Ferguson said his priorities during the 60-day session are rebuilding infrastructure, reforming the tax system, and expanding housing access. (Source: Gov. Bob Ferguson's Office)
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Bob Ferguson used his first State of the State address Tuesday to urge lawmakers to invest in infrastructure, reform Washington’s tax system, and continue tackling the housing crisis. Republican leaders quickly pushed back, warning that a proposed tax on high earners could expand to middle-class residents.
Speaking before a joint session of the Washington State Legislature, Ferguson acknowledged the challenges facing the state. He framed his remarks around resilience, history, and shared responsibility.
“It seems to me that history works in different ways,” Ferguson said. “And historic events for a state come in two forms: historical events that happen to us, and the history that we create.”
Flooding, First Responders, and Government’s Role
Ferguson opened by reflecting on December’s historic flooding. The storms caused widespread damage across several regions.
He thanked first responders and local officials who worked through dangerous conditions to rescue residents and stabilize communities.
“Government gets its share of criticism,” Ferguson said. “But it’s only fair to stop and notice when government delivers, especially under the most challenging and stressful circumstances.”
He said Washington did not stand idle.
“We were not passive observers of a historic event. Quite the opposite,” he said. “When the story of this historic flood is written, it will recognize that when history paid us an unexpected visit in December of 2025, the people and this state stepped up and faced the challenge head on.”
Legislative Priorities: Infrastructure, Housing, and Taxes
Ferguson said lawmakers should focus on what he called core priorities during the 60-day session. He named rebuilding infrastructure, reforming the tax system, and expanding housing access.
“To keep our growth going, let’s get back to basics,” Ferguson said. “Invest in our infrastructure, make our tax system more fair, and continue our progress on addressing the housing crisis.”
He urged lawmakers to use the short session to set long-term direction.
“In the next two months, let’s create history,” he said. “Let’s make the state of our state even stronger.”
A central part of his agenda is a proposed millionaires’ tax. The plan would apply to annual income above $1 million.
Ferguson said he intends to return a significant portion of the revenue to residents through credits and rebates.
Civil Liberties, Public Safety, and Federal Policy Shifts
Ferguson also pointed to what he described as growing national instability. He cited the departure of scientific experts from federal agencies and policy shifts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
He referenced Immigration and Customs Enforcement deployments in U.S. cities.
Ferguson said he supports bipartisan legislation that would ban law enforcement officers from wearing masks. The proposal would also require clear identifying information on uniforms.
Bipartisanship and Executive Orders
Ferguson urged lawmakers to work across party lines. He noted that roughly half of bipartisan proposals from last year’s session became law.
Those measures, he said, improved public safety. They also ensured farmers received Climate Commitment Act rebates. Others strengthened protections for children in crisis.
He also highlighted executive orders. The actions aim to reduce permit and license processing times. They also help more students complete the FAFSA.
“Positioning Washington for an even stronger future is why we are all here,” Ferguson said. “It’s why we take these roles seriously.”
Republican Leaders Push Back on Tax Proposal
House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary sharply criticized Ferguson’s support for a new income tax.
“Two years ago, Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen brought to the Senate floor an initiative that prohibited an income tax,” Stokesbary said. “Two years later, he’s one of the most vocal proponents of an income tax. He said he was only making a piecrust promise.”
Stokesbary questioned whether voters should trust Democratic assurances.
“I have no idea why the public would ever trust Democrats,” he said. “Even Democrats admit they can’t be trusted.”
He also cited comments from Rep. Larry Springer. Springer spoke at a Bellevue Chamber of Commerce forum last week.
“Rep. Larry Springer said the public should not trust Democrats when they say this tax will only apply to millionaires,” Stokesbary said. “The record is clear. A tax on millionaires today will be a tax on you and me tomorrow.”
Session Outlook
The 2026 legislative session begins with sharp divisions. The debate centers on taxes, public safety, and housing.
Ferguson framed the moment as one of long-term consequence.
“Let’s give inspiration to future generations,” he said. “Let’s provide a foundation for success.”
He closed with a line that became a refrain of his address.
“Washingtonians are not mere bystanders to history,” Ferguson said. “We are bold and, with heart and spirit, we forge our destiny and make history.”
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