Re: “WA Gov. Bob Ferguson says his budget will rely on cuts, not taxes” (Dec. 3, Native Information):
Whereas Gov. Bob Ferguson argues that new taxes alone won’t clear up the state’s monetary challenges, he continues to keep away from the actual query: Why not do each? If cuts are needed, make them — but additionally start taxing the wealthiest amongst us. Most states with stronger well being care, psychological well being providers and early-intervention applications fund them by means of an earnings tax. Why does Washington refuse to ask its highest earners to pay their justifiable share?
Within the face of federal cuts and rising wants throughout social providers, training and psychological well being, why in 2025 are we nonetheless echoing the outdated chorus of “no new taxes”? That slogan didn’t age effectively the primary time it was used. George H.W. Bush realized that clinging to a marketing campaign promise moderately than responding to actual situations can price a pacesetter dearly.
This shouldn’t be an both/or query. Washington deserves management that responds to present realities, to not a decades-old speaking level. We’ve already seen what occurs when a pacesetter clings to a slogan as a substitute of governing: It turns a promise right into a legal responsibility. “No new taxes” helped finish one presidency. It will be a disgrace to see it finish a governorship too.
Tara Murphy, Olympia
