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Reuters
6 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Construction Insurance Risk Education (CIRE) Seeks National Education Provider to Expand Verified Learning Nationwide
OLYMPIA, WA, July 25, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- Construction Insurance Risk Education (CIRE), opens new tab, a leading provider of innovative training at the intersection of construction and insurance, has announced it is actively seeking a National Education Provider to deliver its educational platform across all 50 U.S. states. Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic by an insurance veteran, Treacy Duerfeldt, CIRE was born out of a frustration with traditional, outdated educational models. 'After taking the same insurance courses for nearly 30 years, reading PDFs and answering repetitive questions every two years, I realized the industry wasn't helping professionals grow, it was just checking boxes,' said Duerfeldt. 'CIRE is here to change that.' The company's mission is clear: offer engaging, story-driven education that brings construction professionals and insurance agents together in a shared language. 'One of the biggest reasons for uncovered claims or overpriced premiums is a fundamental lack of mutual understanding,' Duerfeldt added. 'CIRE's model doesn't just inform, it unites.' CIRE's platform already includes over 24 hours of polished and accredited video-based material, featuring dynamic instruction, scenario-based quizzes, and segmentation designed for better retention and real-time learning verification. 'We interrupt the passive experience,' said Duerfeldt. 'Our quizzes don't just follow the lesson; they are integrated within it to ensure knowledge is actually being absorbed.' Through a previous regional education provider, CIRE has already operated successfully in 30 states. That partnership allowed the platform to earn certification even in rigorous jurisdictions like California and Florida. But now, with growing national demand and strong endorsements from industry leaders, the time has come to scale. 'We have validated our content through regulators and real users,' Duerfeldt said. 'The next step is to find a platform partner who shares our passion for verified learning and has the infrastructure to operate nationwide.' The ideal national education provider, according to Duerfeldt, will have experience working with state insurance regulators and be prepared to manage course availability, administrative compliance, and distribution logistics. CIRE will continue to provide all core content and will lead community-based live sessions, advanced seminars for alumni, and ongoing curriculum updates. CIRE is particularly seeking a provider with the capability and the commitment to recertify its program across all 50 states. 'We are not looking for someone to coast,' said Duerfeldt. 'We are looking for a platform provider who's invested in the mission of bridging the gap between construction and insurance through real education, not just checking a box.' The company's philosophy of 'verified learning' underpins every aspect of its offering. 'We don't hand out certificates just for showing up. We want learners to actually know what they are doing,' he emphasized. 'That's how we shift the culture, lower risk, and ultimately improve outcomes for the entire construction ecosystem.' CIRE's offerings span a wide array of construction-specific topics, including cyber liability, general liability, workers' comp, automobile insurance, builders' risk, bonding, and coverage planning, each designed to be both accessible to contractors and technically robust for agents. With its innovative format, proven course content, and industry endorsements already in place, CIRE's next chapter hinges on the right partner. 'Our curriculum is ready. Our mission is clear. Now we need a provider who's ready to help us bring real education to the people building America, and the people protecting them.' About Construction Insurance Risk Education (CIRE) Founded by insurance veteran Treacy Duerfeldt, Construction Insurance Risk Education (CIRE) delivers innovative, verified learning programs that bridge the gap between construction and insurance. Based in Olympia, Washington, CIRE offers accredited, story-driven courses designed to transform industry understanding nationwide. For more information, visit: opens new tab Media Contact Treacy Duerfeldt treacy2@ ### SOURCE: Construction Insurance Risk Education (CIRE) Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire See release on EZ Newswire
eNCA
04-07-2025
- eNCA
Nigerian hikers blaze trails despite insecurity
ABUJA - A caravan of 100 or so cars snaked onto an unfinished highway and parked in a construction zone. With no trail post in sight, the unmarked dirt lot outside the Nigerian capital seemed an unlikely place to hike -- but fans of the great outdoors in Abuja have long taken matters into their own hands. "Most of the trails in Abuja are not properly mapped," said Adebayo Babatunde, founder of Naija Adventurers, adding it was a shame "because nature is a beautiful place where we all need to connect back to". The group and a handful of others have cropped up to provide a service the government has long left untouched, organising hikes in a city where, despite being ringed by verdant hills, public trails are virtually nonexistent. More than 400 people made Saturday's trip, a short, 2.5-kilometre jaunt up the steep, rocky outcrops that jut out of the central Nigerian plains. "It keeps me fit," said Jeremiah Makpum, a 32-year-old regular, adding that the large group presence helps him feel safe -- not a small thing in a country suffering from regular jihadist violence and violent kidnap-for-ransom gangs. Naija Adventurers, like the other half-dozen or so hiking groups in Abuja, doesn't reveal the exact location of its hikes until its members have met up to carpool. An advance team goes out in the days before to scope out the trails, which are not made for hiking but rather used by farmers or livestock herders. While Saturday's hike was a welcome reprieve from the group's longer, more punishing day trips, it was still augmented by the usual slew of volunteer organisers and medical personnel -- and armed security. "If anything happens, you'll be amazed, the amount of guns that will come out" from plain-clothes volunteers, Esesua Adeyemi, another organiser, told AFP. - Hiking, Nigeria style - AFP | OLYMPIA DE MAISMONT As the group rounded the first summit, an expanse of farmland and rocky crags -- bright green from the seasonal rains -- opened up. But if anyone was hoping to quietly commune with nature, that's not how Naija Adventurers rolls. Hikers carried speakers blasting Afrobeats music, while organisers shouted words of encouragement to the sweaty trekkers. At a rest stop, dance parties and an aerobics class broke out. Vendors lugged sunglasses, perfumes and drinks, hawking their wares on blankets spread on top of a cliff, as men showing off their abs spread out yoga mats and challenged each other to crunches. One of the organisers carried a flag emblazoned with the text "Born To Explore". But the country's rapidly urbanising character means many, especially the urban poor, grow up cut off from the countryside. "Like the waterfalls, we have dams, we have farms, a lot of tourist attractions in Abuja," said Kingsley Uche, founder of Kay Hikers, a 5,000-member outdoors group. "The problem is the government presence, they're not focused on it." AFP | OLYMPIA DE MAISMONT National parks exist in varying states of repair across the nation, sometimes along dangerous roads. Police in April warned against hiking and camping in the Federal Capital Territory without notifying security agencies. Most trails in the country are passed along by word of mouth, their locations unmarked, though Adeyemi said organisers are in contact with the tourism and culture ministry about getting hiking areas mapped. The first time he went hiking, three years ago, Joseph Eze's legs were shaking so hard he slowed down the entire group's descent. Now, the 33-year-old farmer is a member of multiple hiking groups. "It's exercise, it's healthy for me," he told AFP, while the massive crowds help with making friends. "It lets you relieve a lot of things in your head." by Nicholas Roll
Business Upturn
18-06-2025
- Health
- Business Upturn
ICD 2025: New data demonstrate Nemluvio®'s (nemolizumab) favorable safety profile and sustained and clinically meaningful improvements in symptoms of prurigo nodularis up to two years
By Business Wire India Published on June 18, 2025, 11:17 IST Zug, Switzerland: An interim analysis of the OLYMPIA long-term extension study to be presented as a late-breaking abstract at the XIV International Congress of Dermatology (ICD) found that Nemluvio was well tolerated and associated with sustained and clinically meaningful improvements in the key signs and symptoms of prurigo nodularis, including both skin lesions and itch, up to two years 1 Results build on data from OLYMPIA – the largest completed pivotal clinical program in prurigo nodularis and the only one assessing long-term safety and efficacy in prurigo nodularis 1-3 This follows the presentation of data from the ARCADIA long-term extension study at the Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Conference earlier this month, which showed Nemluvio is well tolerated with sustained and increased improvements in efficacy outcomes in atopic dermatitis patients up to two years4 Galderma (SIX: GALD) today announced data from a new interim analysis of a study investigating the long-term safety and efficacy of Nemluvio in moderate-to-severe prurigo nodularis. The new data show Nemluvio is well tolerated and associated with sustained and clinically meaningful improvements in symptoms including itch and skin lesions, during prolonged treatment up to two years.1 These new data will be presented as a late-breaking session at ICD, on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 08:30 AM CET. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 'These promising data go even further in highlighting the extensive benefits of Nemluvio. As this treatment becomes available in more countries around the world, it's highly encouraging to see its robust evidence base continue to expand and strengthen.' BALDO SCASSELLATI SFORZOLINI, M.D., PHD. GLOBAL HEAD OF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT GALDERMA Prurigo nodularis is a chronic, debilitating, and distinct neuroimmune skin disease characterized by the presence of intense itch and thick skin nodules, which have a substantial impact on patients' quality of life.5-7 Nemluviois the first approved monoclonal antibody that specifically targets the IL-31 receptor alpha, inhibiting the signaling of IL-31.8,9,10 IL-31 is a neuroimmune cytokine that drives itch and is involved in inflammation, skin barrier dysfunction, and fibrosis in prurigo nodularis.8-11 It is also the first and only biologic approved for prurigo nodularis as well as atopic dermatitis with four-week dosing intervals from the start of treatment.9,10 The OLYMPIA long-term extension study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of Nemluvio in patients with prurigo nodularis up to four years and includes 508 patients from the phase II trial or the phase III OLYMPIA 1 and 2 trials.1 Results show that treatment with Nemluvio is associated with sustained and clinically meaningful improvements in symptoms of prurigo nodularis during prolonged treatment up to two years.1 At Week 100 in evaluable patients, the interim analysis shows that: More than 90% and 70% achieved at least a four-point improvement in itch, and being itch free or nearly itch free respectively, as measured by the Peak-Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale 1 At least 80% achieved 76‑100% healed pruriginous lesions 1 Approximately 75% reached clearance or almost-clearance of skin nodules when assessed using the Investigator's Global Assessment score1 Nemluvio was well tolerated in the long-term treatment of prurigo nodularis and no new safety signals were identified in this study to date.1 'These impressive results give us even more confidence in the value of nemolizumab – a much-needed innovative medicine that has the potential to deeply impact the prurigo nodularis treatment landscape. With this new treatment now approved in multiple markets including the EU and U.S., I'm thrilled to be able to see its meaningful impact in the real world.' PROF. SONJA STÄNDER LEAD INVESTIGATOR OF THE OLYMPIA STUDIES IN EUROPE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL MUNSTER, GERMANY This follows presentation of results from the ARCADIA long-term extension study at the RAD Conference earlier this month, which showed that treatment with Nemluvio was well tolerated and associated with sustained and increased improvements in symptoms of atopic dermatitis during prolonged treatment up to two years.4 Nemluvio was first approved in August 2024 by the United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) for the treatment of adults with prurigo nodularis.9 In December 2024, it was also approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of patients 12 years and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, in combination with topical corticosteroids and/or calcineurin inhibitors when the disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies.9 To date, Nemluvio is approved for both moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis by multiple regulatory authorities around the world, including the European Commission. Additional reviews and submissions are ongoing. Galderma will also host a symposium at ICD, exploring the latest advances in addressing itch in both prurigo nodularis and atopic dermatitis. Separately, the company will share new data from across its Therapeutic Dermatology portfolio in acne, non-melanoma skin cancer, and rosacea. More details on Galderma's scientific presentations at ICD can be found here. About Nemluvio Nemluviowas initially developed by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. In 2016, Galderma obtained exclusive rights to the development and marketing of nemolizumab worldwide, except in Japan. In Japan, nemolizumab is marketed as Mitchga® and is approved for the treatment of prurigo nodularis, as well as pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis in pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients.12,13 About prurigo nodularis Prurigo nodularis is a chronic, debilitating, and distinct neuroimmune skin disease characterized by the presence of intense itch and thick skin nodules covering large body areas.5-7 It is an underrecognized and underdiagnosed skin condition, and there are limited studies investigating its prevalence.11,14,15 About Galderma Galderma (SIX: GALD) is the pure-play dermatology category leader, present in approximately 90 countries. We deliver an innovative, science-based portfolio of premium flagship brands and services that span the full spectrum of the fast-growing dermatology market through Injectable Aesthetics, Dermatological Skincare and Therapeutic Dermatology. Since our foundation in 1981, we have dedicated our focus and passion to the human body's largest organ – the skin – meeting individual consumer and patient needs with superior outcomes in partnership with healthcare professionals. Because we understand that the skin we are in shapes our lives, we are advancing dermatology for every skin story. For more information: References Ständer S, et a. Nemolizumab long-term efficacy and safety up to 100 weeks in the OLYMPIA open-label extension study in patients with prurigo nodularis: An interim analysis. Presented at International Congress of Dermatology; June 18-21, 2025; Rome, Italy. A Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Nemolizumab (CD14152) in Participants With Prurigo Nodularis (PN) (NCT04501679). Available online. Accessed May 2025 Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Nemolizumab (CD14152) in Participants With Prurigo Nodularis (PN) (NCT04501666). Available online. Accessed May 2025 Silverberg, JI, et al. Nemolizumab long-term safety and efficacy up to 104 weeks in the ARCADIA open-label extension study in adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Presented at Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis Conference 2025; June 6-7; Nashville, United States. Huang AH, et al. Prurigo nodularis: epidemiology and clinical features. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020;83(6):1559-1565. doi: 10.1016/ Pereira MP, et al. European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology European prurigo project: expert consensus on the definition, classification and terminology of chronic prurigo. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018;32(7):1059-1065. doi: 10.1111/jdv.14570 Ständer S, et al. IFSI-guideline on chronic prurigo including prurigo nodularis. Itch. 2020;5(4):e42. doi: 10.1097/itx.0000000000000042 Silverberg JI, et al. Phase 2B randomized study of nemolizumab in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and severe pruritus. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020;145(1):173-182. doi: 10.1016/ Nemluvio U.S. Prescribing Information. Available online. Accessed May 2025 Nemluvio European Medicines Agency. Summary of Product Characteristics. Available online. Accessed May 2025 Bewley A, et al. Prurigo Nodularis: A Review of IL-31RA Blockade and Other Potential Treatments. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2022;12(9):2039–2048. doi: 10.1007/s13555-022-00782-2 Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Maruho Obtained Regulatory Approval for Mitchga, the first Antibody Targeting IL-31 for Itching Associated with Atopic Dermatitis. Available online. Accessed May 2025 Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Mitchga Approved for Itching in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis and Prurigo Nodularis, for its Subcutaneous Injection 30mg Vials. Available online. Accessed May 2025 Ständer S, et al. Prevalence of prurigo nodularis in the United States of America: a retrospective database analysis. JAAD Int. 2020;2:28-30. doi: 10.1016/ Huang AH, et al. Real-world prevalence of prurigo nodularis and burden of associated diseases. J Invest Dermatol. 2020;140(2):480-483.e4. doi: 10.1016/ View source version on Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Business Wire India, established in 2002, India's premier media distribution company ensures guaranteed media coverage through its network of 30+ cities and top news agencies.
Business Wire
18-06-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
ICD 2025: New data demonstrate Nemluvio ® 's (nemolizumab) favorable safety profile and sustained and clinically meaningful improvements in symptoms of prurigo nodularis up to two years
ZUG, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Galderma (SIX: GALD) today announced data from a new interim analysis of a study investigating the long-term safety and efficacy of Nemluvio in moderate-to-severe prurigo nodularis. The new data show Nemluvio is well tolerated and associated with sustained and clinically meaningful improvements in symptoms including itch and skin lesions, during prolonged treatment up to two years. 1 These new data will be presented as a late-breaking session at ICD, on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 08:30 AM CET. Prurigo nodularis is a chronic, debilitating, and distinct neuroimmune skin disease characterized by the presence of intense itch and thick skin nodules, which have a substantial impact on patients' quality of life. 5-7 Nemluvio is the first approved monoclonal antibody that specifically targets the IL-31 receptor alpha, inhibiting the signaling of IL-31. 8,9,10 IL-31 is a neuroimmune cytokine that drives itch and is involved in inflammation, skin barrier dysfunction, and fibrosis in prurigo nodularis. 8-11 It is also the first and only biologic approved for prurigo nodularis as well as atopic dermatitis with four-week dosing intervals from the start of treatment. 9,10 The OLYMPIA long-term extension study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of Nemluvio in patients with prurigo nodularis up to four years and includes 508 patients from the phase II trial or the phase III OLYMPIA 1 and 2 trials. 1 Results show that treatment with Nemluvio is associated with sustained and clinically meaningful improvements in symptoms of prurigo nodularis during prolonged treatment up to two years. 1 At Week 100 in evaluable patients, the interim analysis shows that: More than 90% and 70% achieved at least a four-point improvement in itch, and being itch free or nearly itch free respectively, as measured by the Peak-Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale 1 At least 80% achieved 76‑100% healed pruriginous lesions 1 Approximately 75% reached clearance or almost-clearance of skin nodules when assessed using the Investigator's Global Assessment score 1 Nemluvio was well tolerated in the long-term treatment of prurigo nodularis and no new safety signals were identified in this study to date. 1 'These impressive results give us even more confidence in the value of nemolizumab – a much-needed innovative medicine that has the potential to deeply impact the prurigo nodularis treatment landscape. With this new treatment now approved in multiple markets including the EU and U.S., I'm thrilled to be able to see its meaningful impact in the real world.' PROF. SONJA STÄNDER Expand This follows presentation of results from the ARCADIA long-term extension study at the RAD Conference earlier this month, which showed that treatment with Nemluvio was well tolerated and associated with sustained and increased improvements in symptoms of atopic dermatitis during prolonged treatment up to two years. 4 Nemluvio was first approved in August 2024 by the United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) for the treatment of adults with prurigo nodularis. 9 In December 2024, it was also approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of patients 12 years and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, in combination with topical corticosteroids and/or calcineurin inhibitors when the disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies. 9 To date, Nemluvio is approved for both moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis by multiple regulatory authorities around the world, including the European Commission. Additional reviews and submissions are ongoing. Galderma will also host a symposium at ICD, exploring the latest advances in addressing itch in both prurigo nodularis and atopic dermatitis. Separately, the company will share new data from across its Therapeutic Dermatology portfolio in acne, non-melanoma skin cancer, and rosacea. More details on Galderma's scientific presentations at ICD can be found here. About Nemluvio Nemluvio was initially developed by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. In 2016, Galderma obtained exclusive rights to the development and marketing of nemolizumab worldwide, except in Japan. In Japan, nemolizumab is marketed as Mitchga ® and is approved for the treatment of prurigo nodularis, as well as pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis in pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients. 12,13 About prurigo nodularis Prurigo nodularis is a chronic, debilitating, and distinct neuroimmune skin disease characterized by the presence of intense itch and thick skin nodules covering large body areas. 5-7 It is an underrecognized and underdiagnosed skin condition, and there are limited studies investigating its prevalence. 11,14,15 About Galderma Galderma (SIX: GALD) is the pure-play dermatology category leader, present in approximately 90 countries. We deliver an innovative, science-based portfolio of premium flagship brands and services that span the full spectrum of the fast-growing dermatology market through Injectable Aesthetics, Dermatological Skincare and Therapeutic Dermatology. Since our foundation in 1981, we have dedicated our focus and passion to the human body's largest organ – the skin – meeting individual consumer and patient needs with superior outcomes in partnership with healthcare professionals. Because we understand that the skin we are in shapes our lives, we are advancing dermatology for every skin story. For more information: References Ständer S, et a. Nemolizumab long-term efficacy and safety up to 100 weeks in the OLYMPIA open-label extension study in patients with prurigo nodularis: An interim analysis. Presented at International Congress of Dermatology; June 18-21, 2025; Rome, Italy. A Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Nemolizumab (CD14152) in Participants With Prurigo Nodularis (PN) (NCT04501679). Available online. Accessed May 2025 Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Nemolizumab (CD14152) in Participants With Prurigo Nodularis (PN) (NCT04501666). Available online. Accessed May 2025 Silverberg, JI, et al. Nemolizumab long-term safety and efficacy up to 104 weeks in the ARCADIA open-label extension study in adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Presented at Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis Conference 2025; June 6-7; Nashville, United States. Huang AH, et al. Prurigo nodularis: epidemiology and clinical features. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020;83(6):1559-1565. doi: 10.1016/ Pereira MP, et al. European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology European prurigo project: expert consensus on the definition, classification and terminology of chronic prurigo. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018;32(7):1059-1065. doi: 10.1111/jdv.14570 Ständer S, et al. IFSI-guideline on chronic prurigo including prurigo nodularis. Itch. 2020;5(4):e42. doi: 10.1097/itx.0000000000000042 Silverberg JI, et al. Phase 2B randomized study of nemolizumab in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and severe pruritus. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020;145(1):173-182. doi: 10.1016/ Nemluvio U.S. Prescribing Information. Available online. Accessed May 2025 Nemluvio European Medicines Agency. Summary of Product Characteristics. Available online. Accessed May 2025 Bewley A, et al. Prurigo Nodularis: A Review of IL-31RA Blockade and Other Potential Treatments. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2022;12(9):2039–2048. doi: 10.1007/s13555-022-00782-2 Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Maruho Obtained Regulatory Approval for Mitchga, the first Antibody Targeting IL-31 for Itching Associated with Atopic Dermatitis. Available online. Accessed May 2025 Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Mitchga Approved for Itching in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis and Prurigo Nodularis, for its Subcutaneous Injection 30mg Vials. Available online. Accessed May 2025 Ständer S, et al. Prevalence of prurigo nodularis in the United States of America: a retrospective database analysis. JAAD Int. 2020;2:28-30. doi: 10.1016/ Huang AH, et al. Real-world prevalence of prurigo nodularis and burden of associated diseases. J Invest Dermatol.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Governor says new spending plan is 'too risky,' though leaders remain unsure what revenue he supports
Apr. 17—OLYMPIA — Gov. Bob Ferguson said Thursday that he is not ready to support a slate of proposals from Democratic lawmakers to raise billions in additional revenue and close the state's multibillion-dollar budget deficit. Legislative leaders in both parties, though, say it remains unclear where the governor stands 10 days before the session ends. "At a time of great economic uncertainty and assaults by the Trump Administration on core state services for working families, raising $12 billion in taxes is unsustainable, too risky and fails to adequately prepare Washington state for the crisis that looms ahead," Ferguson said in a statement Thursday afternoon. Ferguson's comments come as lawmakers race to adopt a budget by April 27, when the 2025 legislature is scheduled to adjourn. The job has proved challenging, as lawmakers grapple with a deficit Ferguson has pegged at around $16 billion. New revenue proposals introduced by Democrats include increasing the capital gains and estate tax rates on wealthy residents, raising business and occupation tax rates, and increasing the cap on property tax increases from 1% to 3%. While Ferguson has said the Legislature could not adopt a budget that relies solely on cutting spending, which he said would result in cutting "core services," the governor has remained tight-lipped on what revenue streams he could support. During an April 2 press conference, Ferguson did not say whether he could support an array of other tax proposals introduced in the legislature, including increasing the cap on yearly property tax increases. "I appreciate all of the questions on different revenue sources, I'm just not going to engage in those, so I appreciate that," Ferguson told reporters. "Those are conversations we're going to have, there's a lot of negotiations to go on, but I'm just going to get into specific proposals right now." The governor said Thursday that legislators have "made progress on key issues in its updated revenue proposals," including, moving away from a new tax on wealthy residents to balance the budget that Ferguson said is "untested." "We will continue to work together to produce a budget that supports a strong economy, and the people of Washington," Ferguson said. The statement from Ferguson, though, does not cite a tax proposal the governor would support, or an amount of new revenue he would back. Citing uncertainty from the federal government, the potential for steeper cuts and the impact of tariffs, Ferguson said Washington's budget may soon turn from "challenging" to "dire." "We must ensure Washington is in the best possible financial position to weather more cuts and damaging economic policies from a Trump Administration that weaponizes funding to punish those it disagrees with and forces them into compromising their values," Ferguson said. On Thursday, legislative leaders also appeared unsure about what revenue Ferguson would ultimately back, or how much in new spending he supports raising. Senate Minority Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, who met with Ferguson on Tuesday, told reporters Thursday that the governor "really is not telling us anything privately that he's not saying publicly." Ferguson, Braun said, has "been very cautious on solving this problem with new taxes." "He's been reluctant to say 'pick this tax or pick that tax.' I think he, to a certain extent, is willing to defer to the legislative majorities," Braun said. Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, who was scheduled to meet with Ferguson Thursday afternoon, said she hadn't talked to the governor or his office about the proposals, though she hoped to learn more during their meeting. "My hope is that he has things that he likes, things that he doesn't like, but I've been waiting to hear something he likes when it comes to revenue," Jinkins said. Asked if she had "heard about anything that he likes" in regards to revenue, Jinkins responded, "Have you?"
