‘We’re Driving Off a Cliff’: House Republican sounds alarm over Washington budget proposals

State Rep. Jeremie Dufault (R-Yakima) didn’t mince words when discussing the direction Washington’s state budget is heading under Democratic control, in an interview on “The John Curley Show” on KIRO Newsradio.

Dufault, an Army Reserve veteran, slammed the state’s proposed operating budget as a bloated, tax-heavy monstrosity. With $15 billion in new taxes on the table—including property tax hikes—Dufault warned that working families will be hit hard.

“We are driving off a cliff,” Dufault said. “These increases will make it harder and more expensive to buy or rent a home in Washington State.”

He’s particularly incensed by the explosive growth in government since COVID and the wasteful spending that’s come with it. One of his priorities? Shuttering agencies like the Office of Equity, which he says burns $20 million annually in pursuit of equal outcomes rather than equal opportunity.

“That’s not something government should be doing,” he said.

It’s time for cuts, Dufault says

Dufault also backs proposals to eliminate educational bureaucracy that doesn’t directly serve students. “If you do not have daily direct interaction with students, your office goes away. That money should go to special education and real priorities.”

He praised the Senate Republican budget, which balances without raising taxes by trimming unnecessary spending and restructuring pay increases for state workers. “It’s not that difficult,” he said. “The deficit is manufactured.”

As for Governor Bob Ferguson? Dufault’s “spidey sense” says tax increases are coming—no matter what Ferguson claims now.

“He’ll cave. It’s just a matter of time.”

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