Washington State’s budget has been shrinking, not growing, despite statements to the contrary by former elected officials - Northwest Progressive Institute (opens in new tab)

Former elected officials like Governor Chris Gregoire, radio personalities like Charlie Harger, and editorial writers at The Seattle Times continue to irresponsibly compare the state budget between eras using absolute dollars, which doesn't allow for a proper apples-to-apples examination. In relative terms — the only terms worth using for comparisons — the state budget has gotten smaller, even with recent tax and fee increases adopted by the people's elected representatives.