You’ve maybe heard that Washington state’s operating budget has a big hole… in the 12 to 15 billion dollar range?

Well, that’s not the only fiscal crater lawmakers are trying to fill.

The transportation budget is underfunded by around $1 billion dollars right now, with a bigger deficit projected down the road, if nothing changes. 

Lawmakers say that would put the brakes on a lot of big projects, including maintenance and highway construction on I-5 and I-90.

A blueprint to fill the budget gap passed the state Senate over the weekend. 

The proposal would increase the gas tax by 6 cents. 

There are also a bevy of smaller taxes and fees on the table: they could affect you if you ride ferries, drive on 520, go to big concerts, and much more.

Guest:

Senator Marko Liias, represents Washington’s 21st legislative district and is chair of the Senate Transportation Committee

Links:

WA State Standard: WA state Senate OKs gas tax hike and budget built on billions of new taxes

Seattle Times: WA transportation budget lays out options: All cuts or new taxes, fees 

 

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes 

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

You&rsquo;ve maybe heard that Washington state&rsquo;s operating budget has a big hole&hellip; in the 12 to 15 billion dollar range?
Well, that&rsquo;s not the only fiscal crater lawmakers are trying to fill.
The transportation budget is underfunded by around $1 billion dollars right now, with a bigger deficit projected down the road, if nothing changes. Lawmakers say that would put the brakes on a lot of big projects, including maintenance and highway construction on I-5 and I-90.
A blueprint to fill the budget gap passed the state Senate over the weekend.&nbsp;
The proposal would increase the gas tax by 6 cents.&nbsp;
There are also a bevy of smaller taxes and fees on the table: they could affect you if you ride ferries, drive on 520, go to big concerts, and much more.
Guest:
Senator Marko Liias, represents Washington&rsquo;s 21st legislative district and is chair of the Senate Transportation Committee
Links:
WA State Standard: <a href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/03/29/wa-state-senate-oks-gas-tax-hike-and-budget-built-on-billions-of-new-taxes/">WA state Senate OKs gas tax hike and budget built on billions of new taxes</a>
Seattle Times: <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-transportation-budget-lays-out-option-all-cuts-or-new-taxes-fee/">WA transportation budget lays out options: All cuts or new taxes, fees&nbsp;</a>
&nbsp;
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes </a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Soundside

The WA transportation budget is underfunded by around $1 billion dollars right now, with a bigger deficit projected down the road, if nothing changes.  Lawmakers say that would put the brakes on a lot of big projects, including maintenance and highway construction on I-5 and I-90.  A blueprint to fill the budget gap passed the state Senate over the weekend.

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