OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington state legislature opened the 2023 session full of hope for bipartisan action on important issues.

In contrast to what happened in Washington, D.C. last week, Representative Laurie Jinkins cruised to her fourth term as Speaker of the House.

She said Washington has done well as it emerged from the pandemic, but lawmakers need to do more.

Republicans came out swinging on education.

Senate Minority Leader John Braun says more must be done to help students make up ground they lost during the pandemic.

He says overall funding for schools must be a priority this session.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdahl echoed that in his annual address on Monday, January 2nd.

He says education funding in Washington has been on a downward trend despite the state’s strong economy.