Ferguson takes immediate action on key issues: housing, reproductive freedom and permitting reform.

OLYMPIA - Following an inaugural address centered on calls for decisive action, Governor Bob Ferguson signed three executive orders less than an hour after taking the oath of office and minutes after concluding his inaugural address.

The orders direct agencies to take action on key issues:

• Housing: The executive order directs state agencies to review all regulations that impact housing, permitting and construction and identify any provision that can be streamlined, deferred or eliminated.
•   Reproductive freedom: The executive order directs the Department of Health to convene a roundtable of medical providers, reproductive health experts and policy makers to recommend strategies for protecting reproductive freedom.
•  Permitting reform: The executive order directs all state agencies to cut down their permit and license processing times. If an agency does not meet its deadline, it will refund the application fee.

Ferguson’s inaugural address calls for government reform, bipartisanship

In his address, Ferguson recognized the challenges facing the state, but declared his optimism based on Washington’s history and the proven resilience of our people.

He invoked Gov. Dan Evans’ 1965 inaugural address: ‘We are at this moment experiencing great challenges-challenges which test an administration, a legislature and a people. To meet these challenges, we cannot be leisurely when the times call for action.’”

Ferguson called on legislators to embrace the spirit of bipartisanship, and focus on centering the people. He cited multiple bipartisan proposals before the Legislature that have his support.

Click here to read the full text of the speech.

Key quotes:

• “Despite these, and other challenges, I’m optimistic. I know that together we can make real progress and increase opportunities for Washingtonians. Now I admit to being a glass half full kind of guy. But my optimism is warranted for three reasons. First, Washingtonians are among the most resilient, dynamic and innovative people in the world. Second, they are represented by dedicated legislators from diverse backgrounds united by a common commitment to help improve our state. And third, Washington’s history demonstrates, over and over again, that we rise to the challenges placed in our path.”
• Let us listen to one another, without consideration for party, so that the strongest argument prevails. That is how we do our best work.”
• “As your Governor, I will continue this focus on measurable, and ambitious, goals. I will have a bias for action.”
• “I’m in politics because I believe in the power of government to improve people’s lives. At the same time, we must recognize government does not always meet that promise. So let me be clear: I’m not here to defend government. I’m here to reform it.”
• “And speaking of Presidents, let me be very clear - my administration will work with President Trump where we can. We will stand up to him when we must. That most certainly includes protecting Washingtonians’ reproductive freedom.”
• “Our mission must be to speed up government, improve customer service and center the people in every decision we make.”
• “We also must make Washington State more affordable in other ways…To that end, I am excited to work with Senator Riccelli and Representative Berg on legislation to ensure that every student attending K-12 public schools receives free breakfast and lunch as part of their basic education. Right now, if you’re a single parent working full time making 19 bucks an hour, your child doesn’t qualify for free meals. That’s unacceptable. That needs to change. This will improve learning for kids, and save time and money for working parents.”
• “In his 1965 inaugural address, Governor Evans provided us a roadmap to solving our challenges. He said:  ‘This administration is not frightened by the word liberal, nor is it ashamed of the word conservative. It does not believe that the words ‘fiscal responsibility’ are old fashioned nor will it ever fear to spend money if money needs to be spent.’”

Recognizing bipartisan legislative proposals:

• “Representative Connors - I am excited to work with you to get your Homes for Heroes legislation to my desk. Let’s recognize the contributions of police officers, firefighters, behavioral health professionals and other critical public servants and ensure they can access low-interest loans to purchase their first homes.”
• “Representative Davis - You’ve developed a robust and balanced package to improve public safety. I look forward to assisting you in this important work.”
• “Representative Dent - Thank you for joining me for lunch at the Palace Cafe in Ellensburg. I share your commitment to supporting Washington farmers. By the way, that includes ensuring they receive the rebates they were promised under the Climate Commitment Act.”
• “Representatives Santos and Callan - Thank you for stepping up to work on addressing the youth mental health crisis.”
• “Senator Braun - l hope to work with you to adopt reasonable limits on the Governor’s emergency powers. We can do that together.”
• “Representative Reed - Your proposal to ensure that every Washingtonian with a 3.0 GPA receives automatic acceptance into many of our exceptional state institutions of higher education should be adopted by this Legislature. And I look forward to signing it.”
• “Senator Holy - Thank you for your legislation proposing a $100 million grant program to help local law enforcement agencies hire more well-trained officers to improve public safety. That idea was a cornerstone of my campaign for Governor. Any budget I sign must include this funding.”
• “Representative Mena - I support your legislation prohibiting the National Guard from other states from coming into Washington to advance any president’s agenda without our permission. Texas and Montana have adopted similar policies. Washington must join them.”