Budget

The 2017 -2019 operating budget fully funds schools for the first time in decades, and avoids damaging cuts to services and programs that help families and workers while putting significant new resources into reforming and strengthening Washington’s mental health system.

Other successes of the 2017 legislative session include:

• New department of Children,Youth and Families --  the governor signed a bill to restructure how the state serves at-risk children and youth. After a yearlong transition period that began July 2017, the new agency will oversee several services now offered through the state Department of Social and Health Services and the Department of Early Learning. These include all programs from the Children’s Administration in DSHS such as Child Protective Services, the Family Assessment Response program and adoption support, as well as all DEL services, including the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program for preschoolers and Working Connections Child Care.
• Paid family leave -- Washington became the fifth state in the U.S. to establish a paid family and medical leave program for workers.The law, signed by the governor was passed with strong bipartisan support and will be in place by 2020. It creates the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program, which will provide everyone in the workforce with up to 12 weeks of paid medical leave, and up to 12 weeks of paid time off to care for a new child or an ailing family member. That leave is capped at 16 weeks if the employee needs both types of time off in a one-year period.

Energy and Environment

From the shores of Puget Sound to the majesty of the Palouse, we live in a magnificent state. Part of our responsibility as Washingtonians is to keep our state’s water and air clean for our families and our families’ families. The governor is working with leaders around the state to reduce air and water pollution and keep our neighborhoods great places to work and play.

Current Work

• Results Washington. Goal 3: Sustainable Energy and a Clean Environment 
  • Gov. Inslee's goals for cleaning up contaminated sites, improving air quality, increasing acreage dedicated to working farms and explaining outdoor recreation are all on track to meet or exceed targets.
• Reduce carbon pollution. 
  • Locally: After more than a year of stakeholder discussions, the Governor’s Clean Air Rule went into effect in January, 2017. The rule requires major sources of greenhouse gasses to limit and reduce carbon pollution and incentivizes investments to reduce fossil fuel use and accelerate the adoption of clean energy. Washington is the first state to use its Clean Air Act authority to fight climate change and joins California and other states in New England in putting a price on carbon pollution.  
  • Transportation: While attending the Paris Climate Conference in December, 2015, the Governor announced a commitment to double the state’s commitment to Electric Vehicle deployment in the fleet to 20%. To date, the state has exceeded the goal for new vehicle acquisitions with Zero Emission vehicles comprising almost 30% of new purchases since the announcement. Washington remains among the top three states for ZEV penetration and the state is helping to lead that trend through its aggressive procurement policy.
  • Globally: Washington joined partners in the Pacific Coast Collaborative, a West Coast initiative for climate action and leadership, as well as dozens of states and regions from around the world who signed the Under 2 MOU, a global commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, at the Marrakesh Conference of the Parties, the first global climate conference since the signing of the Paris accords. Representatives of the Governor’s office shared Washington’s commitment to US state climate leadership and to making continued progress to accelerate the clean energy economy.
• Reduce toxics. We need a new approach to reduce the impact of toxic chemicals on human health and the environment. The governor proposed legislation to get at the sources of toxics and not simply rely on more stringent permits and standards. After the 2015 legislature did not take action, Gov. Inslee directed the Dept. of Ecology to reconsider its draft water quality standards. The state will continue to move forward on finding the best way to protect the health of Washington’s people, fish and economy. 
• Strengthen the shellfish industry. Through state, local, federal, non-profit and tribal partnerships, Gov. Inslee is working to reopen shellfish growing areas closed due to pollution, restore native Olympia oysters, and improve coordination and predictability for permitting processes.
• Results Washington. Gov. Inslee’s goals for cleaning up contaminated sites, improving air quality, increasing acreage dedicated to working farms and expanding outdoor recreation are all on track to meet or exceed targets.

Economy

Washington state is home to some of the best-skilled workers and innovators in the world. Our export capabilities, low-cost energy resources and exceptional quality of life attract businesses and people from around the globe.

Gov. Inslee created an Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness to work directly with industry leaders on recruiting new companies to Washington and growing key industries. When these industries do well, so do Washington’s small businesses, service-sector employers and the workers who support them – from truck drivers and machinists to fruit packers and lab technicians. Washington is experiencing its lowest unemployment rates since 2008 and some of the highest job growth in the nation.

Healthcare and human services

Washington state is a national leader in the delivery of high-quality, lower-cost health care. Thanks to our successful implementation of the Affordable Care Act, more than 700,000 people are enrolled in new and more affordable health care plans. We’ve lowered our uninsured rate from 16 percent in 2013 to an all-time historic low rate of 6 percent. But health care coverage is only one piece of the governor's health care agenda. Gov. Inslee is working for better health, higher quality health care, lower costs, more transparency and a system that integrates mental health care and primary care.

The governor also recognizes that good health is affected by several factors, many of which are determined outside the doctor’s office. Factors like income, education and social supports all contribute to our citizens’ well-being. That’s why the state provides a range of human services to keep Washington families safe and secure. These services include everything from helping veterans enter the work force, to ensuring children don't go to school hungry.

Education

Every child deserves a world-class education that prepares them for a healthy, productive future. Supporting the full continuum of education, from early learning through post-secondary and workforce training, ensures that students are prepared to pursue their goals and keep Washington’s world-class economy strong.

Safe Communities

Part of our role as public servants is to keep Washingtonians safe. Our state already leads the nation in innovative and effective criminal and juvenile justice policy but we work hard to continue to improve public safety in our communities while also ensuring that we have a fair and equitable system of justice.

Efficient Government

Results Washington is Gov. Inslee’s framework for building a healthier, better-educated and more prosperous Washington. It’s a data-driven system that brings together state leaders, partners and customers around five key goal areas:

Transportation

In 2015, Gov. Inslee led the effort to secure the largest single transportation investment in state history. This $16 billion bipartisan package addresses critical maintenance and safety needs around the state, provides more than 200,000 jobs and funds projects that relieve congestion, improve freight mobility and provide more clean transportation choices.