Lawmakers are also debating 5% payroll for the state's largest companies and changes to the 1% property tax cap as Democrats say cuts alone will not fill the budget gap.

Ferguson, a Democrat, told reporters at a news event in the Governor’s Conference Room that in his view, both chambers’ plans depend too much on taxes. Each would rely on a so-called wealth tax, an idea that he noted would likely attract immediate legal challenge if implemented.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said proposals from his colleagues in the House and Senate have “far too much in taxes."