Governor Bob Ferguson aims to tackle a $12 billion deficit while improving state services and supporting communities
Ferguson, who was the state’s top prosecutor for over ten years, is stepping in after Jay Inslee, who held the position for three terms. He’s taking charge at a tough time, with a budget shortfall of at least $12 billion looming over the next four years. His plan includes cutting state agency spending by $4 billion but aims to protect key areas like K-12 education and public safety.
Instead of focusing on numbers, Ferguson shared personal stories and reached out to lawmakers from both parties. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying, “Let us listen to one another without consideration for party so that the strongest argument prevails.”
He’s also backing the Homes for Heroes legislation, which helps first responders and health professionals access low-interest home loans. Ferguson wants to tackle the youth mental health crisis and limit the governor’s emergency powers. He mentioned he’d work with President Trump when possible but would stand firm on protecting reproductive rights.
Ferguson plans to sign an executive order to gather experts to address health issues and wants to prevent the National Guard from other states from intervening in Washington without permission. He pointed out that Washington has the fewest law enforcement officers per capita and proposed a budget to increase their numbers.
He’s also pushing for $600 million to build more housing and $240 million every two years to ensure every student gets school lunches. He believes free meals should be part of basic education, saying it would help kids learn better and ease the financial burden on families.
Ferguson is committed to reforming government to better serve the people. He stated, “I’m in politics because I believe in the power of government to improve people’s lives,” but he also acknowledged that government often falls short of that promise.
