Washington in Focus

(The Center Square) – A Washington state labor board is investigating a complaint filed by an employee with the city of Everett regarding dues paid to the local union after that employee attempted to opt out. While the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, representing the employee, claims the incident highlights ongoing problems with the process by which public workers can opt out of paying union dues, the local union and the city of Everett argue it was an administrative mistake that has since been resolved. In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in its Janus decision that forcing public sector employees to pay dues to the union represented a violation of their First Amendment rights. In response, states such as Washington enacted new laws regarding the process by which public workers can opt out.

(The Center Square) - Spokane County is preparing to establish a regional task force over the coming weeks to develop a tax proposal to fund a new jail after the last push fell short in 2023. The Board of County Commissioners and the Spokane Valley City Council both discussed the initiative during separate meetings on Tuesday. Commissioner Chris Jordan said the city of Spokane may bring it to a vote in the next few weeks, highlighting the regional collaboration. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_5a6c07f8-048b-43e3-9e3b-38af11541634.html

(The Center Square) – A Washington state labor board is investigating a complaint filed by an employee with the city of Everett regarding dues paid to the local union after that employee attempted to opt out. While the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, representing the employee, claims the incident highlights ongoing problems with the process by which public workers can opt out of paying union dues, the local union and the city of Everett argue it was an administrative mistake that has since been resolved. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_0a0c21e1-27e1-446d-b18b-0100b64abfb1.html

(The Center Square) – Sound Transit opened its downtown Redmond extension after a year delay and $98 million tacked on after originally planned. The 3.4-mile extension of the 2 Line opened for service Saturday with two new stations at Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond. The latest extension is the first Sound Transit 3 project. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_db3128eb-a276-4ca8-9d9f-0585815014c7.html

(The Center Square) – Much of the funding for Sound Transit's projects, including ST3, has come from federal grants. In the past seven years, it has secured a total of $3.8 billion, with $9 billion expected in future grants for ST3. However, as the transit system struggles to recover its pre-pandemic ridership volumes, the agency faces a growing fiscal challenge due to what a spokesperson says are rising property values and increased construction costs. Those challenges could affect how much money it can expect, or need, from the federal government. In an email to The Center Square, Media Relations Manager John Gallagher wrote that “the agency has been transparent about the financial headwinds that we face on capital projects. We anticipate coming to the Board later this year with an update to the financial plan.”

(The Center Square) – Much of the funding for Sound Transit's projects, including ST3, has come from federal grants. In the past seven years, it has secured a total of $3.8 billion, with $9 billion expected in future grants for ST3. However, as the transit system struggles to recover its pre-pandemic ridership volumes, the agency faces a growing fiscal challenge due to what a spokesperson says are rising property values and increased construction costs. Those challenges could affect how much money it can expect, or need, from the federal government. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxxRead more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_8a4c890d-546b-49d9-b332-bc8731a425d0.html

(The Center Square) – A family in East Wenatchee, Wash., at the center of the controversy surrounding transgender athletes in girls' and women's sports, tells The Center Square they are reenergized now that the federal government has launched an investigation into the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. On Wednesday, the U.S. departments of Education and Justice announced their Title IX “Special Investigations Team” joint initiative, alleging that the state's public schools agency has imposed gender-inclusion requirements on school districts in possible violation of federal law. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to ban transgender athletes from competing in women's and girls' sports. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_0119243b-d1b7-473c-a381-26b4619a3930.html

(The Center Square) – Mayor Lisa Brown unveiled an overhaul of Spokane's homelessness strategy Thursday, pitting the city council's progressive majority and conservative minority against each other once again. The proposals follow the Washington State Supreme Court striking down one of the city's camping bans in April. The high court ruled that the citizen-led effort fell outside the scope of an initiative, so the conservatives tried to restore it with a council vote, but the majority declined. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_e4ecf232-c85c-4c1b-94da-7ec8459df92d.html

(The Center Square) – Seattle spends roughly $6.5 million a year on complementary resources for illegal immigrants, even as the administration of President Donald Trump is taking major steps to reshape immigration policy and practice – with an emphasis on enforcement of federal law. According to city statistics, there are more than 143,687 foreign-born residents in Seattle, including 21,000 illegal immigrants who make up roughly 2.7% of the city's total population of 755,000.

(The Center Square) – Outside of budget negotiations, one of the bills that dominated Washington state lawmakers' attention during the 2025 legislative session was a proposal to close a state-operated school for people with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. With just hours to spare on Sunday – the last day of the 105-day legislative session – lawmakers passed a version of Senate Bill 5393 that will prohibit new long-term admissions to Rainier School in Pierce County starting July 27 and stop short-term admissions starting June 30, 2027. The changes were the result of a Republican amendment accepted by both chambers. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_963049b7-b44c-47f4-8c5b-f5761f0da729.html

(The Center Square) – In 1996, voters within the Sound Transit District voted to approve "Sound Move," which imposed a variety of local taxes to fund the construction of public transit such as bus lines, commuter trains and light rail. In the years to follow, voters would then approve ST2 in 2008 that added additional taxes or tax increases, followed by voter-approved ST3 in 2016, both of which expand or seek to expand on existing services. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_3f0e50ba-d976-4e2c-a1b2-a757cb8d6c98.html

(The Center Square) – Seattle spends roughly $6.5 million a year on complementary resources for illegal immigrants, even as the administration of President Donald Trump is taking major steps to reshape immigration policy and practice – with an emphasis on enforcement of federal law. According to city statistics, there are more than 143,687 foreign-born residents in Seattle, including 21,000 illegal immigrants who make up roughly 2.7% of the city's total population of 755,000. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_a686a47c-8ceb-4807-963d-a9ee45d02c49.html

(The Center Square) – Seattle officials are weighing new progressive taxes as debate swirls over whether they would help or hurt the city's already slumping revenue streams. On April 16, Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck announced that she is exploring progressive taxes that would make the city's wealthiest residents pay more amid an anticipated $241.5 million drop in revenue over the next two years. The city previously closed a $250 million general fund gap for 2025-2026 using staffing cuts and its payroll tax.

(The Center Square) – Despite overwhelming support, the Spokane City Council voted Monday against reinstating a public camping ban after the Washington State Supreme Court invalidated the law last week. The high court said Proposition 1, which 75% of voters approved in 2023, should have never been on the ballot. The justices ruled that the initiative was administrative, not legislative, as required by state law, because it altered an existing policy rather than creating a new one. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_72118ff7-7584-470b-b508-dbf53990f187.html

(The Center Square) – With the session winding down, the House Finance Committee on Tuesday advanced three tax bills out of executive session, giving them a do-pass recommendation. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5794 aims to eliminate certain tax preferences, address changes in constitutional law, and clarify legislative intent. It proposes to eliminate some tax incentives deemed “obsolete” by the tax preference performance review process, including those affecting transportation, storage, and processing of goods, and packing of agricultural products. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_fe3d3c03-f15e-47a8-a12f-9a03d4e2c5e9.html

(The Center Square) – Seattle officials are weighing new progressive taxes as debate swirls over whether they would help or hurt the city's already slumping revenue streams. On April 16, Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck announced that she is exploring progressive taxes that would make the city's wealthiest residents pay more amid an anticipated $241.5 million drop in revenue over the next two years. The city previously closed a $250 million general fund gap for 2025-2026 using staffing cuts and its payroll tax. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_da9f2a3b-505f-4bf8-92ef-ffcff72b6bd5.html

(The Center Square) – The Washington State Senate on Friday approved Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1296, one of this session's most controversial and divisive pieces of legislation, on a 30-19 party-line vote. Majority party Democrats contend the bill will provide safeguards for K-12 students. Minority Republicans worry it could penalize schools and infringe on parental rights by undermining Initiative 2081, which lawmakers passed last year. I-2081 primarily focuses on providing parents with increased access to their child's school records, the right to review educational materials, and the ability to opt their child out of certain activities and instruction.

(The Center Square) – The Washington State Senate has passed a bill previously approved by the House of Representatives that would prohibit governors of other states from sending their National Guard into Washington without permission from the governor, a policy that has had some critics scratching their heads as to its relevance. “There's no reason for this bill because I believe that federal law already preamps this,” Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Centralia, told colleagues on the Senate floor prior to the April 10 vote. “In other words, another governor is not going to send in their National Guard to another state.” Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_0d195a78-d1a0-4966-898a-574352346a27.html

(The Center Square) – Seattle is bracing for major spending cuts after a new revenue forecast shows revenues over the next two years, not including grants and transfers, are expected to be $241.5 million less than previously thought. That's under Thursday's "pessimistic" forecast the Seattle Economic and Revenue Forecast Council now considers more likely than its baseline forecast – a rare shift for the city – due to global economic uncertainty. The April pessimistic forecast anticipates a total 2025-26 general fund revenue decrease of $50.4 million, excluding grants and transfers. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_9a53d257-ca46-4359-8cfe-11b1bd19968b.html

(The Center Square) – The Washington State Legislature passed a bill on Wednesday that could offer significant relief to people drowning in medical debt, but critics warn it may drive up costs for everyone. Assuming Gov. Bob Ferguson signs Senate Bill 5480, the law will prohibit healthcare providers and collection agencies from reporting medical debt to credit firms. The vote opens the door for many individuals to secure housing, but not without raising concerns about unintended consequences. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_3cb2146d-bf2d-4b39-acda-ce6bdf0a2d53.html

(The Center Square) – The Washington State Senate on Thursday approved a 10% cap plus the consumer price index on annual rent increases, drastically changing a House of Representatives version of the bill that had a 7% cap. Following more than 90 minutes of floor debate, Engrossed House Bill 1217 passed on a 29-20 vote. Sen. Sharon Shewmake, D-Bellingham, sponsored the amendment to increase the rent cap to 10%. The amendment narrowly passed, 25-24. EHB 1217, one of the most controversial pieces of legislation introduced this session, now heads back to the House for approval of the changes made by the Senate.

(The Center Square) – The Senate Ways & Means Committee voted to advance a bill revising Washington state's Clean Fuel Standard law amid concerns among critics who warn that the expedited schedule could jack up state gas prices even higher. “The more aggressive schedule that this bill would impose would add another 40 cents by 2031,” Sen. Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro Woolley, told the committee prior to Monday's vote on Second Substitute House Bill 1409. “We're not even sure where this new clean fuel is coming from or whether we can manufacture it or not.” Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_08bbb647-02a6-42e9-bf68-c1ba0fe56c58.html

(The Center Square) – “This is a beautiful, coordinated action to take back our country and to show Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and these Republicans who are just spineless in this moment that we intend to fight back against unelected billionaires,” U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., said to roughly 25,000 demonstrators at a Saturday protest in Seattle. Jayapal was one of 21 speakers at the Seattle rally, which itself was one of more than 1,300 demonstrations as part of the nationwide “Hands Off!” event by civil rights organizations, labor unions, LGBTQ+ advocates, veterans and other activists. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_02b31167-f8da-49ce-8a64-0ea845cb0f62.html

(The Center Square) – Dozens of people turned out for a spirited public hearing Friday before the state Senate Ways & Means Committee on controversial legislation to cap yearly rent increases. Engrossed House Bill 1217 caps rent increases to 7% annually for most residential tenants, prohibits rent hikes during the first year of tenancy, and requires landlords to provide 90 days' notice before raising rent in most cases. The bill passed the House of Representatives on March 10 and is now being considered by the Senate. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_d1e2902b-9446-4c58-af2f-258cd9a0ad44.html

(The Center Square) – Less than a week after the Washington State Senate adopted a rule change restricting credentialed members of the media from accessing “the wings” and adjacent rooms of the Senate, unless invited by a lawmaker or staff member, journalist Jonathan Choe received his credentials. He was denied access anyway. Choe, a journalist and senior fellow with Discovery Institute's Center on Wealth and Poverty, was denied access to Tuesday's weekly media availability event held by legislative Democratic leaders despite his newly issued one-week pass. The press rule change came after the Capitol Correspondents Association decided to return press credentialing authority to the Senate and House.

(The Center Square) – Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown last month filed an amicus brief in support of Perkins Coie, a private law firm that filed a lawsuit in response to President Donald Trump's executive orders seeking to end federal contracts with the firm and revoke its security clearance. Although The Center Square reported that the AGO had recently subcontracted with Perkins Coie, it has now obtained documents showing that the contract with the law firm was renewed and set to expire later this year, which was not disclosed in the amicus brief. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_a402ee77-2db5-46cc-beea-6aa1fc3becb9.html

(The Center Square) – Less than a week after the Washington State Senate adopted a rule change restricting credentialed members of the media from accessing “the wings” and adjacent rooms of the Senate, unless invited by a lawmaker or staff member, journalist Jonathan Choe received his credentials. He was denied access anyway. Choe, a journalist and senior fellow with Discovery Institute's Center on Wealth and Poverty, was denied access to Tuesday's weekly media availability event held by legislative Democratic leaders despite his newly issued one-week pass. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_9b85d70a-e2e1-4986-91ae-f33aa8bb4e59.html

(The Center Square) – The Seattle Police Department saw the number of lateral officer candidates in 2024 nearly double from the previous year, as city leaders tout progress in addressing the department's post-pandemic staffing shortage. A lateral officer is an experienced, sworn law enforcement officer who transfers from one police department to another rather than being a new recruit. According to data collected by The Center Square, 34 lateral Seattle Police Department candidates passed the public safety civil service exams and were referred to the department for pre-employment screening. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_33869d6d-fe14-4c04-b8a2-dbd111f1121f.html

(The Center Square) – With the Washington state legislative session scheduled to adjourn one month from Thursday, lawmakers are getting down to the nitty-gritty work on massive budget proposals that will impact taxpayers. This week, majority party Democrats in the House and Senate unveiled competing transportation budget proposals. Both budgets call for increased gas taxes tied to inflation, and new fees to pay for ongoing projects and new priorities. The Senate plan calls for a 6 cents per gallon hike at the pump. That hike would bring the total state tax to 55.4 cents per gallon, before being tied to inflation. Beginning the following year, the state tax would then rise by 2% annually to account for inflation.

(The Center Square) – Washington state lawmakers are contemplating an increase in a variety of taxes and fees, including the gas tax and electric vehicle registration fee, to finance its proposed 2025-2027 transportation budget. While local government advocates spoke in support of it at a Tuesday public hearing in the House Transportation Committee, one person testifying pushed back against a provision that would cause taxes and fees to automatically increase without a legislative vote. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_38300bb0-87a7-409a-a05e-9de2df837d4c.html

(The Center Square) – Backers of Initiative 2066, which protects natural gas as an energy choice in Washington state, say they will take their case to the Washington Supreme Court after a judge's ruling last week that I-2066 is unconstitutional. On Friday, King County Superior Court Judge Sandra Widlan ruled the scope of I-2066, approved by voters in November, was too broad and violated the state Constitution's single-subject requirement. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_cf9b94e2-c6ff-4219-abde-48b2f32a9aa7.html

(The Center Square) – After months of gridlock and stalled proposals, the Spokane City Council made good on its word to propose new policies around homelessness on Monday. Picking up the “Ban The Address” ordinance, the council floated the idea after a similar “Homeless Bill of Rights” failed last year. Councilmember Paul Dillon proposed the measure more than six months after asking residents for feedback on how the city handles the issue. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_280e875c-61bc-4899-bb2b-61bbf327a519.html

(The Center Square) - Providing what he called a “reality check” on Monday, Jeff McMorris, senior director of Spokane County's Finance and Administration Division, warned of a $20 million deficit heading into 2026. McMorris, the brother of former U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Washington, told the Board of County Commissioners that this is a multiyear issue. He took over from Randy Bischoff, who held the positions until recently and helped balance a similar shortfall last summer into the fall. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_036c1da6-0378-11f0-8e1f-9f16060ed445.html

(The Center Square) – Political action committee Let's Go Washington introduced a second initiative on Monday to protect parents' rights by repealing House Bill 1296. Earlier this month, the organization introduced an initiative to repeal Senate Bill 5181. HB 1296 and SB 5181 are both aimed at modifying LGW's “parents' bill of rights” Initiative 2081 passed by the Legislature last year. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_3d0d3860-044a-11f0-9db3-7709437f2a9b.html

(The Center Square) – The King County Sheriff's Office is reducing staff to minimal levels at two of its precincts due to budget constraints. Staffing at the Sheriff's Office's north and southeast precincts are being reduced, made effective on Monday, when the department announced the change in staffing. Impacted communities include parts of unincorporated King County, such as Redmond Ridge, Fairwood and Fall City. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_4906d87e-0436-11f0-a775-5f1f66b2fd90.html

(The Center Square) - Providing what he called a “reality check” on Monday, Jeff McMorris, senior director of Spokane County's Finance and Administration Division, warned of a $20 million deficit heading into 2026. McMorris, the brother of former U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Washington, told the Board of County Commissioners that this is a multiyear issue. He took over from Randy Bischoff, who held the positions until recently and helped balance a similar shortfall last summer into the fall. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_036c1da6-0378-11f0-8e1f-9f16060ed445.html

(The Center Square) – After a vigorous hours-long debate that began the night before, Washington State Democrats in the House of Representatives on Saturday morning voted to pass legislation that would require would-be gun owners to obtain a permit before purchase. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1163 passed along a 58-38 party-line vote – that is, with no Republican support. The bill would also have prospective gun owners complete a state-recognized firearm safety training course within the past five years to qualify for a permit. In addition, the bill requires enhanced background checks conducted via the Washington State Patrol's firearms background check program, including state and federal databases

(The Center Square) – The Lynnwood City Council has lost an appointed member within the same week of her appointment after her sexually explicit social media account was revealed. Jessica Ann Roberts – a transgender woman – was appointed to fill the Lynnwood City Council District 5 seat on Monday. The next day, the Lynwood Times reported on Roberts having an OnlyFans account, where she shared explicit content with 135 paid subscribers. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_7402ad40-00e5-11f0-ba91-c7b184c9e9f9.html

(The Center Square) – Washington drivers may be funding transit when they fill up their vehicles at the gas pump due not only to how carbon auctions under the Climate Commitment Act could be indirectly raising gas prices, but how CCA money has been appropriated by the state Legislature. As of the most recent report by the Department of Ecology, in the fiscal year 2024 almost half of all CCA revenue spent originated from an account designated specifically for transit related projects. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_7dbdd2c8-fdcb-11ef-a2f2-cb1fcbd02c3b.html

(The Center Square) – House Democrats advanced a bill Saturday attempting to create a pathway to rehabilitation by allowing judges to dismiss charges upon “substantial compliance” with court-ordered conditions. Intended for low-level offenses, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1113 expands judicial authority over diversion opportunities. Typically, those fall under prosecutorial discretion, but if approved by the state Senate, ESHB 1113 would hand power over to the judge and defense attorneys. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_7d4fda26-fdf2-11ef-a7a5-ebd2792e3117.html

(The Center Square) – After a vigorous hours-long debate that began the night before, Washington State Democrats in the House of Representatives on Saturday morning voted to pass legislation that would require would-be gun owners to obtain a permit before purchase. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1163 passed along a 58-38 party-line vote – that is, with no Republican support. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_4df4c5bc-fde7-11ef-8143-175771d022e0.html

(The Center Square) – Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal and Gov. Bob Ferguson are named in a Title IX complaint resolution filed Friday by Washington Parents Network. WPN is a volunteer association of more than 2,600 parents whose goal is to protect the rights of parents and children. The complaint was filed with the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights. WPN Executive Director David Spring told The Center Square the organization has been preparing the complaint for more than a year, but hoped it wouldn't come to the point that it had to be filed.

(The Center Square) – Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal and Gov. Bob Ferguson are named in a Title IX complaint resolution filed Friday by Washington Parents Network. WPN is a volunteer association of more than 2,600 parents whose goal is to protect the rights of parents and children. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_7205b0f2-f611-11ef-80a1-57906666d866.html

(The Center Square) – Six months ago, Spokane advertised a series of roundtables to gather input on overhauling its approach to homelessness; 186 days later, residents are starting to get a picture of what that could look like. While announced in August, the series lasted into December before the city council wrapped up talks that would inform its overhaul. Two months went by without much mention, but rumors circulated among city staff that the council might introduce the proposed amendments on Monday. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_ac643fc8-f87a-11ef-9164-933b2a50488b.html

(The Center Square) – The 2021 Climate Commitment Act enacted by the state Legislature places a cap on the amount of allowable carbon emissions and generates revenue through carbon auctions that are used to fund environmental projects throughout the state. However, almost 90% of project spending does not impact carbon emissions. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_5c1270c4-f91c-11ef-8f88-0b9b529e3f03.html

(The Center Square) – The city of Burien has filed a lawsuit intended to halt the adoption of a voter-passed minimum wage increase in the city, but leaders of the measure say the lawsuit has no merit. Initiative 1 in Burien was approved by 57.2% of voters in the Feb. 11 election. It would raise the minimum wage in the city to $21.10 for workers of large employers who have more than 500 employees. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_0eaf6d7e-f60a-11ef-b6f1-cfa8e25cbc47.html

(The Center Square) – Republicans in the Washington State Legislature say Democrats are exaggerating the size of the projected four-year operating budget shortfall to justify proposed tax increases. The amount of the shortfall itself is a matter of some debate. In November, the Office of Financial Management indicated the state would be $10 to $12 billion in the hole over the next four years. A month later, then-Gov. Jay Inslee announced that the number had jumped to $16 billion. He said the deficit was even greater than first projected.

(The Center Square) – Microsoft and Amazon are among the wealthiest companies in the world, each with a market capitalization of well over $2 trillion, but a bill out of Washington could trim off some cash to save the state's finances. The Legislature levies various taxes on businesses operating within its borders. One of the most common is a business and occupation, or B&O, tax. The state requires some companies, including major tech firms, to pay more, but the higher rate also comes with a cap. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_bc6cd952-f47e-11ef-9bdf-5b3c33eb5ea5.html

Washington State: (The Center Square) – Republicans in the Washington State Legislature say Democrats are exaggerating the size of the projected four-year operating budget shortfall to justify proposed tax increases. The amount of the shortfall itself is a matter of some debate. In November, the Office of Financial Management indicated the state would be $10 to $12 billion in the hole over the next four years. A month later, then-Gov. Jay Inslee announced that the number had jumped to $16 billion. He said the deficit was even greater than first projected. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_b108c33a-f499-11ef-a2bc-5bdb4929257b.html

(The Center Square) – The Washington State Legislature's House Community Safety Committee has voted out a revised version of a bill that places more safeguards around the pretrial release of criminal suspects by court judges. Though the bill cosponsor, Rep. Dan Griffey, R-Allyn, expressed a preference for the original bill, he urged the substitute's adoption prior to a Thursday Community Safety Committee vote. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_0e62c276-efd4-11ef-a738-e372f4ccaaf4.html

(The Center Square) – King County Metro is resuming bus services at a Seattle location that became an increasing public safety concern at the end of 2024. King County Metro closed bus stops along 12th Avenue South and South Jackson Street in Seattle's Little Saigon neighborhood on Dec. 16. The department previously told The Center Square that the area was flagged as a safety concern for riders, transit operators and facilities employees. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_391602a0-f08b-11ef-a6db-73123fd2125f.html