The 2016 legislative session kicked off this Monday, January 11th. This is a short session and, in addition to adopting a supplemental budget, will focus on a plan to meet the State’s constitutional basic education obligations.  The supplemental budget is expected to address costs incurred during the worst fire season in state history and cover increased Medicaid caseloads that provide health care for some of Washington’s most vulnerable citizens.

Governor Inslee’s proposed budget, which was released in late December, focuses on addressing a K-12 teacher shortage by raising starting salaries to $40,000 and mandating a minimum 1% cost of living adjustment for all existing teachers. Inslee’s plan also strengthens mental health services by increasing staffing at state psychiatric hospitals and boosting community-based programs that minimize hospitalization.

The legislature got right to business yesterday with the Senate Ways & Means Committee public hearing on the Governor’s proposed supplemental budget. The House Appropriations Committee will be hearing Governor Inslee’s budget on Wednesday, January 13th. With just 60 days to adopt a supplemental budget, both fiscal committees have full agendas for the first week of session.