Ferguson pitches spending cuts

Washington Gov. -elect Bob Ferguson has presented a comprehensive budget plan that seeks to cut $4 billion in state spending while investing $800 million into education and public safety, all without introducing new taxes. This blueprint is designed to address a substantial projected budget shortfall of $12 billion over the next four years, with Ferguson emphasizing the importance of spending cuts before contemplating revenue increases. He has expressed skepticism towards the proposed wealth tax by outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee, which aims to impose a 1% tax on individual wealth exceeding $100 million.

Ferguson's plan outlines a 6% reduction in spending for state agencies and a 3% cut for four-year universities, while ensuring that critical services such as the Washington State Patrol and Department of Corrections remain funded. Additionally, his budget allocates $100 million in each of the next two budgets to assist local law enforcement agencies in hiring more officers. However, the proposal has drawn criticism from education advocates who argue that it may not adequately support struggling public schools facing significant budget constraints. Ferguson's commitment to prioritizing education includes funding for free school lunches for approximately 1. 1 million students in Washington.

The legislative session set to begin soon will be pivotal in determining the future of these budget proposals and their potential impacts.