The Truth…

The Big, Beautiful Bill: What Washington’s Democrat Governor & Legislators Aren’t Telling You

Fearmongering

Gov. Ferguson and legislative Democrats have been stoking fear in the press about the effects the BBB will have on Washington’s budget and economy, as well as on services provided for those on Medicaid and other forms of government assistance. These are false or misleading accusations, and it is irresponsible and hypocritical for them to push this narrative.

 

Truth

I think the governor is turning this into a political issue instead of focusing on the actual pros and cons of the bill.

There’s nothing new about state legislators having to anticipate and react to actions taken by the feds. We had to do that most recently during the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m confident we will find a way through this challenge, but first, let’s get past the fearmongering.

Sen. John Braun

Medicaid

Ferguson: “This morally bankrupt decision will cause our most vulnerable citizens to lose health-care coverage” 

THE TRUTH: It’s Washington Democrats’ policies that are doing real harm to Medicaid.

  • Washington State Democrats allocated $150 million for healthcare coverage for undocumented immigrants
  • Medicaid providers serving legal Washington residents continue to face chronic underpayment under current Democrat policy decisions
  • Because immediate benefit cuts won’t affect children, seniors, or individuals with disabilities, Washington State legislators will not need to act on those populations
  • With changes not taking effect until late 2026, Washington benefits and access will remain unchanged in the short term, requiring no immediate legislative response.
  • Certain BBB provisions are projected to reduce Medicaid costs in Washington State, making it easier for lawmakers to support the state’s most vulnerable populations

Rural Hospitals

Ferguson: This bill will “likely force hospital closures across the state.”

THE TRUTH: Democrat tax policies and public employee benefit changes are putting rural hospitals at risk.

  • Democrat tax increases, regulatory burdens, and low Medicaid reimbursement rates for public employees will put significant financial strain on rural hospitals
  • Washington State stands to gain $100–$200 million annually—funds that lawmakers could direct toward stabilizing rural hospital workforce, facility operations, innovation and care expansion
  • Phases out Washington’s problematic ‘provider tax’ over five years—a system where hospitals tax themselves to secure federal Medicaid matching dollars
  • Legislators have the option to reinvest Medicaid savings directly into rural hospitals to support care delivery and infrastructure

Food Stamps (SNAP)

Ferguson: “This bill takes food from our most vulnerable Washingtonians to give tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy.”

THE TRUTH: Washington State can avoid new costs simply by running a more efficient program.

  • Benefits stay federally funded unless Washington’s payment error rate—benefits sent to ineligible recipients—exceeds 6%. The Governor and Legislature can step in to prevent that. Washington’s recent error rate puts us right on the edge – potential costs:
    1. –$0 if under 6%
    2. –$96 million a year if 6-8%
    3. –$192 million a year if 8-10%
  • Starting in 2026, the Legislature will need to absorb an $88M annual jump in Medicaid admin costs—up from a 50% to 75% state share.

HYPOCRISY ALERT: While some Washington State Democrats argue that maintaining eligibility for Medicaid and food stamps is burdened by excessive paperwork, it’s those same policymakers who consistently advocate for added bureaucracy—contributing directly to the problem they claim to oppose.

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast

Energy

Ferguson: “It’s a fossil fuel wish list that penalizes clean energy and favors pollution.”

THE TRUTH: This law promotes reliable energy—Washington has become one of the most expensive states, largely due to Democrat energy policies.

  • Washington Democrats’ Climate Commitment Act and Clean Energy Transformation Act have placed significant strain on the state’s energy sector
  • Provisions within the BBB support agriculture—offsetting the fuel cost burdens imposed by the Climate Commitment Act
  • Washington Democrats’ push toward electrification lacks adequate energy infrastructure; plant closures have outpaced construction of replacement facilities, threatening grid reliability
  • Affordable energy is vital to Washington families—and easing energy costs enables the Legislature to better support working households

Affordability + Accountability

  • Democrat policies have driven up costs for Washington State families—while delivering less in return
  • Nearly $13 billion in new regressive taxes were passed for the next four years, but the BBB plan provides relief from Washington Democrat taxes through exemptions on tips, Social Security income, and working-class wages
  • The BBB eliminates “creative” financing tactics that have burdened Washington State’s long-term budget outlook—giving legislators a clearer path to responsible fiscal planning