Rep. Mike Steele announces release of the House’s 2023-25 capital budget proposal

The Washington State House of Representatives released its 2023-25 capital budget proposal today. 

The House-proposed budget appropriates $8.34 billion, $4.18 billion of which is from the sale of newly authorized, general obligation bonds. The remaining $4.15 billion is comprised of a combination of reversion of previously authorized bonds, other dedicated funding sources, and federal funds. It leaves $160 million in bond capacity for next year's 2024 supplemental capital budget.

Rep. Mike Steele, ranking member of the House Capital Budget Committee, is the lead Republican negotiator and budget writer for the proposed budget. When commenting on the proposal, the 12th District lawmaker acknowledged the bipartisan nature of the work that went into producing the state's primary construction and infrastructure spending plan:

“Unique in the Legislature, this budget is one of the most bipartisan efforts in Olympia. I worked closely with the chair of the Capital Budget Committee on a solid spending plan that bolsters communities, encourages economic growth, and makes wise investments for the future of our state.”

Steele, R-Chelan, stated that targeted investments were made in several of the state's top priorities, including housing and behavioral health.

“We made several meaningful allocations. Among other projects in the proposal, I'm proud of the $400 million we've set aside for the Housing Trust Fund. We also included $893 million for behavioral health. Other sizeable investments include those for K-12 construction, small school modernization, and community infrastructure projects.

“I'm excited to see this capital budget proposal released. If adopted, unquestionably, these additional capital investments will be key to meeting the growing needs of our state.”

Highlights from House Bill 1147 include:

Housing:

  • $400 million for the Housing Trust Fund, including:
    • $25 million for homeownership opportunities for first-time, low-income homebuyers;
    • $25 million for housing for people with developmental disabilities; and
    • $90 million for permanent supportive housing.
  • $14.5 million for Youth Shelters & Housing.
  • $75 million for grants to local governments and PUDs to assist in the cost of utility connections for affordable housing projects.

Behavioral Health:

  • $613 million to continue construction on the new Western State Hospital.
  • $211 million in Behavioral Health Capacity grants for community behavioral health services, including for crisis stabilization, substance use disorder, inpatient treatment, and services focused on youth.
  • $21 million for a 136-bed facility at Maple Lane for civil conversion patients.

K-12 School Construction:

  • $588 million for the school construction assistance program, providing state funds for school buildings across the state.
  • $100.8 million for the Small District and Tribal Compact School Modernization program.
  • $41.3 million to continue the modernization of the West Sound Technical Skills Center.

Infrastructure:

  • $400 million from the Public Works Assistance Account for the Public Works Board to issue grants and loans to local governments for infrastructure projects.
  • $150 million for broadband infrastructure grants.
  • $25 million to the Community Economic Revitalization Board for infrastructure grants that directly support economic development.

Department of Commerce Community Grant Programs

  • $128.5 million for Local & Community Projects statewide.
  • $75.4 million for early learning facilities.
  • $38.9 million for health care infrastructure projects.
  • $26.6 million for the Building Communities Fund grant program.

The capital budget makes appropriations for projects tangible in nature that have a long useable life, such as schools and other public buildings, behavioral and mental health facilities, parks, low-income housing, water infrastructure, and habitat. It is funded through a variety of sources, including general obligation bonds, dedicated cash accounts, federal funds, and alternative financing contracts.

House Bill 1147 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Capital Budget Committee on Tuesday, March 28, and a vote by the committee on Thursday, March 30.

For budget documents and lists, click here or go to: fiscal.wa.gov/statebudgets/2023proposals/hc2325bien.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov