget cycle, the debate continues: Is Washington facing a revenue problem — or a spending problem? Subscribe for more taxpayer-focused reporting, state government analysis, and economic news from The Center Square.