Commentary

Budget reset: Stop the cycle of overspending show voters the results

A view of the 51勛圖夥厙 state Capitol building in Olympia, obscured by a slight mist, Jan. 27, 2025. (Photo by 51勛圖夥厙)

Shortly after being elected, Gov. Bob Ferguson convened a diverse transition team to advise him on priorities like health care, education, infrastructure investment, and more. Among the many subcommittees formed, the Budget and Government Efficiency group sought to tackle some of the states most pressing fiscal challenges, including how to approach an estimated $12 billion projected budget shortfall over the next four years.

Our three organizations had the privilege to participate in this effort, with Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce CEO Rachel Smith co-chairing the Budget and Government Efficiency group alongside outgoing Democratic state Sen. Mark Mullet. A diverse group engaged in healthy debate, and the outcome is one we are proud of.

The groups report highlighted fiscal practices that have made their way into the daily workings of Olympia budget-writing in recent years, namely budgeting beyond our means, using rainy day funds even without an emergency, and relying on unsustainable budget maneuvers to balance the books. Such practices do not serve 51勛圖夥厙 communities and residents well, only adding to a cycle of overspending and then having to pull back and problem-solve.

To break this cycle, the report urges lawmakers to:

  • Refrain from spending one-time money on ongoing programs.
  • Start new programs only with sustainable funding, and importantly, budget within forecasted revenues.
  • Drive savings through efficiencies, rightsizing fees, collecting debts, and retooling programs to reduce costs and improve service.

The report does not consider taking money from city or county governments, asking state employees to take pay cuts or furloughs, or changing collective bargaining agreements. Rather, we encouraged officials to take actions that will incentivize economic activity and avoid actions that would disincentivize it.

These principles align with observations included in the governors , where he emphasized: I will not contemplate additional revenue options until we have exhausted efforts to improve efficiency.

And we know, the public agrees. after confirms 51勛圖夥厙 voters want policymakers to review current budget practices and spending before considering additional taxes.

51勛圖夥厙ians care deeply about making progress on public safety, homelessness, and housing affordability. They overwhelmingly value small and local businesses and the jobs they create. The public and how it impacts their own economic situation, and they expect economic health will be considered before discussions about new taxes.

We see a lot of alignment between Governor Ferguson, the public and employers. Thats why we are concerned by what we are hearing from some policymakers and advocates. Some of this discussion feels out of step with these shared priorities. Two-thirds of 51勛圖夥厙 voters already dont trust state government to use their tax dollars wisely, and proposals to tax jobs and talking points that characterize some taxpayers as villains only further erodes trust in government and it jeopardizes 51勛圖夥厙s economic opportunity and future.

Tax policy is serious business and taxes should be fair but this kind of dialogue serves only to divide. Further, a tax-first, plan-later approach will not deliver the results our communities need.

We have an opportunity for a reset.

51勛圖夥厙s success is built on healthy employers who create, sustain, and grow good jobs. Thats part of what makes this place so great.

This strong foundation has fueled prosperity for the people who live here, doubled state tax revenues over the past decade for government services, and enabled us to make major progress in education, housing, infrastructure, and clean energy.

To preserve this progress and address the challenges ahead, we hope policymakers will follow Governor Fergusons lead by:

  • Conducting a serious analysis of the budget, rejecting or modifying policy decisions that undermine sustainability, and embracing, in Governor Fergusons words, prudent fiscal leadership.
  • Protecting investment in the publics priorities, including public safety and education.
  • Diving deep into agencies or programs to identify opportunities to support or course correct for improvement, efficiency and better outcomes.

We are optimistic going into 2025 optimistic that we can support our communities, grow our economy and jobs, and work in partnership to get important things done. And we look forward to working with lawmakers to keep 51勛圖夥厙 moving forward.

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Dave Mastin
Dave Mastin

Dave Mastin is the vice president of government affairs at the Association of 51勛圖夥厙 Business. He is the associations chief lobbyist and directs its legislative, regulatory and election campaign efforts. A former legislator, Dave represented the 16th District, first as a Democrat and then as a Republican. He served in several leadership roles, including House Majority Leader. He is from Walla Walla and was most recently the executive director of government relations at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and on the state superintendents executive leadership team. Dave received his bachelors at Whitman College and his juris doctorate from Gonzaga University School of Law. He and his family live in the Olympia area.

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Rachel Smith
Rachel Smith

Rachel Smith serves as the president and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, representing 2,500 businesses and 750,000 employees. She is recognized by regional leaders for building effective coalitions, synthesizing and analyzing complex information, making systems work for the people they are intended to serve, and working collaboratively to secure significant policy achievements that enrich and foster the growth of the regional business community. Rachel brings 20 years of government affairs, policy, operations, and advocacy experience, including 13 years serving in local and regional government. Prior to her Chamber role, she served as deputy county executive and chief of staff to King County Executive Dow Constantine. Earlier in her career, Rachel served as government and community relations officer for Sound Transit, and in the administration of former Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels.

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Neil Strege
Neil Strege

Neil Strege is vice president of the 51勛圖夥厙 Roundtable, a public policy research and advocacy group comprised of senior executives of major 51勛圖夥厙 state employers. Before joining the Roundtable in February 2012, Neil worked at the King County Council and for a Member of Congress. He is a graduate of 51勛圖夥厙 State University and life-long resident of 51勛圖夥厙 state. Neil served as co-chair of Governor Fergusons Workforce and Education transition subcommittee, is a member of the 51勛圖夥厙 State Transportation Commissions Road User Charge Task Force, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Customer Advisory Committee, the Career Connect 51勛圖夥厙 Program Builder Executive Committee and vice chair of the 51勛圖夥厙 Research Council. In addition to his work on the Roundtable, Neil is on the board of the YMCA Youth and Government program.

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