NEWS GLEAMS | Gov. Ferguson Proposes $4B in Budget Cuts; King County Identifies First In-State Cases of Measles

In a news conference last week, Washington State Gov. Bob Ferguson proposed $4 billion in budget cuts as a potential solution to help close the state's estimated fiscal gap of $15 billion over the next four years. His proposal adds to $3 billion in cuts proposed by former Gov. Jay Inslee in December, putting the savings at a potential $7 billion.

Among the budget cuts proposed by Ferguson is a requirement for state workers to take one unpaid furlough day each month for the next two years, excepting certain positions, such as State Patrol officers, prison workers, and state hospital employees. The furlough day each month would save an estimated $300 million. Despite that, the governor's office says that they will still maintain and honor all collective bargaining agreements that have been previously made with Washington unions.

Ferguson's office is suggesting a pause on all program expansions or rate increases that have yet to be implemented, as well as only replacing lapsed federal funding sources with partial in-state funding. They have also identified a number of "good government efficiencies and reductions" that they say do not impact vital services, such as closing a warehouse that stored COVID-19 supplies and would save $4.4 million over four years or consolidating other spaces and offices.

Ferguson's current plan relies exclusively on budget cuts rather than raising taxes on the state's richest residents, an idea previously proposed by Inslee as well as some Democratic lawmakers. Ferguson stated that it's "too soon" to state whether raising taxes will be part of the final solution, though he initially opposed the tax shortly after he took office.

State lawmakers will be releasing their own plans for closing the budget gap this month. Whatever is adopted by the state Legislature would likely go into effect in July.

The governor's office says they will maintain many of Inslee's proposed investments. These include maintenance of: all K–12 educational investments plus increases from both Ferguson and Inslee; all public safety investments; all investments to address homelessness and housing assistance, totaling $1.2 billion per biennium; all cash benefit programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); and all Medicaid eligibility for Washingtonians who currently receive it.

In addition to Ferguson's suggestions, an additional $5 to $8 billion gap would need to be closed through additional measures, such as new tax collections, delays in spending, or further reductions.

Washington State's current biennial budget stands at around $70 billion. The state revenue forecast will be updated later in March, which may affect the amount.

A full list of Ferguson's current proposals is availableonline for the supplemental budget andthe 2025–27 biennium.

On Feb. 26, Public Health – Seattle & King County (King County Public Health) identified the first confirmed case of measles in King County amidst what has become a national increase in measles cases. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 164 measles cases in nine states from January 2025 through the end of February, as opposed to 285 cases in all of 2024.

The local case involves an infant who had traveled abroad. King County Public Health has published a list of locations where other individuals may have potentially been exposed in Bellevue, Seattle, Redmond, and Bothell.

Symptoms of measles take seven to 21 days to surface following exposure, though this may take longer in those with compromised immune systems. Mild measles symptoms may include fevers, coughing, sneezing, rashes, and red, watery eyes. More serious symptoms include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and, very rarely, encephalitis (brain inflammation) or death.

"Measles is easily spread from person to person. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected," said Dr. Eric Chow, communicable disease chief for King County Public Health. "We are seeing increases in measles cases within and outside the U.S. Talk to your doctor about checking your vaccination status and get vaccinated now if you aren't already protected."

King County Public Health recommends that residents get the two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is 93% effective in preventing infection. Those who have already received the vaccine do not need to receive it again; it is intended to last a lifetime.

Visit King County Public Health's website for more information about measles and how to get vaccinated.

In celebration of 11 years of fighting to end immigrant detention and deportation, La Resistencia will be hosting an event in Tacoma that includes a fundraiser, games, treats, and an auction to support its work.

La Resistancia was founded on March 7, 2014, in order to support a hunger strike that was launched by 1,200 people detained at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC), formerly known as the Northwest Detention Center. Today, they fight to close the NWIPC, among other efforts, and are "led by undocumented immigrants and People of Color that have been oppressed by the immigration enforcement system."

The event takes place on Saturday, March 8, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Tacoma (621 Tacoma Ave. S., Suite 1st Floor). More information can be found on La Resistencia's website.

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Editors' Note: A previous version of this article misstated the potential savings from the proposed budget cuts. The correct figure is $7 billion, not $7 million.