OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, in his first State of the State address, urged lawmakers to tackle infrastructure improvements, tax equity, and the state’s housing shortage, signaling a proactive agenda for the 2026 legislative session. The governor’s optimistic outlook comes despite ongoing challenges, including recent natural disasters and evolving national policies.
A Bold Vision for Washington’s Future
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Governor Ferguson outlined a comprehensive plan for the state, emphasizing resilience and collaborative problem-solving.
- Ferguson highlighted Washington’s strength in the face of adversity, specifically referencing the state’s response to December 2025’s historic flooding.
- He reiterated support for a millionaires’ tax, proposing to return a portion of the revenue directly to residents.
- The governor addressed external pressures, including shifts in federal agency policies and the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
- Ferguson emphasized the success of bipartisan efforts in the previous legislative session, with roughly half of such proposals becoming law.
- Executive orders aimed at streamlining permit processing and FAFSA completion were also highlighted.
What are Governor Ferguson’s top priorities for Washington state? Ferguson is prioritizing investments in infrastructure, tax reform to create a more equitable system, and addressing the ongoing housing crisis, aiming to build on the state’s existing strengths and prepare for future challenges.
Responding to Crisis and External Pressures
Ferguson began his address acknowledging the widespread damage and hardship caused by the historic flooding in December 2025. He commended the swift response of first responders and emergency workers, stating the government’s actions demonstrated a capacity to effectively address crises. “When the story of this historic flood is written, it will recognize that when history paid us an unexpected visit in December of 2025, the people and this state stepped up, and faced the challenge head on,” he said.
Beyond the immediate recovery efforts, Ferguson addressed external pressures impacting Washington. He cited the departure of scientific experts, policy shifts at federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in U.S. cities as concerns. He voiced support for bipartisan legislation, including measures to prohibit masked law enforcement officers and mandate clear identification on uniforms.
Bipartisanship and Progress in the Previous Session
The governor underscored the importance of bipartisan collaboration, noting that approximately half of the bipartisan proposals considered during the previous year’s session were enacted into law. These measures included improvements to public safety, ensuring farmers received promised rebates through the Climate Commitment Act, protecting the state from unauthorized deployments of out-of-state National Guard troops, and bolstering protections for children in crisis.
Ferguson also highlighted the impact of his executive orders, which aimed to reduce delays in permit and license processing and assist more students in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Throughout his address, he consistently returned to the theme of shared responsibility and the importance of working together to shape the state’s future.
“To keep our growth going, let’s get back to basics,” Ferguson stated. “In the next two months, let’s create history — to make the state of our state even stronger.” He concluded by challenging legislators to serve as role models for future generations, emphasizing that Washingtonians are not passive observers but active participants in shaping their own destiny.
“Washingtonians are not mere bystanders to history,” he said. “We are bold and, with heart and spirit, we forge our destiny and make history.”
