Rep. Travis Couture joins KVI’s Ari Hoffman to discuss how in his first session, Gov. Ferguson became the most radical Governor in state history after signing a $78 billion operating budget — the largest in state history — which includes nearly $10 billion in new taxes and fees.
Listen to the audio here:
Read the full statement here:
House Republican Budget Leader Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, issued the following statement Tuesday after Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a $78 billion operating budget — the largest in state history — which includes nearly $10 billion in new taxes and fees:
“The governor said he wanted to ‘right-size’ government and prioritize affordability. Instead, he just signed a budget that hikes state spending by $6 billion — an 8% increase — and slams Washingtonians with the largest tax increase in state history.
“These new taxes and fees will crush families already battling an affordability crisis and hit employers still trying to recover.
“Last month, Governor Ferguson told his own party to rein in the tax hikes and shift course. That turned out to be all talk. Today, he gave the green light to a budget that taxes the joy out of Washington, attacks job creators, and worsens our affordability crisis.
“He laid out five budget principles, including a call to minimize new spending. Instead, he signed off on another reckless spending spree. No tough choices were made. The failed status quo was preserved.
“Worse yet, this budget spends $3 billion more than we expect to collect, setting the stage for a fiscal cliff and deeper pain for working families down the road.
“Ultimately, the governor folded to his party and signed off on an irresponsible and unsustainable plan. Washington taxpayers will pay the price.”
