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.

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.

Outgoing Gov. 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 an air of farewell.