State budget forecast shows shortfall

CHENEY – Washington State's revenue is projected to drop by $526 million for the 2023-25 biennium compared to earlier forecasts, raising concerns about funding for public programs, including education.

At the Cheney School Board meeting on Oct. 9, Superintendent Ben Ferney discussed the state's financial situation, citing a September update from the Office of Financial Management. He said projected revenue for 2025-27 is expected to fall short by $110 million.

"We will face significant challenges in meeting all our obligations in our next budget," said Pat Sullivan, Director of OFM, in a statement. "There are some tough fiscal choices ahead."

The state's revenue growth, which averaged above 10% in 2021 and 2022, is expected to dip by 1.7% in 2024. This is raising concerns for districts like Cheney, which depend on state funding for maintaining school operations.

Ferney emphasized that while state revenue forecasts will likely allow for current programs to be maintained, there won't be room for expansion or new initiatives. He also noted that getting voter approval for school bonds, which require a supermajority, would be difficult in this financial climate.

Author Bio

Clare McGraw, Reporter

Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.