WATCH: Pressure mounts on Ferguson to pledge against tax hikes as budget woes loom

(The Center Square) – Washington Governor Bob Ferguson recently said he will not propose new taxes to close a projected multi-billion-dollar budget shortfall for the upcoming 2027-29 biennium, but that hasn’t quelled all concerns about a potential increase.

Critics are pointing out the specific language used by Ferguson raises the possibility that while the governor may not himself introduce new taxes, he has not stated he won’t sign bills that raise taxes.

As reported by The Center Square, on June 5, Office of Financial Management Director KD Chapman-See sent every state agency a letter telling them to brace for what she called “the most challenging budget any of us has yet faced in these roles.”