 |
New Governor Bob Ferguson inherits a budget disaster, skyrocketing costs, and public safety woes—all gifts from a decade of Democrat rule.
|
|
Bob Ferguson’s Big Adventure: Cleaning Up His Own Party’s Mess
|
|
|
Bob Ferguson steps into the Governor’s office today, inheriting a financial mess and a list of problems—all courtesy of his fellow Democrats. Ferguson’s focus? In a recent interview, Fergusan claims making life more “affordable” and government more “efficient,” all while tackling a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall caused by years of Democratic overspending. Outgoing Governor Jay Inslee conveniently left behind a bloated $10 billion spending plan, a lovely parting gift for Ferguson. Ironically, Inslee, much like Ferguson now, once promised not to raise taxes—until he did, passing historic tax hikes. Déjà vu, anyone?
Ferguson talks about cutting $4 billion in agency budgets while also finding room for shiny new “investments” in housing and law enforcement. Washington ranks dead last in police staffing, a fact Ferguson only seems to care about now, despite Democrats’ years of defunding law enforcement and hamstringing recruitment. His $100 million bipartisan plan for hiring more officers sounds great, but it’s hard not to notice that the obstacles to public safety were built by his own party.
The new governor also plans to slash inefficiency and bureaucracy—an amusing promise from someone who’s been a cog in the state’s political machine since 2004. Ferguson claims he’ll cut “sacred cows” in state agencies, but only time will tell if he’s serious or just trimming the political fat around the edges.
On climate, Ferguson praises Inslee’s Climate Commitment Act, touting its job-creation potential while glossing over the skyrocketing gas prices and questionable carbon-credit schemes it’s created. Meanwhile, housing affordability, one of Washington’s top voter concerns, gets Ferguson’s pledge to “streamline” permitting and “invest hundreds of millions.” It’s a nice sentiment, but given his party’s track record of zoning restrictions and red tape, skepticism is warranted.
Ferguson promises bipartisanship and visiting all 39 counties, an olive branch to the 44% who didn’t vote for him. But let’s be real: the hurdles he faces—from budget woes to housing shortages—are all products of a decade of one-party rule. Washingtonians have heard the promises before, and they’ve learned the hard way that “no new taxes” often means “brace yourselves.” Read Ferguson’s full interview with PBS here.
|
|
| |
Democrats' New Motto: Tax More, Solve Less
|
|
|
Washington Democrats are back at it, proposing bills to hike both utility and property taxes under the guise of addressing budget deficits and housing affordability. Senate Bill 5088 would allow counties to slap a 3% excise tax on utility services, conveniently itemized on your bill so you can see the extra pinch. Meanwhile, a yet-to-be-introduced property tax bill aims to triple the current hike limit from 1% to 3%, which will undoubtedly hit homeowners, renters, and businesses alike. Ironically, while Democrats blame housing costs on developers and landlords, their tax hikes would make living in Washington even less affordable. But hey, they’ll tell you it’s all for your own good—just ignore the leaked memo revealing their endless tax wish list. Read more at KTTH.
|
|
| |
Striking Gold: Democrats Want Employers to Fund Union Tantrums with UI Benefits
|
|
|
Washington Democrats are at it again, pushing Senate Bill 5041 to let striking workers collect unemployment benefits—because apparently, employers should fund union strike funds now. Never mind that the unemployment insurance (UI) fund is supposed to help people who lose jobs through no fault of their own, not those voluntarily walking off the job. The math is staggering: a Boeing-sized strike of 30,000 workers could burn through $120 million in just four weeks. Supporters claim the UI fund is healthy enough “right now,” but if there’s extra money, maybe it should go back to employers footing the bill, not subsidizing strikes. This bill would encourage more work stoppages, disrupt businesses, and raise costs for everyone. Unsurprisingly, Washington continues to rank as one of the worst states for business—and bills like this are why. Read more at the Washington Policy Center.
|
|
| |
Seattle Shootouts and Gun-Free Fantasies: Pimps Don’t Read Legislative Memos
|
|
|
Seattle’s Aurora Avenue turned into a warzone as two suspected pimps exchanged gunfire, highlighting the futility of Washington Democrats’ anti-gun agenda. As KTTH’s Jason Rantz points out, instead of addressing the crime-ridden streets they’ve helped create, Democrats are focused on disarming law-abiding citizens with new gun restrictions that criminals will obviously ignore. Pimps and gang members won’t bother with permits or storage laws, but Democrats seem content to make the state a gun-free zone for everyone else. Meanwhile, the violence spills into other neighborhoods, with soft-on-crime policies ensuring perpetrators face minimal consequences. The result? A dangerous ideological experiment leaving residents defenseless and fed up. Read more at KTTH.
|
|
| |
Subscribe to Our Podcast Today!
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Please consider making a contribution to ensure Shift continues to provide daily updates on the shenanigans of the liberal establishment. If you’d rather mail a check, you can send it to: Shift WA | PO Box 956 | Cle Elum, WA 98922
Forward this to a friend. It helps us grow our community and serve you better.
You can also follow SHIFTWA on social media by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter.
If you feel we missed something that should be covered, email us at [email protected].
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shift Washington | PO Box 956 | Cle Elum, WA 98922 |
|
|
|
|
|
