(The Center Square) - They didn’t get to see him in person, but on Friday, executives from the Washington Policy Center think tank delivered a petition signed by more than 27,000 Washingtonians to Gov. Bob Ferguson demanding a no-new-taxes budget from the state Legislature.
“In a perfect world, we would have liked to have had some one-on-one time with the governor and really encourage him to keep on the path that he’s been on in terms of pushing back on the Legislature as it looks at overburdening and overtaxing Washingtonians,” WPC President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Hatting told The Center Square just outside the governor’s office in Olympia.
Initially, WPC attempted to schedule a time to see Ferguson on Thursday, then again Friday. The governor's office said Ferguson was busy.
Earlier this month, WPC posted a letter, urging supporters to sign it. Between April 4 and April 25, nearly 30,000 did just that.
“Thank you for taking a stand and refusing to sign a budget with a legally questionable and economically destructive tax on innovators," the letter said, in part. "This was the right decision for the future of our state. We need innovators and high-tech firms to choose Washington as the place to grow and enrich our communities and our state."
Ferguson has publicly stated he would not support a budget that includes a so-called wealth tax, nor would he sign a budget that drains the state’s rainy day fund. However, he has not detailed his position on several other large tax proposals included in majority-party Democrats' revenue proposals, including a property tax hike, increased business and occupation taxes, a raised gas tax, and collecting sales taxes on an array of services.
“If you look at the business tax climate, we’re fifth worst, and it’s only going to go down from there,” said Hatting. “We can’t afford that. The roads are a problem, the schools are abysmal. We’re spending more and more money and getting fewer positive outcomes."
Hatting said their hope is that Ferguson will hold the line when a budget reaches his desk.
“The great thing is that with this governor, it’s a fresh start after a decade of decline, and the decisions that he makes in the next few days and weeks could really set a tone for Washington and put us back on a path to prosperity,” he added.
WPC Chief Operating Officer Dan Cole was with Hatting as they brought the petition to Ferguson’s office. The petition was delivered to a staff member.
“Washingtonians are stretched thin, and we know that. We’ve heard the governor echo that in different ways, so we just want to support him in making wise decisions,” Cole said. “It’s ultimately just asking him to take a no-new-taxes approach.”
WPC’s letter states goes on to say, “The general fund operating budget (NGF-O) increased from $33.6 billion in the 2013-15 biennium to $71.9 billion in the 2023-25 biennium – an increase of 51% even after accounting for inflation and population growth ... Washington needs a break – a course-correction toward responsible, accountable governance. We respectfully urge you to use your influence – and your veto, if necessary – to advance a budget that reflects these values and the people who are already struggling with the cost of living.”
The Center Square reached out to Ferguson's office after the Friday delivery, but did not receive a response.
The 105-day legislative session is scheduled to adjourn on Sunday, April 27.
