Bob Ferguson has officially taken office as the new governor of Washington, signing three executive orders focused on reproductive rights and housing shortly after his inauguration. On his first day, he emphasized the need for significant changes in government efficiency and budget management, proposing cuts totaling $4 billion to address a substantial state deficit. While Ferguson received praise from some Republican leaders for his bipartisan inaugural speech, he also faces pushback from the incoming Attorney General and concerns about the impact of his budget cuts on state agencies. Ferguson expressed his commitment to reforming government and tackling pressing issues facing Washington, including stimulation of child care access and universal school meals, while also maintaining skepticism about new tax initiatives.