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Former governor slams WA’s spending: ‘I left office with a budget of $33 billion, and the budget today is $80 billion’ While speaking at the Association of Washington Business 2026 Summit, former Washington Governor Christine Gregoire criticized the state’s handling of its finances, as the state budget has nearly tripled since she was last in office.
“Do you think our legislature understands the impact of the policy environment as it relates to the economy? ” the summit’s moderator asked.
“No,” Gregoire replied quickly, with the audience laughing before continuing. “I really don’t, as evidenced by your mentioning of the estate tax. I argued with some folks about the estate tax. We were the highest in the country, tied with Hawaii at 20%.
We went to 35%. We’re not just the highest. We’re beyond the highest. ” According to Gregoire, who was the state’s governor from 2005-2013, Washington doesn’t have an income problem; it has a spending problem.
“I left office with a budget of 33 billion, and the budget today is 80 billion. I think that’s a little bit too much growth,” Gregoire said.
“And yet how we find ourselves at the end of every legislative session now is in the hole and projected to be in the hole. ” 'Either he's not smart, or he's being disingenuous': Jake challenges Sen. Pedersen's claim that millionaires aren't leaving WA“Whatever Washington has become 10, 12 years ago, whenever she was in power, the politics have shifted significantly,” KIRO host Jake Skorheim said.
“Moderate to right? ” Jake interjected.
“I think somebody like Christine Gregoire, if she walked into an office right now, and she’s having a sit-down with a guy like Ferguson or a guy like Jamie Pedersen, who’s pushing all these things, they would look at her like she’s crazy,” Jake added. “They would call her probably a conservative, and they would say, ‘Listen, we don’t like your politics here in Washington state. ’ But what she’s saying makes a lot of sense.
” Former governor slams WA’s spending: ‘I left office with a budget of $33 billion, and the budget today is $80 billion’ Former Washington Governor Christine Gregoire criticized the state's handling of its finances now that the state budget has nearly tripled since she was last in office. In 2016, voters approved the Sound Transit 3 expansion with a price tag somewhere around $54 billion. The current projection to deliver that same plan? Closer to $185 billion.
Harger: Seattle put 260 shelter units in its poorest neighborhood. Laurelhurst can’t even handle a helicopter.
‘Either he’s not smart, or he’s being disingenuous’: Jake challenges Sen. Pedersen’s claim that millionaires aren’t leaving WA Jamie Pedersen said he doesn't have any evidence that millionaires or business leaders are leaving Washington as a result of the millionaires' tax. This isn’t a rant. It’s sage advice someone once gave me, and now I’ll keep giving my four sons as they make their way in the world.
Colon cancer is one of the most common and deadliest types of cancer, and routine screenings are the best way to reduce your chances of becoming a statistic. Redmond HVAC contractor earns triple recognition in 60 days, reflecting a shift in how homeowners vet contractors Three independent organizations that evaluate home service contractors each reached the same conclusion: Home Comfort Alliance is among the most reliable in its market.
WSECU Community Champion: Chrystal Ortega’s mission to feed Spokane Chrystal Ortega's tireless dedication recently earned her the WSECU Community Champions Award and a $1,000 grant to further the mission. When Shawn Tibbitts opened Tibbitts FernHill, he was just trying to survive. The small Tacoma restaurant has since earned culinary awards and praise. Wilcox Family Farms is continuing its cherished holiday tradition of giving back by donating nearly one million eggs to food banks across the South Sound region this season.
Former governor slams WA’s spending: ‘I left office with a budget of $33 billion, and the budget today is $80 billion’
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