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Inslee releases supplemental budget that would increase spending by just over $1 billion

The proposal would increase spending by $415 million in operating funds and $775 million in new capital dollars. Republicans said it's part of 'worrisome' trends.

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Jay Inslee is calling for just over $1 billion in new spending through policy changes in his supplemental budget proposal released Wednesday.

The supplemental budget - much smaller than the main budget passed every two years - is focused on support for existing and new programs, including housing, climate change and creating green jobs. The money would come from additional tax revenue and would not require new taxes.

The House and Senate will propose their own budgets.

A final budget will be voted on by the end of the legislative session in March.

The state's current budget is $70.9 billion.

Per Inslee's office, highlights of the supplemental budget proposal include: 

  • Nearly $130 million to match federal programs on pollution reduction, clean tech development and clean jobs
  • $100 million for Clean Energy Community Decarbonization for community-driven, neighborhood-scale clean energy projects in low-income and overburdened communities
  • $100 million for heat pump installation for low-income households
  • $2 million for a Tribal Clean Energy Center
  • $100 million to resolve homeless encampments and bring the state's most vulnerable people indoors
  • $3 million to continue housing support for human trafficking victims
  • $2 million to expand security and support for religious and non-profit community centers that experience hate-inspired vandalism
  • Additional funds to support communities in need of broadband and digital access
  • Flexible emergency funds to support natural disaster relief and other emergencies impacting infrastructure, services, or community health
  • Funds for the continued operation of our Communities of Concern Commission
  • State funding for the Equitable Recovery and Reconciliation Alliance (ERRA) to match federal Small Business Administration funding to strengthen and support Black, Indigenous, and BIPOC-owned small businesses

Of the $1.2 million, $415 million would go toward operating funds and $775 million to capital funding for communities.

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