The Truth…

How the “Big, Beautiful Bill” actually affects Washington

The “Big Beautiful Bill” was signed by President Trump on July 4, 2025. It is intended to restore accountability, protect our safety nets, support working families and rein in out-of-control spending.

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 more detail to consider, and we should be careful.

Sen. John Braun

Medicaid: Sustainable care, stronger safety net

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

THE TRUTH: This law protects Medicaid for those who truly need it, while ending the fraud and misuse that weakens the system for everyone.

  • No cuts for children, seniors or the disabled
  • Adds work requirements for able-bodied adults with no dependents under age 13
  • The work requirement can be satisfied through 20 hours per week of work, volunteering, training, or enrollment in school. An able-bodied person would be able to keep their Medicaid benefits if they are in school, but otherwise employed.
  • Adds fraud safeguards:
    1. –Recipients have to show eligibility for the program twice a year
    2. –Prevents payments to deceased individuals
    3. –Eliminates double enrollment across states
  • Limited cost-sharing ($35 cap per visit, with some exemptions)
  • Changes phase in gradually, starting late 2026 through 2032 – no immediate changes

Rural Hospitals: New money, not new mandates

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

THE TRUTH: This law actually puts real money on the table for rural health care, but ONLY if the state steps up.

  • $50 billion in federal Rural Health Transformation Funds available (2026-2030)
  • Washington could receive $100-200 million per year if it submits a plan by Dec. 31, 2025
  • Funds can support workforce, facility operations, innovation and care expansion
  • Gradually phases out (over five years) our state’s flawed “provider tax” system – where hospitals tax themselves to get federal matching funds. We hope to reinvest state savings back into rural hospitals.

Food Stamps (SNAP): Rewarding efficiency, not failure

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

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

  • Benefits remain federally funded unless the state’s payment error rate exceeds 6% (payment error rate means money sent to those who are ineligible)
  • 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%
  • Washington’s share of the administrative costs shift from 50% to 75% percent in 2026 (estimated $88 million a year)
  • Same work requirements as required to continue receiving Medicaid

HYPOCRISY ALERT: Some say that the paperwork involved in maintaining eligibility for Medicaid and food stamps is too difficult and will deter people from filing for benefits they deserve. The BBB asks for verification twice a year. That is manageable compared to other responsibilities people have, such as paying monthly bills. The people making those claims are the same ones who constantly push for MORE bureaucracy.

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast

Energy: Pushing back on bad policy

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

THE TRUTH: This law promotes reliable energy and curbs special-interest tax giveaways that drive up costs.

  • Reins in wind/solar tax credits from the Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)
    1. –Projects must begin construction within one year of July 4, 2025, and be online by the end of 2027
  • Eliminates proposed excise taxes and anti-nuclear sourcing restrictions
  • Extends the clean fuel production credit through 2029, but it’s restricted to North American feedstocks
  • Sunsets the clean hydrogen credit in 2027 – five years earlier than under the IRA

Affordability + Accountability

  • Washington families are paying more and getting less.
  • Democrats just passed nearly $13 billion in regressive taxes over the next four years.
  • This bill flips that around.
    • Tax relief on:
      1. –Tips
      2. –Social Security income
      3. –Working family wages
    • Work and training requirements support independence and dignity
    • Ends “creative” financing gimmicks that put long-term pressure on state budgets