Veto or sign? WA governor keeps everyone guessing on tax and budget bills

Governor Bob Ferguson faces a Tuesday deadline to act on a new two-year operating budget and a $9. 4 billion tax package essential for addressing a projected $16 billion shortfall over four years. Ferguson emphasized the necessity of increased taxes, stating, "There was no way to cut your way out of a $16 billion shortfall. " He acknowledged the difficulty of balancing the budget while expressing concerns about affordability for Washington residents, saying that government actions could make life less affordable. The governor, who has been in office for four months, aims to keep lawmakers and the public guessing about his decisions.

He noted that his requested $100 million law enforcement hiring grant program is included in the budget, though he has yet to sign House Bill 2015. Ferguson's deliberations involve weighing the complexity of various bills that need to be signed or vetoed by Tuesday. He warned that spending cuts would be necessary, and some taxes would be required to bridge the budget gap. His approach reflects a commitment to efficient spending of taxpayer dollars amid growing financial concerns in the state.