WA Gov. Bob Ferguson issues 3 executive orders after swearing-in
OLYMPIA, Wash. - Governor Bob Ferguson signed three executive orders addressing housing, reproductive freedom and permitting reform shortly after his inauguration on Wednesday.
The actions came less than an hour after Ferguson took the oath of office and delivered his inaugural address.
Why you should care:
The executive orders direct state agencies to take specific actions on these key issues:
- Housing: State agencies are instructed to review regulations affecting housing, permitting and construction, identifying provisions that can be streamlined, deferred or eliminated.
- Reproductive Freedom: The Department of Health is tasked with convening a roundtable of medical providers, reproductive health experts and policymakers to recommend strategies for protecting reproductive freedom.
- Permitting Reform: All state agencies are directed to reduce permit and license processing times. Agencies failing to meet deadlines will be required to refund application fees.\
In his inaugural address, Ferguson emphasized the need for government reform and bipartisanship, citing the resilience and innovation of Washingtonians. He referenced former Governor Dan Evans’s 1965 inaugural address, urging decisive action in the face of challenges.
"Despite these, and other challenges, I’m optimistic. I know that together we can make real progress and increase opportunities for Washingtonians," Ferguson said. "Let us listen to one another, without consideration for party, so that the strongest argument prevails. That is how we do our best work."
What's next:
Ferguson also expressed his commitment to working with President Trump where possible, while standing firm on issues like reproductive freedom.
"Our mission must be to speed up government, improve customer service and center the people in every decision we make," he said
The governor highlighted several bipartisan legislative proposals, including efforts to provide free meals for K-12 students, support for public servants through low-interest home loans and measures to address the youth mental health crisis.
Ferguson concluded by expressing his eagerness to collaborate with legislators on these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan cooperation in achieving the state’s goals.
The Source: Information in this story is from Gov. Bob Ferguson's office and his inaugural address.
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