While work on a new state budget has been underway for months, one of the next steps in crafting a spending plan takes place this week when budget writers will receive an updated revenue forecast from the state’s chief economist. On Thursday, we’ll find out the amount of tax dollars anticipated to come into the state during the next four years.

Given that Washington state, unlike Washington D.C., actually must produce a balanced budget, this information allows us to finalize and release plans for the 2017-19 state budget shortly thereafter.

A major part of my new role as the Senate budget writer involves putting together the Senate proposal for a two-year “operating budget,” which pays for the day-to-day operations of state government.

More budget details will be available next week, but I can tell you that the goal is to invest in public education and protect critical state services without raising taxes.

As always, if you have any questions or would like additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.