Governor Ferguson,  

Thank you for taking a stand and refusing to sign a budget with a legally questionable and economically destructive tax on innovators. This was the right decision for the future of our state. We need innovators and high-tech firms to choose Washington as the place to grow and enrich our communities and our state. 

The general fund operating budget (NGF-O) increased from $33.6 billion in the 2013-15 biennium to $71.9 billion in the 2023-25 biennium – an increase of 51% even after accounting for inflation and population growth. Washington state’s business tax climate has deteriorated significantly, falling from 6th best in 2014 to 5th worst in 2025.  

Clearly, the Legislature’s spending is not only unsustainable—it is irresponsible as well as insensitive to so many families who have no choice but to live within their (diminishing) means. Even without additional taxes, state spending will go up. For many families, their budgets will not. Yet a massive expansion of the ability for state and local governments to increase property taxes is under consideration – a proposal that would make housing even less affordable and would crush family budgets already reeling from inflation. Also under consideration is an expanded B&O tax on gross receipts – an unfair tax that makes Washington less competitive for the very businesses we need to create jobs and prosperity. 

Washington needs a break – a course-correction toward responsible, accountable governance. We respectfully urge you to use your influence—and your veto, if necessary—to advance a budget that reflects these values and the people who are already struggling with the cost of living. A no-new-taxes approach will help restore confidence, balance legislative overreach, promote economic opportunity, and shield the people of Washington from additional financial pressures in already tough times.  

Sincerely,