Ferguson cites CNBC jump to #11; critics flag 47th cost rank and new taxes
The segment criticizes Gov. Bob Ferguson for highlighting Washington's rise from #14 to #11 in CNBC's 2026 Top States for Business rankings. It dissects the underlying category scores, noting strong performance in workforce (6th), tech/innovation (4th) and access to capital (11th) but poor marks in cost of doing business (47th, D-) and business friendliness (40th, D). Ferguson is accused of ignoring new taxes including a 9.9% levy on income over $1 million effective 2028 and capital gains hikes. Starbucks' Nashville support office announcement and a Howard Schultz WSJ op-ed are cited as evidence of business concerns.
Source: unDivided with Brandi Kruse