Olympia, WA — Ahead of his remarks at the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce’s 120th Annual Meeting, Americans for Prosperity (AFP) today blasted Gov. Bob Ferguson for addressing business leaders after signing Washington’s first state income tax into law earlier this year.
Ferguson’s appearance before local employers and job creators comes just weeks after he approved legislation that threatens Washington’s economic competitiveness, discourages entrepreneurship, and dismantles the no-income-tax advantage that helped make Washington an economic powerhouse.
AFP Western Region Director Heather Andrews released the following statement:
“The audacity of Gov. Ferguson to speak to Washington’s business community after signing a state income tax into law is nothing short of astonishing. For decades, Washingtonians rejected income taxes because our state’s ability to attract investment, create jobs, and remain economically competitive was at stake.Yet, Gov. Ferguson and legislative leaders pushed forward a policy that threatens Washington’s economic future and opens the door to even broader tax increases down the road.
“Rather than addressing the affordability challenges hurting Washington’s working families, Gov. Ferguson chose to grow government and undermine one of Washington’s long-standing competitive advantages.
“Business leaders attending this event should ask why the governor believes making Washington less attractive for entrepreneurs and job creators is a winning strategy for economic growth.”
