Gov. Jay Inslee says he doesn't consider the extension of temporary taxes, as suggested by his predecessor, a tax increase and that the idea is one of many he is open to as the legislative budget process begins.

At his first official news conference as governor, Inslee said Thursday that while he's not proposing anything specific, he wants to give the Legislature "room to discuss this potential."

Last month, former Gov. Chris Gregoire proposed a budget that would extend taxes on beer and business taxes paid by doctors, lawyers, accountants and others.

Inslee says he's not breaking his campaign promise eschewing taxes because he doesn't consider the extensions new taxes. Inslee was sworn in on Wednesday.