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.

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.

As lawmakers grapple with a multibillion-dollar budget deficit, Gov. Bob Ferguson has broken sharply with budgets proposed by Democratic legislators, telling reporters he does not support the plans passed by the House and Senate that call for billions in new spending and revenue.