Olympia – December 23, 2025 – The Association of Washington Business, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and Washington Roundtable issued the following joint statement today in response to Governor Bob Ferguson’s proposed operating budget:
“We appreciate that Governor Ferguson’s budget reflects his continued commitment to balancing funding priorities, revenue, and spending. We also appreciate his recognition of the importance of investments in housing, the preservation and maintenance of our roads and bridges, and to helping Washingtonians recover from the horrific December floods.
As budget negotiations move forward – and especially as it relates to any discussions of new revenue, income tax or otherwise – our priorities remain unchanged:
– Sustainable budget practices for the long-term;
– A focus on results and outcomes;
– Developing a statewide economic development plan to grow jobs and the economy; and
– Alignment on shared goals without forcing tradeoffs between raising the cost of doing business and cuts to the social safety net.
Following the largest tax increases in state history last session, we know that everyone – voters, legislators, the Governor, and employers – is focused on affordability, and we continue to encourage the careful consideration of how existing and proposed policies contribute to rising costs. And while we understand that this budget proposal seeks to address the deficit through a combination of using one-time funds, shifts to the economics of certain industries, and policy adjustments, the reality is that the state’s budget is still unsustainable, and that is what leads to the tradeoffs that don’t serve Washingtonians well.
We look forward to partnering with the Governor and legislators on solutions for all Washingtonians.”
Quotes from Business Leaders:
“Given the significant challenges Washington faces, we all need to put our shoulder in on solving problems. No one wants to lurch from one multi-billion-dollar budget crisis to the next; everyone wants to get better outcomes for our communities. We know we need to invest in and preserve infrastructure and services, and there is no time like the present for us to work together to make a plan to generate more economic activity, which in turn generates more revenue for the state.
While we do that, we need to be clear-eyed about one of our biggest challenges: affordability. People have different ideas on how to address it, but one thing is certain—many of the policies and taxes enacted recently are contributing to things becoming more unaffordable, and we should use that as a lens for our decisions going forward.”
Rachel Smith, President, Washington Roundtable
“Higher and higher costs are making it difficult for employers – especially small businesses – to stay in Washington. Lawmakers in Olympia are facing some big budget challenges in the coming year, as we see in the Governor’s budget proposal. The way they respond can make or break some businesses. What’s at stake is our economy, and the ability to grow and keep jobs and businesses in our state.”
Kris Johnson, President, Association of Washington Business
“Washington is already one of the hardest places in America to start and run a business. Our state ranks among the worst for affordability and business survivability. Last year, Olympia passed the largest tax increase in state history – largely on the backs of employers. The state’s own economist is warning lawmakers that private sector jobs are already being cut, and job growth is expected to be flat in the years ahead. We want to work with the Governor and legislators to fund essential services without causing layoffs and skyrocketing costs on working families.”
Joe Fain, President & CEO, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce
“The Seattle Metro Chamber thanks Governor Ferguson for his leadership on the budget. The business landscape in Washington state is an ecosystem and rising costs for employers ultimately increase costs for all. Those higher costs add pressure on small businesses in the Seattle region; supporting their ability to thrive should be our priority. The Seattle Metro Chamber is committed to partnering with the Governor, legislators, and business leaders to identify practical solutions that grow jobs, strengthen our economy, and keep us a vibrant place for business.”
Gabriella Buono, Seattle Metro Chamber Interim President and CEO
“As the Governor and legislature start planning for 2026, I hope they will consult with more small businesses like mine. Our business is paying more in state taxes every year, yet nothing seems to be getting easier or better. Rather, the strain is increasing, and surviving as a small business in Washington State is becoming more difficult with each passing year. I only feel the pressure of rising costs.”
Gea Bassett, Owner, Green Cleaning Seattle
###
About the Association of Washington Business
Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association representing all sectors of business. AWB serves as both the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturers association. While its membership includes major employers like Boeing and Microsoft, 90% of AWB members employ fewer than 100 people. More than half of AWB’s members employ fewer than 10. For more about AWB, visit awb.org.
About the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce
With hundreds of members representing tens of thousands of employees, the Bellevue Chamber is the relationship, policy, and business development hub for organizations throughout the Puget Sound region. We connect businesses with potential employees, sales opportunities, and social engagement, and provide our members access to industry experts and real-time information impacting our city and the Eastside. Learn more at bellevuechamber.org.
About the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
The Seattle Metropolitan (Seattle Metro) Chamber of Commerce is the regional business advocacy organization that engages the innovation and entrepreneurship of its 2,500 members to promote inclusive economic prosperity. Founded in 1882 by local business leaders, the Chamber today is an independent organization representing a regional workforce of approximately 750,000. For more information, visit seattlechamber.com.
About Washington Roundtable
Washington Roundtable is a nonprofit organization comprised of senior executives of major private sector employers in Washington state. Roundtable members work together to effect positive change on public policy issues that they believe are most important to supporting state economic vitality and fostering opportunity for all Washingtonians. For more information, visit waroundtable.com.