Washington lawmakers are facing an estimated $12 billion dollar budget deficit as they prepare to go back to work next week. How to cover that gap is the big story heading into the session.

Majority Democrats are already floating possibilities for new taxes to bridge the difference between spending and revenue. And while the budget is undoubtedly the biggest challenge – lawmakers are also expected to be tackling sticky issues like rent increase caps and education funding.  

Guest:

Washington State Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen (WA 43 - Seattle)

Relevant Links:

KUOW: ‘A perfect storm’: Inside Washington’s massive budget gap

Washington State Standard: Making sense of Washington’s multi-billion dollar budget hole

Seattle Times: WA’s 2025 legislative session will feature new faces, big budget gap

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