Letter: State spending increases are troubling

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Editor,

As we approach the 2026 legislative session, I am troubled by the state’s escalating pace of spending and subsequently its accelerated cadence of taxation.

(My concern is independent of what I would call the Trump-Administration effect.)

During the decade from the 2013–15 biennium to the 2026-27 biennium, the state’s Near General Fund, or NGF, budget has grown from $38.1 billion to $77.9 billion — a 104% increase that far outpaces the 36% inflation rate over the same period. As you may know, the NGF refers to a specific group of core state accounts over which the Legislature has the most direct control and discretion. Most of the increased spending is targeted for areas that are near and dear to all our hearts – education, health, social services and maintenance.

Concurrent with continually increased spending, the state continues to implement increased and expanded taxes such as increasing its recently initiated capital gains tax (0%->7%->9.9%), and expanding and increasing the B&O tax, expanding retail sales tax on services, escalating the estate tax (though the exclusion was increased) and it just increased the gas tax and vehicle registration fees.

I believe we can do better to moderate our spending and slow the momentum of tax increases. I know it is hard to say no to all the good ideas, but just like in a family, we often have to say “no” to keep the family economy viable. I appreciate the fact that so many good people have volunteered to represent us in the Legislature and acknowledge that members of both parties voted against some of these tax increases.

I am concerned that continued growth in state spending, accompanied by higher and broader taxation, will result in both population movement and political realignment within the state as residents seek policies that better align with their priorities.

Please consider what can be done to more tightly rationalize/prioritize state spending and not increase taxes at every turn.

George K. Saul

Oak Harbor