With more state financial stress on horizon, Ferguson signs WA budget
Two days ago, a beaming Gov. Bob Ferguson celebrated with dozens of allies the enactment of Washington’s new tax on the income of wealthy residents.
On Wednesday, a more somber Ferguson signed a budget that depends on rainy day reserves, one-time maneuvers and deep cuts in child care funding to balance.
The roughly $79.4 billion plan makes adjustments to the $77.8 billion two-year budget lawmakers passed last year, which covers state spending from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. It also leaves a looming deficit in the next budget.
Most of the new spending is to address increasing demand for public services, the state’s growing lawsuit payouts for government misconduct, and the cost of complying with major federal changes to safety net programs like Medicaid and food stamps.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/04/01/with-more-state-financial-stress-on-horizon-ferguson-signs-wa-budget/