Jake: WA hates campgrounds, but sure seems to love taxes

Let’s play a game of would you rather: Would you rather take your family to one of Washington’s stunning campgrounds — the kind of place where lifelong memories are made — or would you hire more tax agents?

It’s not a trick question, and it almost feels like the setup to a bad joke. But this is the reality unfolding in Washington right now, and you almost have to laugh so you don’t cry. Governor Bob Ferguson chose the tax agents.

No money for campgrounds, but lots for new Department of Revenue agents

The Ferguson administration claimed it couldn’t find a few extra million dollars, so many of the beloved campgrounds across Washington are now slated to close. Let that sink in. They couldn’t find $8 million out of an $80 billion budget — that’s 0.01% of total spending.

And yet, somehow, $557.4 million was found to hire new tax agents and expand the Washington Department of Revenue (DOR), all in eager anticipation of implementing a new income tax that’s unconstitutional.

So to recap: No money for campgrounds and public restrooms, but plenty of money for 300 new DOR staff.

Honestly, who does that? Would you?

There are literally thousands of line items in a budget the size of Washington’s. Ferguson had options, but he’s choosing the ones that are going to sting you the most. He chose the campgrounds where you could make lifelong memories with your family.

I do wonder why he would do that? I have my ideas, but none of the reasons I come up with are very complementary to our governor, so please let me know your ideas in the comments, or hit me up on X.

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