The mood heading into Washington state’s 2025 legislative session Jan. 13 is not exactly hopeful. According to the Cascade PBS/Elway poll, a majority of voters feel the state is headed in the wrong direction. Many Democrats and Republicans agree that the outlook for the state is bleak, with more than half of those surveyed saying things are getting worse, with high taxes, budget shortfalls and the rising cost of living driving their concerns.

Voters want their pocketbooks prioritized. The poll found that 66% of respondents preferred cutting government spending to address the state’s budget deficit rather than raising taxes. It’s a clear message to lawmakers: Stop asking taxpayers for more money and start allocating the funds you already have more efficiently.