Ferguson pitches spending cuts, voices skepticism of 'wealth tax'

Last edited Fri Jan 10, 2025, 05:55 PM - Edit history (1)

Washington Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson released his blueprint Thursday for chopping billions in state spending while investing millions in education and public safety in his first term — without the aid of new taxes.

Ferguson, who takes office next week, outlined how he will seek $4 billion in cuts across most state agencies and four-year universities, and direct $800 million in new spending for free school lunches, police officer hiring, child care access, and affordable housing.

His plan, which will go to legislative budget writers, spreads anticipated cuts over four years to chip away at a projected budget shortfall in that period around $12 billion. While Democratic legislative leaders say new or higher taxes will likely be needed to close the remainder of the gap, Ferguson isn’t ready to go there, yet.

“We are not going to tax our way out of this,” he told reporters Thursday at the legislative session preview hosted by Allied Daily Newspapers, the Washington Newspaper Association and the Washington State Association of Broadcasters.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/01/09/ferguson-pitches-spending-cuts-voices-skepticism-of-wealth-tax/

Governor-elect Bob Ferguson releases outline of budget priorities, discusses strategies for closing shortfall

Washington’s incoming governor Bob Ferguson today published a multi-page memorandum outlining his thoughts on developing a balanced set of budgets for the next several years, the top task he’ll share with lawmakers over the course of the long legislative session that will begin next Monday, January 13th.

“Washington state faces a budget shortfall of at least $12 billion over the next four
years,” the budget priorities memo’s introductory letter from Ferguson says.

“Measured in dollars, this is largest budget deficit in state history.”

“I look forward to leading a state filled with hardworking people ready to solve problems and look to the future. I plan to lead by taking our biggest challenges head-on,” Ferguson writes. “I plan to make hard choices. I plan to deliver responsible, [sensible] results. I will act and fight against inaction. Failing to act or delaying decisions will only create greater challenges for us in the future. This challenge demands urgency.”

https://www.nwprogressive.org/weblog/2025/01/governor-elect-bob-ferguson-releases-outline-of-budget-priorities-discusses-strategies-for-closing-shortfall.html