Workers rally for revenue

Labor and community rallied at the State Capitol calling on legislators to take bold action to secure new progressive revenue to support essential public services

OLYMPIA, WA (March 18, 2025) — Hundreds gathered Monday on the Capitol Steps, calling on legislators to raise revenue by taxing corporations and the ultra-wealthy in order to fund a budget that supports working families. As both House and Senate budget writers prepare to put forth their budget proposals in the coming days, rally-goers made their call to legislators clear; Washington must be for workers, not billionaires.

Attendees pose for a photo as the rally gets under way on Monday. Photo: WSLC

Legislators are faced with a serious challenge, a projected budget shortfall in the billions while uncertainty around federal funding for programs like Medicaid and Medicare persists. At town halls, in meetings, and now on the steps of the Capitol, working families are calling for bold action to raise new revenue from those who can afford it, and urging legislators not to balance the budget on the backs of workers or strip communities of critical services.

Rep. Shaun Scott (D-Seattle) addresses the crowd. Photo: WSLC

Union workers, including members of SEIU Locals 775 & 925, WA Education Association, WFSE/AFSCME Council 28, and UAW Local 4121 and UAW Region Six, joined community members and advocates from across the state, meeting with legislators before and after the noon rally. Workers are especially critical of a proposal to furlough state employee put forth by Governor Ferguson, viewed as both short-sighted due to the impact to essential services, and ultimately unnecessary, when there is so much wealth in Washington that goes untaxed.

Some legislators voiced their support directly to the crowd, including Rep. Natasha Hill (D-Spokane), Rep. Shaun Scott (D-Seattle) and Sen. Noel Frame (D-Seattle).

The Democratic majorities in both the House and Senate have indicated that new revenue will likely be part of the budget proposals soon to be unveiled. What form that new revenue takes is still uncertain. In the meantime, working people can continue to contact their legislators and urge them to support taxes on corporations and the wealthiest among us to fund the public services that all Washingtonians rely on.