New state budget adds almost $2 billion for schools

KGMI News

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) – People in 185 school districts will get a decrease in property taxes, while those living in 110 other districts will see an increase under the new state budget.

The spending plan adds $1.8 billion for schools.

But Rich Wood with the Teacher’s Union tells KOMO News that’s still not enough.

“It delays funding for smaller class sizes in grades 4 through 12. It represents progress but it still falls short.”

The budget also adds $618 million for public employee pay raises.

Meanwhile, advocates for the mentally ill say the budget falls far short of what’s needed.

Governor Inslee requested nearly $300 million for the mental health system, but the new spending plan contains just $116 million.