$4B in cuts and furlough days? A look at Ferguson’s proposed bipartisan budget

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson is proposing to cut $4 billion in total spending from the state budget, including furloughing government employees for a set amount of days over the next two years.

He said most reductions would come after he asked state agencies to submit their own proposals to cut 6% of each of their budgets.

Ferguson estimates the $4 billion, plus the cuts identified by his predecessor, will make up half of the state’s looming deficit — $15 billion over the next four years. However, the cuts appear to be hitting the state workforce.

“I am proposing more than $300 million in savings by requiring most state employees to take a furlough day, one day month for the next two years,” Ferguson said Thursday.

He noted some public employees, such as state troopers and staff at state hospitals, are exempt.

Related on MyNorthwest: WA Republicans accuse Democrats of inflating budget deficit to justify more taxes

Senate Republicans budget leader weighs in budget proposal

In a news release, Sen. Chris Gildon (R-Puyallup), budget leader for Senate Republicans, said he appreciates the spending cuts offered by Ferguson.

“The governor has vowed to come up with spending reductions, and I appreciate that he has delivered these savings ideas less than halfway into our session,” Gildon stated. “This allows budget writers to consider them while there is still time. Notably, this is a full month sooner than the former governor managed when he first took office.”

However, Gildon shared some concerns. He said that, according to non-partisan Senate budget staff, the actual gap is $6.7 billion if the state is looking to maintain current government levels. He is also worried the new budget would send a negative message.

“This plan sends a message to taxpayers: Public servants will receive higher pay using $4 billion more of your tax dollars and, in return, you will receive 12 fewer days of service from them each year for two years,” Gildon said. “I doubt the people of our state will see this as a fair deal.”

Yet, Gildon also had positive comments on the proposal.

“Overall, if Republicans were to write a new operating budget, we would likely incorporate many of the governor’s cost-savings suggestions,” Gildon stated. “However, we believe there are additional opportunities beyond what he offered today, and we would be glad to share those with the governor as we identify them. He knows, as Republicans do, that new taxes should be a last resort. We will do what we can to help him stand by that belief.”

The suggested cuts will move to the state legislature for consideration in making the new budget.

Contributing: Sam Campbell, KIRO Newsradio

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