Washington Governor Bob Ferguson Receives 7% Pay Increase, Data Centers Lose Tax Exemptions
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has received a 7% pay raise, increasing his annual salary to $234,275. This follows a similar pay bump from the previous year, resulting in an approximate $30,000 increase since he became Washington's 24th governor in January 2025. The pay increases for the governor, attorney general, and state lawmakers were approved by the Washington Citizens’ Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials in March 2025. This commission, established by voters in 1987, is responsible for setting the salaries of elected officials, removing the ability of politicians to determine their own pay. Concurrently, as of July 1, Washington data centers no longer qualify for tax exemptions on equipment repairs and refurbishment, including labor-related costs. A June 2022 state law had expanded eligibility for these exemptions to include data centers in urban counties. However, a new law, S.B. 6231, which took effect last month, has removed these benefits for both rural and non-rural data centers, prev... 
