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 true query: Why not do each? If cuts are obligatory, make them — but in addition start taxing the wealthiest amongst us. Most states with stronger well being care, psychological well being companies and early-intervention applications fund them by an revenue tax. Why does Washington refuse to ask its highest earners to pay their fair proportion?
Within the face of federal cuts and rising wants throughout social companies, training and psychological well being, why in 2025 are we nonetheless echoing the outdated chorus of “no new taxes”? That slogan didn’t age properly the primary time it was used. George H.W. Bush discovered that clinging to a marketing campaign promise relatively than responding to actual situations can price a frontrunner 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 frontrunner clings to a slogan as an alternative 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
