In his final State of the State address to a joint session of the Washington Legislature, Governor Jay Inslee made a passionate plea to safeguard the state’s progressive achievements and protect vulnerable communities from the brunt of looming budget challenges.

In his final State of the State address to the Legislature, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee touted the enormous increase in state spending on various programs and services since he took office, while imploring lawmakers not to reduce spending as they write the upcoming biennial budget.

Climate and clean energy drew Inslee’s intense focus, while critics point to the state’s troubles in education, homelessness and ferries.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee delivered his final State of the State address this morning, reflecting on his 12-year tenure and discussing future challenges.

In his final State of the State address, outgoing Washington governor Jay Inslee talked about his accomplishments, but also the challenges that lie ahead.

Jay Inslee delivered his final state of the state address to both chambers of the Washington Legislature on Tuesday. Though the yearly speech sets a tone for the 103 days of lawmaking , Inslee’s address on the final full day of 12 years leading the state had the air of farewell.