Washington in Focus

Newly obtained public records are shedding light on how Washington's new income tax law was developed — and what lawmakers and legal advisors were discussing behind the scenes. In this Washington In Focus Daily report, we break down: What nearly 1,000 pages of internal documents reveal How the income tax legislation was crafted and debated The ongoing legal challenges and referendum efforts Why the issue is becoming a top concern for voters 

A major debate is unfolding in Washington State — combining income tax policy, government authority, and a high-stakes property rights lawsuit. In this episode of Washington In Focus Daily, we break down two major developments:

Washington's proposed income tax is sparking a major debate — with supporters highlighting benefits for working families and critics warning of broader economic impacts. In this episode of Washington In Focus Daily, we break down both sides of the argument, including: Expansion of the Working Families Tax Credit Claims of tax relief for hundreds of thousands of households Concerns about misleading benefit estimates The impact on small businesses and pass-through income A growing legal challenge involving business owners and advocacy groups What's next as the case heads toward the courts We also hear directly from: Policy advocates supporting the tax Lawmakers raising concerns about cost and implementation A Washington small business owner joining the lawsuit   

On Tax Day 2026, major policy debates are unfolding in Washington State — from a newly signed income tax to legal challenges and growing questions about government spending and taxpayer impact. In this episode of Washington In Focus Daily, we break down: The history of income tax in the U.S. and how it expanded over time Washington's new “millionaires tax” and what it means for residents Concerns from small businesses over pass-through income and tax burden Legal challenges and constitutional questions surrounding the tax A developing legal case that could impact healthcare accountability standards New reporting on thousands of taxpayer-funded hours spent on lawsuits involving federal policy With billions in potential economic impact and ongoing legal battles, these issues could shape the future of taxation, business, and public policy in Washington and beyond. 

In today's episode of Washington In Focus Daily, multiple major policy issues collide — from rising retail theft to controversial tax hikes and a last-minute veto drawing backlash. Governor Bob Ferguson's decision to veto $500,000 in funding for an organized retail theft task force is raising concerns among lawmakers and industry leaders, especially as reports show Washington is among the hardest-hit states for retail crime. At the same time, new nicotine taxes — including a 95% excise tax on many products — are sparking debate over whether higher taxes are reducing use or fueling black market activity. Key topics covered: Retail theft surge and public safety concerns Lawmaker reaction to vetoed funding Impact on small businesses and communities Rising nicotine taxes and cross-border purchasing Black market concerns tied to regulation As Washington faces growing challenges in crime, taxation, and enforcement, policymakers are under increasing pressure to find solutions.

A major legal battle is underway in Washington State after a new income tax law was signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson—and now it's being challenged in court. A coalition including the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), former Attorney General Rob McKenna, and former State Supreme Court Justice Phil Talmage has filed a lawsuit arguing the tax violates the Washington Constitution. Critics warn the 9.9% tax on income above $1 million could hit small businesses harder than expected—especially those structured as pass-through entities, where business income is taxed as personal income. Meanwhile, controversy is growing over Gov. Ferguson's last-minute veto of $500,000 in funding aimed at combating organized retail theft—despite rising crime and billions in losses for retailers statewide. In this episode of Washington In Focus Daily, we break down: The income tax lawsuit and constitutional arguments Why small businesses say they could be impacted Concerns about future income tax expansion The retail theft crisis in Washington Why the veto is drawing backlash from lawmakers and retailers Stay informed on the biggest policy battles shaping Washington State.  #WashingtonState #IncomeTax #SmallBusiness #RetailTheft #Politics #TaxPolicy #BreakingNews #BobFerguson #WashingtonNews #Economy #BusinessNews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington State is facing major developments across tax policy, education funding, and public safety. In this episode of Washington In Focus Daily, we break down the Department of Revenue's plan to hire more than 300 employees ahead of the state's new income tax rollout—while legal challenges question whether the tax is constitutional. We also examine $7.5 million in budget cuts to charter schools, impacting thousands of students across Washington, despite reports showing strong outcomes for charter school graduates. And in Yakima, city leaders have approved a six-month moratorium on transition housing, as communities across the state push back against plans to expand transition facilities for individuals released from McNeil Island.

Washington State's new income tax is already facing multiple legal challenges—and the fight is escalating. In this episode of Washington In Focus Daily, we break down a newly filed lawsuit from the Citizen Action Defense Fund, joined by former Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna, challenging the legality of the state's income tax in Klickitat County Superior Court. We also hear from a former Democratic State Supreme Court Justice, who has joined the case, raising concerns about how the tax could impact small businesses and whether it violates Washington's constitution. Meanwhile, another legal battle is unfolding over Washington's new sheriff decertification law (SB 5974)—with multiple sheriffs and a Kitsap County candidate filing lawsuits, arguing the law could be unconstitutional and give too much power to state agencies.

Washington in Focus Daily | Wednesday April 8, 2026 Tim Clouser hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, Gov. Bob Ferguson's state income tax has a new opponent in a former Democrat Supreme Court Justice, a recall petition is underway unless Gov. Ferguson fills the vacancies on the Public Disclosure Commission, and concerns are being raised over the way Washington state funds transportation projects. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Tuesday April 7, 2026 Tim Clouser hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, Gov. Bob Ferguson's new state income tax is headed to the state Supreme Court for a hearing over the ability to challenge the law with a ballot initiative, Puget Sound Energy is proposing another rate hike in Washington, and The Center Square's TJ Martinell shares an investigation into the state's public works account funds being redirected to cover budget deficits. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Monday April 6, 2026 Tim Clouser hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, The United States enters the fifth week of conflict with Iran as gas prices hit record highs nationwide, the sheriff decertification bill now faces legal challenges, and the city of Seattle faces scrutiny for it's new policy around surveillance cameras ahead of hosting matches for the FIFA World Cup. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Friday April 2, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, two Washington students are voicing their concerns over the state's policies around girls sports, an exclusive interview with the girls involved and their parents, and Gov. Bob Ferguson issues a directive influenced by GOP Senator Leonard Christian on the Community Protection Bill. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Wednesday April 1, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, Gov. Bob Ferguson signs the sheriff decertification bill into law, debate over how the income tax will impact businesses continues, plus an update on legal challenges against the new income tax. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Tuesday Mar. 31, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, Gov. Bob Ferguson signs the new income tax bill into law, Let's Go Washington Founder Brian Heywood discusses legal challenges the legislation will face, a controversial reform bill is now law in Washington state. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Monday Mar. 23, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, the new income tax has still not been signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson, the sheriff decertification bill is signed into law, and an Anti-Trump art project in a Puyallup school classroom goes viral. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Monday Mar. 30, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, Gov. Bob Ferguson signs the new income tax bill into law, Attorney Jackson Maynard of Citizen Action Defense Fund discusses his organization's lawsuit against the legislation, and No Kings protests took over Washington. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Friday Mar. 27, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, the new income tax has still not been signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson, Gov. Ferguson signed a new bill to make supportive housing solutions permanent, and Washington ranks 49 out of 50 states on a study ranking rainy day funds nationwide. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Thursday Mar. 26, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, the new income tax has still not been signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson, Washington Republicans discuss their thoughts on why Ferguson is delaying signing the new tax and possible plans to stop the legislation, the price of diesel fuel has hit record highs in Washington and is impacting trucking, trade and even schools, plus a new bill will allow small pension recipients the ability to be paid out in a lump sum. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Wednesday Mar. 25, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, the new income tax has still not been signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson, estate tax gets rolled back to 20%, a new report claims the affordability crisis in Washington is getting worse, and President Trump's Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is targeting Washington State for a race-based housing program. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Tuesday Mar. 24, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, the new income tax has still not been signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson, the groundwork is being laid out for possible ways to intervene with the new tax legislation, the SCOTUS is set to rule on vote-by-mail, and a big win for a journalist against the city of Seattle. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Friday Mar. 20, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, the new income tax has still not been signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson, A new bill passed that will help with housing costs , and Washington has yet to opt into a Federal tax credit program for education. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, the new income tax has still not been signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson, a new home energy ordinance in Thurston County is facing backlash, and gas prices are soaring in Washington. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Wednesday Mar. 18, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, legal challenges expect to launch against the new state income tax, the new income tax may threaten the NBA's return to Seattle, plus a new report out highlights charter school successes. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Tuesday Mar. 17, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, the new income tax may hurt the business community in Washington, Republicans have big plans to win elections in November , and new bridge and light rail construction get's Gov. Ferguson's Approval. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Monday Mar. 16, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, the new income tax may hurt Seattle sports teams, new ESG laws are set to impact, and critics of the press credentialing system in Washington say they see a double standard. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Tuesday Mar. 10, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, Republicans spend the whole night fighting the new income tax bill, a law enforcement reform bill passes alongside an important policing amendment, and an update on the new media lawsuit over press credentialing. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Monday Mar. 9, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, Democrats keep making changes to the new income tax bill, a Washington state senator defends his language during a floor hearing, and an update on the new media lawsuit over press credentialing. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Friday Mar. 6, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, Democrats are making changes to the new income tax bill, the sheriff decertification bill passes, and a conversation surrounding a city's ability to restrict federal law enforcement from operating in their jurisdictions. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Thursday Mar. 5, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, Democrats appear to be torn on how to move foward with an income tax bill, energy bills maybe going up as PSE says they need to hike rate, and a lawsuit is filed of the DOL data breach. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Tuesday Mar. 3, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, the Supreme Court rules in favor of parental rights, the impact of SCOTUS' decision in Washington, and the latest on the new income tax bill. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Monday Mar. 2, 2026   Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State.   On today's show, Passionate testimony on The Keeping Families Together Act swept through the legislature, Cities fight for funding for law enforcement, and the latest on the new income tax bill.   Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Thursday Feb. 26, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, Washington is one step closer to introducing an income tax, a new bill would allow foreign nationals in state law enforcement, and amendments to crackdown on fraud are halted by Democrats. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Thursday Feb. 25, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, Rep Joe Fitzgibbon admits to being intoxicated during a congressional budget hearing, Democrats quietly plan to roll back the estate tax hikes they implemented, and a bill to reduce taxes on luxury aircrafts may pass in Washington. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Wednesday Feb. 25, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, debate intensifies in Washington over newly proposed income taxes, Democrats continue to defend raising taxes, and no tort reform will happen this year in Washington. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Tuesday Feb. 24, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, debate intensifies in Washington over newly proposed income taxes, Washington proposes a budget $2 Billion more than last year's, and law enforcement communities are not happy with new law enforcement reform bills. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Monday Feb. 23, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, debate continues in Washington over newly proposed income taxes, Sheriff Keith Swank gives his take on new law enforcement reform bills , and we preview what's ahead this week in Washington state. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) - Washington Democratic leadership Wednesday told The Center Square there is disagreement between Republicans and Democrats about the best way to respond to the tragic number of children dying or suffering critical incidents in homes with drug-addicted parents. Republicans have been trying for years to amend the Keeping Families Together Act and the “imminent harm” threshold for removing a child from a home where there is drug abuse, and/or neglect. As reported by The Center Square, supporters of a fix say the definition of imminent harm needs to be changes, as it is currently leading to children being sent back to homes where lethal drugs are present and, in many cases, led to their death. There were more critical incidents in 2025 than ever before. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Thursday Feb. 19th, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, Gov. Bob Ferguson reportedly met with NBA commissioner Adam Silver over the league's concerns with the Sonics returning due to the new wealth tax , a new tax on tobacco products may hit Washington , and the state is draining pensions funds for law enforcement officers to fund climate policy. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Wednesday Feb. 18th, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, Gov. Bob Ferguson details his plans to help working families and small businesses with the Democrat's new tax plan , child welfare reform bills continue to not get passed , and the 'Initiative Killer Bill' fails in Washington. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Monday Feb. 17th, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, the state has raised taxes on high earners, Democrats are quietly trying to roll back their estate tax hikes , and two congressmen get into a heated debate over 'The Keeping Families Together Act'. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) - A lawsuit has been filed by the Citizens Action Defense Fund against the Washington state House and other entities for the denial of press credentials to several independent journalists, which the suit claims violates their First Amendment rights. Last year, the Capitol Correspondents Association, one of the defendants in the lawsuit, handed its press credentialing authority to the state Legislature after decades of overseeing that role. To obtain a House press pass, an individual has to apply by filling out an online form. Media credentials allow individuals to attend media availability press conferences as well as access areas of the state Capitol not otherwise open to the public. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Friday Feb. 13th, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, Republicans are fighting back against limiting initiatives, Trump's Dept. Of Education is investigating the Puyallup school district , and Spokane's drinking water is found to be contamindated with dangers levels of PFAS. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Thursday Feb. 12th, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, concerns over Washington's ability to distribute abortion pills nationwide take center stage, activists warn there are unreported risks these pills pose to women, and the state has passed legislation to fund Sound Transit with bonds for 75 years. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Wednesday Feb. 11th, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, income tax proposal sparks concerns over high earners leaving the state, politicians are trying to lessen charges against predators who fail to register, and Washington is being sued after restricting some new media members press accessibility. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Tuesday Feb. 10th, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, income tax proposal sparks massive opposition, critics claim the 'Keep Families Together Act' may endanger children, and Washington Democrats are restricting some new media. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Majority Democrats in Washington on Tuesday rolled out the much-anticipated income tax bill. Senate Bill 6346, with Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, as the prime sponsor, is being called by supporters the ‘millionaire's tax' as it's a 9.9% tax on income over one million dollars. House Democrats advanced two proposals Monday that local officials fear could undo all the work Spokane has done downtown over the past several months to tackle public camping. HB 2489 would prohibit cities from enforcing camping bans unless they can afford to house every homeless person with their pets and belongings in the immediate area. As Washington state senators contemplate a proposal that would exempt some state employees' identities from public disclosure, a House bill would set up a task force that one critic says would “gut” the Public Records Act and undermine government transparency. Proponents argue that the task force will help tackle what they consider to be overly burdensome, expensive or frivolous requests meant to harass local governments. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Friday Feb. 6th, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, income tax proposal sparks massive opposition, superintendent Chris Reykdal talks with Carleen about parental rights and girls sports initiatives, and bill to reduce medical debt interest rates moves off the senate floor Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Thursday Feb. 5th, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, state superintendent Chris Reykdal apposes federal tax credit for education, state insurance commissioner Patty Kruderer supports bill to make insurance fraud a felony and public records requests could be limited for school districts Read more at TheCenterSquare.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) - The Washington State Senate advanced a proposal Wednesday that would prohibit all law enforcement from wearing masks with many immigration agents wearing face coverings they say they need to protect them from harassment and doxxing. Gov. Bob Ferguson announced his support for the idea earlier this month as state Democrats proposed several bills that could impede federal immigration enforcement. Wednesday's floor vote sends Senate Bill 5855 to the state House.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_99476763-d74d-4e3e-9eea-bb4ea08a39d7.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) - A whistleblower who exposed alleged self-dealing within taxpayer-funded grant programs says Attorney General Nick Brown's staff still hasn't interviewed her, months after assigning an investigator. The allegations center around non-profits funded by the Washington State Community Reinvestment Program (CRP) and other race-based programs funded by taxpayers at the federal and state level.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_fbe2e805-06a5-465c-99d6-ea077609ca8d.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) - A bill that changes the state's initiative process was touted by supporters as stopping aggressive signature gatherers and wealthy special interests on Tuesday, but critics dubbed it "anti-Democratic" and an “initiative killer." The legislation-SB 5973- sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, would require a “demonstration of support before issuance of a ballot measure title and authorize citizen actions for certain signature gatherer compensation violations,” according to the bill summary. The bill would require a minimum of 1000 signatures be submitted as part of the filing of a proposed initiative or referendum. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.