State Budgets: Washington Governor Goes for the “Washington Monument” Ploy
Gov. Chris Gregoire (D) is probably using the Washington Monument ploy to increase pressure for a federal bailout of the states when she dramatically announced $3 billion in reductions from the $33.5 billion biennial budget, including a suspension on government worker pay raises (already the subject of a lawsuit), class size reductions, health care cuts, and eliminating 13 state parks. Gregoire also warned that the gap could grow to $6 billion if revenues continue to decline. However, the budget is still a 1 percent spending increase over the previous one, meaning that what’s being cut is spending growth, not spending. The plan also assumes receiving $1 billion in federal aid. Gregoire did not address questions of whether she would support tax increases or tax credit elimination.
More on Washington here.
(Note: Updated 1/12 to clarify that the lawsuit mentioned is brought on behalf of all government workers. Thanks to the Evergreen Freedom Foundation for the clarification.)
Was this page helpful to you?
Thank You!
The Tax Foundation works hard to provide insightful tax policy analysis. Our work depends on support from members of the public like you. Would you consider contributing to our work?
Contribute to the Tax FoundationShare This Article!
Let us know how we can better serve you!
We work hard to make our analysis as useful as possible. Would you consider telling us more about how we can do better?
Give Us Feedback