In 1970, the state budget spent an inflation adjusted $1,784 per person (on per capita basis). Assuming adoption of the Governor’s proposed large 2022 supplemental budget spending increase, that number in 2023 jumps to $4,966 per person (even when adjusted for inflation). This would represent a 178.3% inflation adjusted increase in spending per person since 1970. When including all funds, that spending increase jumps to 231.6% per person since 1970. Here is the year-by-year state spending data provided by LEAP.

Perhaps an alternative to increasing the amount lawmakers spend per person even higher this session would be to allow Washingtonians to keep more of their own money in the first place by providing a long overdue sales tax cut. We’ll soon know what direction the legislature plans to take when the remote session kicks off on January 10.

Additional Information
Inflation adjusted per capita state spending data
Is Washington State capable of providing broad-based tax relief?
Remote testimony options for 2022 Legislative Session