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It’s been a major budget week in Olympia. Senate and House Democrats released competing 2025–27 operating budgets with significant differences in K–12 investments, particularly around special education, MSOC, and leadership development. 51¸£ÀûÉç supports the Senate's deeper investment in schools and continues to advocate for robust funding for our students, staff, and leaders. With April 2 approaching, now’s the time to speak up. Use our Action Center to contact your legislators!

This week’s focus was on revenue and budget planning, with a new forecast projecting $844M less in state revenue over the next four years. Senate Democrats released a tax proposal aimed at the wealthy, while key education bills (SB 5192 & SB 5263) could bring $1B to K-12 schools. Meanwhile, national headlines emerged as Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.

As week nine of the legislative session wraps up, 51¸£ÀûÉç continues to advocate for public education at both the state and federal levels. This week, a team of Washington principals joined over 400 school leaders in Washington, D.C., for the National School Leaders Advocacy Conference, addressing critical issues like school funding, educator recruitment, and student mental health. Meanwhile, in Olympia, legislators faced key deadlines as bills moved forward—get the latest updates on policy decisions, budget discussions, and ways you can take action to support K-12 education.

We’ve hit the halfway mark of the legislative session, with key education bills moving and budget discussions heating up. Special education funding, MSOC allocations, and school discipline policies remain in focus as lawmakers debate priorities. Meanwhile, 51¸£ÀûÉç members are heading to Washington, DC, to advocate for K-12 funding and policy changes at the national level. Stay informed and take action to support critical education issues.

Many proposals, including HB 1795 on restraint and isolation, are at risk due to funding concerns. Lawmakers face tough decisions following major budget cut proposals from Governor Ferguson and the House Democrats. Meanwhile, bills on special education, financial education, and student attendance are still in play. As floor action heats up before the next cutoff on March 12, now is the time to take action—advocate for a simple majority for bonds and submit feedback on OSPI’s proposed discipline rules.