MYNORTHWEST POLITICS

Inslee’s final State of the State Address: A call for equity and resistance

Jan 14, 2025, 1:46 PM | Updated: Jan 15, 2025, 1:49 pm

inslee state address...

Washington Governor Jay Inslee is photographed as he prepares to sign a joint statement with Norway on climate action in 2024. (Photo: Mat Hayward, Getty Images)

(Photo: Mat Hayward, Getty Images)

In his final State of the State address to a joint session of the Washington Legislature, Governor Jay Inslee made a passionate plea to safeguard the state’s progressive achievements and protect vulnerable communities from the brunt of looming budget challenges.

With his characteristic focus on equity, climate change, and social justice, Inslee outlined a vision for Washington that refuses to compromise on its values, even in the face of economic and political pressures.

Inslee, who is concluding his third term as governor, opened with a reflection on his 35 years in public service.

“This is not a moment to talk about the end of something,” he said. “It’s a moment to talk about beginnings.”

More on Gov. Inslee: Inslee strengthens abortion laws as one of departing acts before leaving office

He highlighted the progress made under his leadership, from expanding paid family leave to passing the Climate Commitment Act, and emphasized the importance of persistence in pursuing justice.

A bold push for a wealth tax

Central to Inslee’s address was a call for a 1% wealth tax on individuals with over $100 million in assets. The proposal, which could generate an estimated $10.3 billion over four years, comes as Washington faces a projected $10-12 billion budget shortfall.

Inslee argued that cutting essential services would disproportionately harm those already struggling to make ends meet.

“Deep budget cuts always, always fall hardest on the people who cannot afford them,” Inslee said.

He painted a picture of the human cost of austerity, warning that cuts to programs like housing, education and mental health services would cause concrete pain.

“Like the pain of a kid who has to drop out of college because they can’t afford a tuition hike,” Inslee said. “Like the pain of a mother who’s told there’s no room at the hospital for her child in the midst of a schizophrenic episode.”

Inslee contrasted the state’s economic growth with its inequities, noting that while some fortunes have flourished, many Washingtonians are still struggling to put food on the table.

“Our economy provides more than enough to some, but our regressive tax system is unfair to most working families and jeopardizes our continued progress,” he said.

Resistance to federal overreach

In a veiled reference to incoming President Donald Trump, Inslee vowed to uphold Washington’s progressive policies against any federal attempts to roll them back.

“We will not bend the knee to a would-be authoritarian’s worst impulses,” he declared. “We will follow the Constitution and be steadfast in our commitment to the progress of our state.”

His comments received loud applause from Democrats, who represent the majority in both the House and Senate.

More on Gov. Inslee: Inslee signs natural gas bill into law, critics say it comes at expense of customers

Inslee’s tenure has been marked by a willingness to challenge Trump’s policies that conflict with Washington’s values. From protecting reproductive rights to implementing some of the nation’s strongest firearm reforms, Inslee has consistently positioned Washington as a leader in progressive governance.

Protecting Washington’s most vulnerable

The governor used his address to underscore the importance of maintaining investments in social services. He highlighted the state’s successes in reducing youth homelessness by 40% and improving access to paid family leave, which has already supported more than a million claims.

Inslee also praised the Climate Commitment Act, which charges polluters to fund clean energy projects.

“The need for the programs funded by the Climate Commitment Act will only continue to increase,” he said.

A legacy of progress

As he prepares to leave office, Inslee expressed confidence in the state’s trajectory. He commended Washington voters for rejecting efforts to roll back progressive measures, such as the capital gains tax on extraordinary profits.

“More than 64% of our state said we’re keeping our capital gains tax,” he noted, framing the mandate as a rejection of austerity politics.

Inslee’s farewell was both a reflection on his legacy and a rallying cry for continued progress.

Exclusive: Gov. Jay Inslee doubles down on the Climate Commitment Act despite high gas prices

“We keep moving forward,” Inslee said. “We pull together because we are the state of Washington.”

The governor closed with a message of hope and determination.

“Washington state is a light to the world,” Inslee said. “We are a beacon of progress by so many measures because we follow the science, we work together and we refuse to leave our neighbors behind.”

Matt Markovich often covers the state legislature and public policy for KIRO Newsradio. You can read more of Matt’s stories here. Follow him on X, or email him here.

MyNorthwest Politics

Photo: Seattle Children's Hospital is one hospital impacted by Trump's executive order blocking fed...

Julia Dallas

‘It’s disgusting’: WA Attorney General’s Office sparks legal battle against Trump order on gender-affirming care

The AG's Office announced it is filing a lawsuit to stop an executive order from the Trump administration that halts federal funding for gender-affirming care.

21 hours ago

Photo: Seattle Sounders FC fans cheers for his team at the stadium during the match between Toronto...

Matt Markovich

A fart tax? State lawmaker suggests sports fans pay up for methane emissions

A Republican lawmaker made an unusual suggestion during a public hearing Thursday on a bill that could lead to a fart tax on cows.

2 days ago

Photo: A cell in the King County Jail can be seen in a recent photo....

Matt Markovich

Justice vs. safety: Washington lawmakers clash over sentencing reform bill

A bill advanced in Olympia that may lead to a floor vote on one of the most significant law and justice bills of this session. It involves sentencing reform.

2 days ago

President Donald Trump speaks at the National Prayer Breakfast, at the Capitol in Washington, Thurs...

The Associated Press

Judge temporarily blocks Trump plan offering incentives for federal workers to resign

A federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s plan to push out federal workers by offering them financial incentives.

2 days ago

Image: Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, left, departs a press availability in Seattle after ...

The MyNorthwest staff with wire reports

Judge grants injunction in WA lawsuit against birthright citizenship order

A second federal judge in two days, this one in Seattle, has blocked President Donald Trump's birthright citizenship order.

2 days ago

Photo: Housing in Seattle, Washington....

Matt Markovich

Washington bill takes aim at corporate homebuyers, tries to level playing field for families

In a move to preserve homeownership opportunities and combat escalating housing prices, a new bill — Senate Bill 5496 — has been introduced in Washington.

3 days ago

Inslee’s final State of the State Address: A call for equity and resistance