
The call for reduced spending is in response to a multi-billion shortfall for the upcoming 2025-2027 biennium
TJ Martin
The Center Square Washington
Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson has released his office’s budget priorities, which call for $4 billion in reduced spending by Washington state agencies while describing new taxes as a “last resort.”
The call for reduced spending is in response to a multi-billion shortfall for the upcoming 2025-2027 biennium, though the deficit for the next four years could be as high as $16 billion, according to Gov. Jay Inslee. As previously reported by The Center Square, the budget deficit is driven by an enormous increase in state spending since 2014, as state revenue is currently at record-highs due in part to the Legislature enacting dozens of new taxes over the past decade.
Ferguson’s rhetoric is at odds to an extent with the philosophy of Inslee’s budget proposal; though Inslee called for reduced spending and freezes to new spending, his budget would also add $4 billion in new taxes, primarily through a controversial wealth tax on millionaires that has drawn criticism over its potential impact on the state’s economy. Inslee defended his budget on the basis that budget cuts during the Great Recession caused long-term problems for various state services.
Regarding Inslee’s budget, Ferguson wrote that “I can say that I agree with some of those decisions, including the housing investments that are outlined in this report. Others require additional scrutiny. While these investments have merit, we cannot afford all of them in this budget climate.”
Ferguson also wrote that “the reductions will be challenging, but ultimately, I believe they will improve our capacity to serve the people. We must review every program in state government through the following lens: Is this program more important than guaranteeing universal school lunches to every Washington student? Is it more important than childcare access for small business employees?”
Although some Democrat lawmakers have perceived the defeat of several anti-tax initiatives in November as a “mandate” for new revenue, Ferguson wrote that “Washingtonians expect that we will increase revenue as a last resort. I will not contemplate additional revenue options until we have exhausted efforts to improve efficiency.”
Ferguson’s budget proposal drew cautious praise from Washington GOP Chairman Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, who wrote on X that “as predicted. The incoming governor is (rightly) putting daylight between himself and the outgoing guy. Let’s hope this holds up.”
Ferguson will be sworn in as Washington’s next governor on Jan. 15.
This report was first published by The Center Square Washington.
Also read:
- POLL: Should Voter Registration Require a Passport or Birth Certificate?Should voters be required to present a passport or an original birth certificate when registering to vote under the SAVE Act?
- Letter: Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez voted for the SAVE Act last time it came up before the U.S. HouseThe League of Women Voters of Clark County urges residents to oppose the SAVE Act, arguing it would impose restrictive voter ID requirements and hinder access to the ballot.
- Dems push to repeal WA’s cap on property tax hikes encounters stiff resistanceA proposed Washington state bill seeks to raise the property tax cap from 1% to 3%, sparking strong opposition from Republicans and taxpayers.
- Bill seeks to reverse poor student academic performance in Washington stateA new Washington state bill aims to improve student performance by funding academic recovery programs and early interventions.
- Rep. Kevin Waters bill to assist breweries with food service receives committee approvalA bill from Rep. Kevin Waters that would allow breweries to subcontract food service has passed committee approval, with two other bills also moving forward in the legislative process.