Capitol Buzz: Democratic Governor-elect Ferguson proposes bold spending cuts, echoing what Republicans have wanted; 4 things to expect from WA’s 2025 legislative session
Washington House Republicans sent this bulletin at 01/10/2025 10:12 AM PST
MyNorthwest — Ferguson’s cost-cutting proposals align with his campaign promise to reduce state spending, a stance that has resonated with Republican leaders who have long argued that Washington’s financial woes stem from excessive spending, not a revenue shortage. “Raising taxes is not the solution,” House Minority Leader Drew Stokesbary, a Republican, said minutes before Ferguson’s announcement. “We can definitely find the necessary savings without raising new taxes.”
The Seattle Times — As part of his budget proposal released Thursday, Ferguson, sticking to his campaign promises, is suggesting a $100 million investment over two years for the hiring and retention of law enforcement officers in the state, noting he believes it is not acceptable Washington ranks “dead last” with the numbers of law enforcement officers per capita. Republicans agreed Thursday. “We have a severe public safety crisis facing Washington, and the Legislature needs to do things about it,” said House Minority Leader Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn. Stokesbary added that Republicans this session will have bills to provide funding for police officers in local municipalities in order to increase hiring around the state. $
