Economic growth since the 2019 legislative session ended means that the Legislature has $1.016 billion more to work with over four years than it did when the biennial budget was adopted.

Gov. Inslee has proposed a 2020 supplemental operating budget that would appropriate $318.7 million from the budget stabilization account (BSA, or rainy day fund) for homelessness programs. While homelessness is a serious problem in our state, it does not meet the definition of an emergency established in the state constitution for purposes of the BSA. Thus, making these appropriations would require a three-fifths vote of the Legislature.

On top of the proposed appropriations from the BSA, Gov. Inslee’s proposal would increase appropriations from funds subject to the outlook and the workforce education investment account by $847.3 million. These appropriations would largely increase spending on human services. The proposal does not include general tax increases.

Read the full report here.