Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson takes office
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Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson promised to tackle the state's housing affordability problems and protect abortion rights in his first speech to the Legislature on Wednesday, delivering his address shortly after being sworn into office.
Why it matters: Ferguson — a Democrat who is Washington's first new governor in 12 years — laid out priorities that included working with Republicans and pledged to stand up to President-elect Trump when necessary.
Catch up quick: Ferguson gained national attention in 2017 when, as Washington attorney general, he led a lawsuit that halted Trump's first travel ban.
The latest: In his inaugural address, Ferguson said his administration would work with the incoming president "where we can" and "stand up to him when we must."
- "That most certainly includes protecting Washingtonians' reproductive freedom," Ferguson said.
- Ferguson said that as soon as his speech was over he would sign an executive order convening a roundtable of doctors, policymakers and experts "to recommend strategies" for safeguarding abortion and reproductive rights.
- Ferguson also said he supports a bill that would ban other states' National Guard members "from coming into Washington state to advance any president's agenda without our permission."
Between the lines: Ferguson has already indicated he'll break with his predecessor, Jay Inslee, on issues such as taxation and spending.
- He reiterated that focus on fiscal discipline in Wednesday's speech, telling legislators that "the era of assuming unrealistic growth in revenue is over."
- "We cannot simply assume that government's role is to do everything it has always done while continuing to add new programs and responsibilities every year," Ferguson said.
Yes, but: Ferguson said he supports a proposal to guarantee students automatic admission to many state higher education institutions if they have grade point average of at least 3.0.
- The new governor said he also plans to work with Democratic lawmakers to pass legislation providing free breakfast and lunch to all K-12 public school students.
- In a nod to Republicans, Ferguson said he would work with Senate Republican Leader John Braun to "adopt reasonable limits on the governor's emergency powers," something GOP lawmakers called for during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Separately, Ferguson announced an executive order directing state agencies to look for regulations that can be eliminated or streamlined to help speed up housing construction.
- He also said he was ordering state agencies to reduce the amount of time they take to process permits and licenses.
- "We must make it easier, faster and less expensive to build housing of all kinds," Ferguson said.
What's next: The Legislature will consider policy bills, including those supported by Ferguson, and debate a new state budget between now and its scheduled adjournment on April 27.