b'2025 State ReportPost WPMAEXPOWASHINGTON State ReportLea McCullough WA Association Executive DirectorLegislative Momentum and Key Eventson the Horizon for WOMAAs we head into the second quarter of 2025,the Washington Oil MarketersAssociation (WOMA) continues its mission to support and advocate for petroleummarketers across the state. With an active legislative session nearing its conclusionand several pivotal events on the calendar, there is much to share with our membersand partners.Legislative Update: Budget Battles and Industry Bills in FocusWashington legislators are deep into the 2025 session with less than a month remaining. As of late March, both chambers have unveiled and passed their proposed operating and transportation budgets. These proposals signal significant fiscal shifts and new tax strate-gies that could impact businesses statewide.The Senates $78.5 billion budget proposal includes $1.6 billion in new spendingprimarily targeting education and labor contractsoffset by $3 billion in cuts over the next biennium. This plan relies heavily on new revenue streams, including a financial intangible assets tax and a payroll tax targeting larger employers. Similarly, the Houses $77.8 billion budget introduces its own tax proposals and aims to leave higher reserves by 2027.Transportation budgets also advanced, with the Senates bipartisan plan allocating $10 billion to capital projects and introducing a 6-cent fuel tax increase. The House plan, meanwhile, proposes a higher 9-cent fuel tax increase and differs by not including a key sales tax transfer.WOMA continues to closely monitor bills with direct impact on our industry. Notably:House Bill 1912, addressing agricultural fuel exemptions under the ClimateCommitment Act, continues to advance. WOMA testified in support, emphasizing fair and practical access for agricultural fuel users. Senate Bill 5041, which proposes unemployment benefits for striking workers,faces strong opposition from the business community.Several bills affecting the Clean Fuels Program and paid family leave requirements are also under review, with potential implications for operational compliance and labor costs for petroleum marketers.WOMA remains active in Olympia, working alongside our legislative partners to ensure our members voices are heard during this critical period.60 www.wpma.com / Spring 2025'