There was plenty of pomp and politics for the opening day of the Washington Legislature’s 2025 session.
It began at noon Monday for the state’s 98 representatives and 49 …
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There was plenty of pomp and politics for the opening day of the Washington Legislature’s 2025 session.
It began at noon Monday for the state’s 98 representatives and 49 senators.
But for many, the day didn’t end until the dinner hour as they went from taking their oath of office to listening to residents and lobbyists testify about the looming budget shortfall and a range of policy issues, like limiting rent increases and the environmental effects of fashion.
The House grabbed the early spotlight as Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, spoke to lawmakers on tackling the budget deficit and bracing for conflicts between the state and the incoming Trump administration.
“We will protect the investments we’ve made to help working families, and have a balanced budget,” she said.
House Minority Leader Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, focused his opening day floor speech on areas where he said Washington is failing: Costs of gas, groceries and housing are too high, the state is in a public safety crisis due to a “culture of lawlessness,” and education outcomes are subpar.
Stokesbary criticized Jinkins for focusing on “the other Washington” in advance of President-elect Donald Trump taking office next week. He urged her to spend more time on issues affecting Washington state.
Traditionally, opening day in the Senate is a more ceremonial event compared to the House. Much of Monday’s 90-minute session was devoted to administering the oath of office to each senator elected in November or appointed to a seat in the chamber since then.
Unlike the House, leaders of the Democratic and Republican caucuses did not make speeches.
But Sen. Steve Conway made arguably the most important pledge following his election as Senate president pro tem.
Conway, a Tacoma Democrat, will preside over the Senate when Lt. Gov. Denny Heck is unavailable. In brief remarks, he vowed to do what he can to ensure the Legislature gets its work done in its allotted 105 days.
“That will be my purpose,” he said.
It’s a safe bet the other 146 members of the Legislature share his goal and would like to wrap up as scheduled on April 27.