Ferguson delivers 2026 State of the State address

OLYMPIA – Governor Bob Ferguson delivered his 2026 State of the State address on Tuesday, emphasizing Washington’s economic resilience while proposing a bold legislative agenda focused on infrastructure, housing, and social justice.

“The state of our state remains strong,” Ferguson said as he highlighted the state’s robust economic standing, citing its position as the nation’s ninth-largest economy and a leader in aerospace manufacturing.

Addressing pressing state needs, Ferguson proposed a historic $1 billion investment in bridge repairs and over $750 million for road paving over 10 years, all without increasing taxes.

In a move to address income inequality and fund critical services, Ferguson proposed a “millionaires’ tax” on individuals earning over $1 million annually. Revenue from this tax would expand the Working Families Tax Credit and provide significant tax relief for small businesses.

The governor also tackled the housing crisis, proposing $244 million for affordable housing and first-time homebuyer programs. In a strong rebuke of federal overreach, he called for legislation to prohibit law enforcement from wearing masks during arrests, following recent incidents involving federal agents.

Ferguson concluded by challenging the legislature to “seize this opportunity” to make the state’s tax system fairer and improve the lives of all Washingtonians.

Meantime, Republicans in the Washington Legislature were quick to push back on Ferguson’s State of the State address, saying his agenda relies too heavily on higher taxes and bigger government at a time when affordability is already straining family budgets.

Photo via Washington Office of the Governor

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Elkhorn Media Group