Senator Raccelli: balancing the 2026 budget will require tough choices, focus on health care and housing

State Sen. Marcus Raccelli, D‑District 3, told Spokane County Spotlight on Jan. 30 that revenue forecasts for the 2026 legislative session remain fluid and that the Legislature will rely on a statutory revenue forecast later in session before finalizing a biennial budget.

Raccelli said lawmakers must "scrub the budget and look for efficiencies" and identify the most essential services to protect. He singled out access to health care, housing, food supports and education as top priorities for constituents in Spokane County, and warned that the state's current tax structure produces boom‑and‑bust revenue swings that complicate long‑term planning.

"A budget is a reflection of our values," Raccelli said, adding that the Legislature must seek a "long‑term stable budget" while protecting core services. He also noted federal developments — including potential changes tied to HR 1 — could put additional pressure on health care subsidies that affect state programs.

Commissioner Amber Waldrep said Spokane County shares the state's tax base and that falling sales tax revenue constrains the county's ability to maintain essential services. She urged constituents to use remote testimony tools (leg.wa.gov) to stay engaged as debate unfolds in Olympia.

Raccelli encouraged Spokane residents to participate, noting remote testimony has lowered travel barriers and increased engagement from eastern Washington. He said the governor produces an initial budget but the Legislature writes the final bill and that members must work collectively to reconcile priorities.

The senator urged constituents to contact his office, sign up for enewsletters and attend tele town halls as the session progresses. No specific budget cuts or tax changes were voted on during the interview; Raccelli described priorities and proposals to be debated in committee.