OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington Governor Jay Inslee delivered his final State of the State address this morning, reflecting on his 12-year tenure and discussing future challenges.
Governor Inslee highlighted several achievements, including advancements in education, climate initiatives, LGBTQ issues, and energy rebates, as well as transportation.
He emphasized the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to reduce youth homelessness, climate protection measures, and the provision of free transportation for those under 18 years old.
The central focus of Inslee’s address was the looming budget issue.
Washington faces around a $10 billion budget shortfall over the next four years.
Governor-elect Bob Ferguson has proposed a 6% cut from state agencies to address the issue.
However, Inslee disagreed with this approach, suggesting that even a $2 billion cut would negatively impact the state.
“Abstract numerical cuts actually mean concrete personal pain, like the pain of the kid who has to drop out of college because they can’t afford a tuition hike,” Inslee said.
Despite the budget challenges, Inslee described the state’s economy as “strong.”
He questioned the rationale behind potential cuts to housing and mental and behavioral health services, given the “strong economy.”
Governor-elect Bob Ferguson, the former state Attorney General, is set to be sworn in as Washington’s 24th governor Wednesday at noon.
