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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We’ve hit the calm before the storm in the legislative session. Things have slowed down from the pace of the previous few weeks. We have financial committees meeting this weekend and for the first part of next week. And then the next round of floor action begins. Everyone buckle up as the budget negotiations continue and the tax talk heats up.
Gov. Bob Ferguson tells Democrat budget writers to go back to the drawing board
Much has already been written about the state budget and the Democrats’ largest tax increase package in state history, but the governor threw in a surprise this week. Gov. Bob Ferguson held a press conference where he drew several lines in the sand and told Democrat budget writers to go back to the drawing board:
Gov. Ferguson comes out against Democrats’ budget proposal with new taxes – The Center Square
Gov. Ferguson rejects Democrats’ budget proposals with new taxes – Cascade PBS
Debate over taxes to balance budget – KIRO 7
NOT an April Fools Joke: Governor Bob Ferguson won’t sign Washington Democrats’ insane budget – KVI
Washington governor rejects use of wealth tax to balance budget – Washington State Standard
The governor realizes we can’t tax our way out of a decade of reckless spending. While I’m sure he will support some “smaller” tax increases – which I will NOT support – it is refreshing for a governor to be engaged and understanding of the realities we face in Olympia and around the state. In fact, his five core budget priorities which he outlined at his press conference, could have been written by Republican budget writers:
- Protect the Budget Stabilization Account (Also known as reserves or the rainy-day fund.)
- Base Revenue on Realistic Growth Forecasts (The state “allows” for a 4.5% economic growth assumption in revenues, even if it KNOWS the revenue will fall short – and it has in recent budgets!)
- Minimize New Investments (Stop spending! When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging!)
- Must Find Efficiencies and Savings (The overspending of the last decade must be addressed. Promises made will not be fulfilled. As the governor said, “Sometimes you just have to tell your friends ‘no’ when it comes to the budget.“)
- Cannot Rely on Revenue that Can Be Overturned in Court (The so-called “wealth tax” may not hold up in court, never mind that it would drive entrepreneurs and businesses to other states, stifle innovation and economic growth, and lead to significant job loses – and absolutely WOULD NOT bring in the amount of money the Democrats project it will.)
The governor insists he will not sign a budget that doesn’t meet these criteria. There are still about three weeks left in session, and anything can happen. It will be interesting to see if the governor stays strong against the tax-and-spend desires of budget writers in the Legislature. He is saying all the right things now, but in the end we’ll have to wait and see what actions he takes.
Many have asked for more information on a variety of issues. Our House Republican Caucus website is a great source to get educated and stay informed. Here are just a few highlights:
- The “$10 billion” budget shortfall: how did we get here?
- How Democrats want to tax you – hitting jobs, joy and life
- How are we going to FIX WASHINGTON? (Includes information on lowering costs of living, keeping our streets safe, better schools, stronger economy, and more!)
- Education: K-12 facts you need to know so we can fix our schools
- I need REAL information, with stats and media reports on the crises facing our state
- How can I help stop Bad Bills?
There is so much more on our website. I encourage you to check it out!
Thanks again for reading my legislative update. I appreciate your involvement and support.
Sincerely,
Joe Schmick
