Legislative Update: Tight Budget Outlook Limits New Funding This Session

Dear WAMFT Members,

We want to share an important update regarding the 2025 state budget outlook and how it may affect behavioral health policy work in the upcoming legislative session.

As reported this week in the Washington State Standard, Washington is entering the next session with a significantly tighter revenue forecast, and lawmakers are being instructed to pause requests for new spending. Senate Ways & Means Chair Sen. June Robinson recently notified legislators that there will be no proviso process this year, meaning there will not be opportunities to request funding for new programs, pilots, or studies. Similarly, House Appropriations Chair Rep. Timm Ormsby has communicated the same message to House members.

What this means

Currently the state is focused on maintaining existing services rather than expanding them. Lawmakers are facing a projected shortfall and are taking a “stability first” approach to prevent mid-biennium cuts later.

This means that although the budget advances many core programs, the governor’s veto message reveals that several narrower programs, pilot studies, and grants (including those for telehealth, mobile outreach, domestic violence intervention, etc.) were vetoed via line items, which reflects tighter fiscal constraints across certain parts of the system (Source). For firms and clinicians involved with MFTs, this means existing funding may be preserved, but new program expansions, pilot initiatives, or newly requested services may face barriers or outright vetoes given the fiscal context.

How To Stay Involved

• Reading our eNews for legislative updates

• Checking WAMFT’s social media before and during session

• Join the Legislative Committee

• Ask questions—we welcome them!

  • You can email the Legislative Committee directly at: Legislative@wamft.org

    
    

WAMFT remains actively engaged, and we will continue advocating to ensure the voice and expertise of MFTs are seen, heard, and valued in statewide behavioral health planning.

Thank you for your commitment to your clients, our communities, and our profession.

Sincerely,

WAMFT Legislative Committee

You can read the full article here: https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/06/money-crunch-puts-kibosh-on-wa-state-lawmakers-wish-lists/