We Really Need to Talk about Education Funding Before it’s Too Late

What would it look like for Washington state to have a world class education system from childcare to higher education? 

A coalition of unions and advocacy organizations from childcare, K-12, and higher education are joining forces on September 20th to host a public forum to

discuss this complex question. 

Trump's threats on the campaign trail are now becoming real in the form of harmful tariffs, disastrous legislation, and expensive lawsuits. The “Big Beautiful Bill” includes tax breaks for the rich and cuts to social services like Medicare and education. 

Instead of proactive action last session, our state lawmakers failed to prepare us for what could come. 

In the 2025 state legislative session, Washington faced a $16 billion budget deficit. It’s not getting better. Reports indicate revenue is already significantly down this year, meaning a challenging task of adjusting the budget in the upcoming session. 

This also means education stakeholders will be positioned against one another fighting for smaller and smaller slices of the pie. 

Last session ended with modest increases to K-12 funding and significant cuts to early learning and higher education. Senate Democrats, for example, pushed legislation that canceled a billion dollars in promised investments in early learning programs for low income families. Millions were cut in higher education. Even low-budget but highly effective programs like College Possible and Treehouse were cut.

Legislators knew about the deficit going into the 2025 legislative session and have been warned for years by experts such as University of Washington Professor, David Knight. 

Legislators initially considered a more progressive budget proposal that balanced the deficit with progressive revenue, but were shut down by Governor Bob Ferguson and corporate lobbyists, led by Microsoft, Boeing, Amazon, and their richest buddies. 

Without the wealth tax and high earner payroll tax, the final budget was an underwhelming compromise made by a governor who prioritized business interests over working families.  

Washingtonians overwhelmingly support progressive revenue as of our latest election, with 64% in support of maintaining our state’s capital gains tax. 

Polling shows overwhelming statewide approval for progressive revenue, not just in the I-5 corridor. Despite public support, Ferguson bent to business interests, missing the chance to be proactive against Trump’s impending cuts, from healthcare to education. 

As workers return to our classrooms, school buses, lunchrooms, campuses, and childcare centers, we are building a “crib to college” cross-sectional coalition of union partners to urge legislators to take action this upcoming session. We’re coming together to demand action before it’s too late to defend our state against Trump’s attacks. 

Childcare, K-12, and higher ed educators have, in previous years, worked in siloes or been divided as each level fought for its students. Our school workers include care providers, bus drivers, sanitation workers, students, and working people that realize we are stronger when we work together. 

On September 20th, education workers at all levels will hold a public forum in order to find common ground, compare research, and start planning for collective action when the session starts in January. 

The word equity gets thrown around without clear measurable criteria. 

Our coalition believes it is time to look at the numbers when it comes to education funding. 

When it comes to building world class schools, we need world class funding. 

According to UW Economist, Jacob Vigdor, Washington State ranks behind Mississippi when it comes to our per capita spending of tax payer dollars on higher education. 

Vigdor also made headlines for calling Washington state our very own “Cayman Islands” when it comes to giving billionaires tax breaks. 

Our K-12 schools are going underfunded, Superintendent Chris Reykdal’s request for more than $4 billion investment this session was shorted by 75%. Some argued $10 billion was the real figure for being on par with global leaders in K-12 spending. 

While we have been increasing investments in education, our spending has not kept up with our state’s ballooning wealth. 

Some use data showing that Washington spends more per pupil than the national average, which is true, but these figures don’t account for the increased cost of living in Washington state, nor its variability within the state. 

National research shows Washington state school funding, experts rank a “low effort” state when it comes to how much we spend as percent of our total state’s income. (See Figure 1) We’re ranked 35th in the nation. 

(Figure 1 Source) 

To increase our state’s effort on education spending, we have two options. One, raise property taxes that disproportionately burden low value property districts, or two, find new progressive revenue that puts the tax burden on the wealthiest Washingtonians who can afford it.

In coordination with policy experts from Balance Our Tax Code Coalition and union leaders from MLK Labor, UAW 4121, and AFT Seattle, as well as organizations like Communities for our Colleges and the Children’s Campaign Fund,  September 20th will be an introduction to what progressive revenue options are on the table this short session and what should be considered. 

Join us on September 20th from 10am to Noon in the gym at Franklin High School, where we will be in conversation with School Board Directors, State Legislators, union leaders, and community stakeholders.  

Together, we can fight for a world class education system in Washington state. 

Click to RSVP for the event.