House Democrats late Saturday night approved an $80 billion state operating budget, drawing sharp criticism from House Republican Budget Leader Rep. Travis Couture, R–Allyn, who called the spending plan “economic arson” and warned it is built on “risky assumptions” that could deepen future budget shortfalls.
In a statement following the vote, Couture argued the budget drives state spending to record levels at a time when higher costs for housing, groceries, gas, child care, and insurance already strain many Washington residents.
“This budget is economic arson,” Couture said. “Democrats are pouring fuel on a spending addiction while Washingtonians struggle with higher costs… Instead of helping people, Democrats chose bigger government and more taxes.”
Claims of legally uncertain revenue and pension “raid.”
Couture said the budget relies on revenue sources he believes are legally vulnerable, including what he described as an “unconstitutional income tax” projected to bring in $2.1 billion. He also pointed to a proposed $4 billion raid of the LEOFF 1 pension system.
According to Couture, if either assumption fails to materialize, the state could be forced to contend with “billions in new shortfalls” in coming budgets.
One-time solutions and “shell game” budgeting
Couture also criticized what he characterized as budget “gimmicks,” including an $880 million withdrawal from the state’s Rainy Day Fund as well as transfers from other dedicated accounts. He said those moves may help balance the budget on paper, but do not fix underlying structural issues.
“We didn’t solve the deficit. We just played a shell game with the money,” he said. “You only get to spend the same dollar once.”
He added that, when combined with previous spending increases, the new budget represents roughly 11% growth—an increase he argued is not sustainable.
Medicaid reductions and competing priorities
Couture said the plan includes more than $1 billion in Medicaid reductions, which he warned could squeeze hospitals and impact vulnerable residents who rely on care.
He acknowledged that Democrats adopted some Republican amendments aimed at supporting crime victims and people with developmental disabilities. However, he said most Republican proposals were rejected.
GOP amendments rejected, Couture says
Couture said Republicans offered more than 20 amendments intended to provide household and small-business relief and to shift spending toward public safety and schools. He listed proposals to protect SNAP benefits, restore Medicaid funding, prevent fraudulent use of taxpayer dollars, invest in public safety, provide $2 billion in property tax relief, issue a gas tax rebate, and create a week-long sales tax holiday ahead of Christmas.
“Washington families and small businesses needed relief,” Couture said. “Democrats said no.”
Education funding concerns
Couture also accused the budget of cutting education funding while expanding government and bureaucracy. He argued the result will be larger gaps between property-poor school districts and wealthier ones, leaving classrooms “further behind.”
Process criticism and warning on long-term costs
Beyond policy choices, Couture faulted the budget process, saying Republicans and the constituents they represent were excluded from negotiations. He contrasted that with what he described as a more bipartisan approach used in transportation budget discussions.
“This budget is like maxing out one credit card and trying to pay it off with another,” Couture said. “Eventually, the bill comes due, and the people of Washington are the ones left paying for it.”
Couture said affordability remains the most common concern he hears from constituents, and argued the budget does little to lower everyday costs despite billions in new spending.
“After billions in new spending, nothing became more affordable for the people paying the bills,” he said.