State Lawmaker Warns of Companies' 'Quiet Quitting' Trend in Washington

Rising Costs in Washington State

Washington state is known for its high cost of living, with expenses such as groceries, gas, and housing consistently rising. This trend has made it increasingly difficult for residents to afford basic necessities, especially in the Seattle metro area. According to a federal report from December, the region ranks as the fifth-most expensive in the U.S., while a June report by Smart Asset highlights that it's also the fourth-most expensive place to raise a child.

In addition, Washington's grocery bills are among the highest in the country, with an April report from Lending Tree placing the state at sixth. Gas prices have also reached some of the highest levels in the nation, according to data from AAA.

Criticism of State Policies

Rep. Chris Corry, a Republican from Washington, has been vocal about his concerns regarding state policies contributing to these high costs. During a recent appearance on Seattle News Tonight, Corry criticized the legislative session for passing what he describes as regressive taxes on working Washingtonians.

He specifically took issue with the increase in the gas tax by six cents, arguing that this, along with the Climate Commitment Act, will lead to persistently high gas prices. Corry also expressed disagreement with the largest tax increase in state history, which targeted businesses, including large corporations. However, he pointed out that new taxes were also imposed on smaller businesses, such as storage companies, which serve lower and moderate-income individuals.

Corry also raised concerns about new fees on products like Zyn and nicotine alternatives, which he believes will be passed on to consumers. He is closely monitoring the impact of the Extended Producer Responsibility policy on grocery prices, fearing it may lead to higher costs for packaged items.

Housing Affordability and Migration Trends

When asked about the main concerns of his constituents, Corry emphasized housing affordability, noting that Washington’s housing costs are approximately 53% higher than the national average. He attributes this largely to policies enacted in Olympia, both direct and indirect.

Corry suggests that the state needs to reduce the cost of housing construction and streamline regulations to make it easier for builders to create affordable homes. Despite the high costs, he acknowledges that Washington remains attractive to many, but he notes that migration trends are shifting.

According to data from the Office of Financial Management, Washington’s population continues to grow, with the Seattle metro area experiencing significant international migration. However, the rate of growth has slowed compared to previous years. In the past year, the state added 79,000 people, compared to an average of around 98,000 per year between 2010 and 2020.

Corry points to a phenomenon he calls "quiet quitting," where residents who can no longer afford to live in the state are choosing to leave. He references high-profile examples, such as Jeff Bezos' move away from Washington, as symbolic of this trend.

Conclusion

As Washington continues to grapple with rising costs and shifting migration patterns, the debate over state policies and their impact on residents remains a critical issue. With housing, groceries, and gas prices all contributing to financial strain, the need for solutions that address affordability and sustainability is more pressing than ever.