Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2025 Legislative Session convened on January 13th. We are working on a wide range of issues, including addressing the housing crisis, medical and behavioral health, strengthening public education, combatting climate change and most importantly, balancing the state’s budget. Click the video below to hear more about what’s happened so far this session.
Major Challenges This Session
We are facing some significant challenges ahead, including a near-term shortfall in our state budget due to decreased revenue, inflation, and increased needs across Washington for the services government provides. We will stay focused on what’s best for people and families, our constituents and we will keep our state moving forward.
The main goal for this budget year is ensuring that any program reductions minimize harm and don’t disproportionately burden communities. Investments in human services create the stability and opportunities for individuals and families to achieve positive outcomes, contribute to society meaningfully, and ultimately lead to a net benefit for Washington.
While these programs are not always inexpensive, the long-term benefits of investing in early learning and human services far outweigh the costs. By prioritizing these programs, the legislature can build a stronger, more equitable Washington for all its residents.
Washington was recently ranked again as having the best economy in the nation, the best public education on the west coast, and in the top five states for quality of life. We know rankings don’t tell the whole story, and there is more work to do, but we’ve gotten here, in part, because of the investments we’ve made. We have a responsibility to protect these investments that help working families and make our state a great place to live.
Fill Out Your FAFSA & WASFA Now!
Despite the benefits, only about half of Washington’s high school seniors file a FAFSA. High school seniors and others can now apply for financial aid for the 2025-26 academic year, a crucial step toward college and career training. In Washington, U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens can use the FAFSA for federal and state aid, while others can apply for state aid through the WASFA. The FAFSA opened in late November, and the WASFA is now available.
For 2025-26, families of four earning up to $131,000 may qualify for state aid through the Washington College Grant (WA Grant), which supports low- and middle-income residents, including undocumented students. Grant amounts vary by income, family size, and program. Completing the FAFSA or WASFA automatically considers applicants for WA Grant.
As always, please reach out if you have questions, comments, or ideas. Look forward to another legislative update from me soon.
All best wishes,
Rep. Roger Goodman