Podcast appearances and mentions of Washington Policy Center

Washougal resident Anthony Teso pushes back on a Washington Policy Center column, arguing that Senate Bill 5041 does not destabilize the unemployment trust fund and that striking workers drawing benefits are drawing on their own deferred wages, not employer funds. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-a-strike-is-the-withdrawal-of-labor-in-a-dispute-the-employer-co-produces-at-the-bargaining-table/ #Opinion #SB5041 #LaborRights #UnemploymentBenefits #WashingtonState #StrikingWorkers #ClarkCounty #Politics #Washougal #CollectiveBargaining ---

Since January, 138 striking workers have collected 642 weeks of unemployment benefits totaling nearly $506,000 under Washington's new law — and Washington Policy Center's Elizabeth New (Hovde) argues the employer-funded UI system was never designed to subsidize labor disputes. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-ui-fund-has-a-government-made-leak-harming-workers-and-their-employers/ #UnemploymentInsurance #WashingtonState #LaborPolicy #SB5041 #WorkersRights #EmployerTaxes #WashingtonPolicyCenter #ClarkCounty

We recently discussed how the non-farming public views what a farmer looks like in their mind and how it's not just older, white, male farmers out there. But, Washington Policy Center's Ag Director, Pam Lewison says the farming community is much more than that.

Washington's Small Business Optimism Index sits at 94.5 — four points below the national average. NFIB data show 19 percent of Washington owners cite labor costs as their top problem, more than double the 8.5 percent national rate, while government regulation and taxes also register far higher than peer states. Washington Policy Center's Mark Harmsworth breaks down what the numbers mean for workers, communities, and state revenue. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-nfib-report-shows-washington-small-businesses-are-feeling-the-pinch-of-labor-costs-regulations-and-high-taxes/ #WashingtonState #SmallBusiness #NFIB #LaborCosts #Taxes #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Olympia #BusinessPolicy #Opinion #Columns

Washington's June revenue forecast added $554 million to the current biennium but cut $461 million from 2027-29 projections — leaving only 2.5% budget capacity while projected inflation could reach 9.4% over two years. Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center argues the structural deficit is far from solved. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washingtons-budget-outlook-darkens-with-latest-revenue-forecast/ #WashingtonBudget #StateBudget #RevenueForcast #TaxPolicy #WashingtonState #FiscalPolicy #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter

With WA Cares benefits set to launch, 61% of early applicants were denied — and family caregivers are being steered toward a union-linked employer with little transparency about costs, obligations, or alternatives. Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center says the state's communication failures are not accidental. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/wa-cares-ready-ish-to-launch-family-caregivers-remain-in-the-dark/ #WACares #LongTermCare #FamilyCaregivers #WashingtonState #HealthPolicy #SEIU775 #ClarkCounty #WashingtonPolicyCenter

The average Fourth of July cookout now costs about 4 percent more than last year, with West Coast families paying around $80 for a 10-person meal. But Pam Lewison of the Washington Policy Center notes farmers take home only about 6 cents of every dollar spent on that feast. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-fourth-of-july-cookout-costs-a-little-more-this-year/ #FourthOfJuly #FoodCosts #Agriculture #Inflation #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Opinion #IndependenceDay #Farming #AFBF #ClarkCountyToday

Washington's capital gains tax hauled in $1.5 billion in fiscal 2026 — $750 million above forecast — yet Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center argues that windfall covers less than 10% of the state's projected $7–$10 billion budget shortfall. Total state tax collections have more than doubled over the past decade, and the deficit persists. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-record-capital-gains-revenue-wont-solve-washingtons-budget-woes/ #WashingtonState #CapitalGainsTax #StateBudget #TaxPolicy #Olympia #BudgetDeficit #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Opinion

Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center argues that Washington's rising payroll taxes, minimum wage mandates, and hostile signals to employers are shrinking the very opportunities workers need to build their futures. A recent Association of Washington Business survey found nearly one in four employers is considering leaving the state. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-more-employers-mean-more-opportunities-for-workers/ #WashingtonState #WorkerPolicy #EmployerPolicy #MinimumWage #WACaresFund #SmallBusiness #LaborPolicy #ClarkCounty #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter

Washington Policy Center's Todd Myers breaks down why electricity rates are surging across Washington state — from Puget Sound Energy's proposed 30% increase over three years to Avista's 25% hike by 2030. Myers argues state climate mandates, not data centers, are the primary cost driver, with wind and solar carrying an effective cost nearly four times that of natural gas. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-dont-blame-ai-why-electricity-rates-are-rising-in-washington/ #WashingtonState #ElectricityRates #EnergyPolicy #CleanEnergyAct #PugetSoundEnergy #UtilityRates #ClimatePolicy #NaturalGas #RenewableEnergy #WashingtonPolicyCenter

Washington Policy Center's Ryan Frost breaks down the June revenue forecast showing state tax collections are $135.4 million below what lawmakers counted on — with employment 21,900 jobs short of projections and Seattle-area inflation at 4.9%. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washington-tax-collections-are-running-below-forecast-as-the-economy-softens/ #WashingtonState #StateBudget #TaxPolicy #RevenueShortfall #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Economy #Opinion

Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center argues that the Trump administration's hospital price-transparency enforcement is appropriate — but insufficient. Most patients aren't comparison-shopping when insurers pay the bill, and Washington's certificate-of-need laws continue shielding hospitals from competition. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-hospital-price-transparency-is-good-but-its-impact-will-be-limited/ #HospitalPriceTransparency #HealthcareCosts #WashingtonState #HealthPolicy #CertificateOfNeed #ClarkCounty #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Opinion ---

Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center argues Washington's Universal Health Care Commission is on a path toward a socialized system without examining free-market alternatives — and a June 18 meeting may shape that direction. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-trading-one-bad-healthcare-system-for-another-is-not-a-solution/ #UniversalHealthcare #WashingtonState #HealthcareReform #UHCC #FreemarketHealthcare #WashingtonPolicyCenter #ClarkCounty #SinglePayer #HealthPolicy #Opinion

Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center argues that many public employees in Washington State don't know the 2018 Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court ruling made union membership entirely voluntary — and that dues of $1,000 or more per year are being deducted without full informed consent. WPC has created a one-page resource to close that awareness gap. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-new-resource-can-help-public-employees-understand-their-rights/ #Opinion #WorkerRights #PublicEmployees #JanusVAFSCME #WashingtonState #ClarkCounty #UnionDues #FirstAmendment #WashingtonPolicyCenter #LaborRights

Video Guest: Todd Myers - Washington Policy center: Prepare to see your energy bills skyrocket due to the CCA // Graham Platner Wins Maine Primary Despite Controversies // The socialist political operatives that recruited Platner // Rob Reiner’s son Nick seeks money from trust parents left him for his defense in their killings: Is this a “oh, hell no” or is he really innocent until proven guilty?

At a Washington Policy Center forum in Vancouver, state lawmakers Monica Stonier and April Berg faced off with WPC policy directors Mark Harmsworth and Elizabeth New over Washington's income tax, minimum wage, retail theft, and AI's impact on the workforce. A survey cited at the event found one in four businesses are considering leaving the state. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/wpc-forum-asks-if-washington-is-a-state-that-is-friendly-for-businesses-and-workers/ #WashingtonPolicyCenter #WashingtonState #SmallBusiness #MinimumWage #StateTax #AIWorkforce #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #Politics #Business

A spring 2026 AWB survey finds 24% of Washington employers actively considering leaving the state — nearly triple the rate from winter 2025. Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center examines the tax hikes, B&O surcharges, and regulatory pressures driving companies to Idaho, Utah, and Tennessee. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washingtons-business-exodus-accelerates-due-to-high-taxes-regulations-driving-companies-away/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #BusinessExodus #SmallBusiness #TaxPolicy #WashingtonPolitics #AWB #Economy #Regulations #Politics

Washington's ACA exchange lost nearly 13% of qualified health plan enrollees after enhanced premium subsidies expired — but Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center argues the headline obscures the real story. Of 28,000 who dropped exchange coverage, 6,000 moved to Apple Health. Subsidies shifted costs to taxpayers without lowering the actual price of care. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-aca-enrollment-drops-should-force-honest-conversations-about-healthcare-costs/ #ACA #HealthcareCosts #WashingtonState #AffordableCareAct #HealthInsurance #WashingtonPolicyCenter #ClarkCounty #Opinion #HealthPolicy #Subsidies

Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center dismantles three progressive studies claiming Washington's budget has shrunk, showing the Near General Fund grew from $31.2 billion to $80.2 billion — 55% above the population-plus-inflation benchmark — while real per-capita state and local revenue climbed 42% since 2005. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-no-washingtons-budget-is-not-shrinking-despite-progressive-claims/ #WashingtonState #StateBudget #TaxPolicy #FiscalPolicy #WashingtonPolitics #Opinion #Olympia #WashingtonPolicyCenter

House Bill 2034 would pull billions from Washington's LEOFF 1 pension fund — built to protect retired firefighters and police — and redirect those assets to unrelated state spending. Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center argues the legal theory behind the move threatens every public pension fund in the country. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-nations-first-pension-raid-is-happening-in-washington-state/ #HB2034 #PensionRaid #LEOFF1 #WashingtonState #PublicPension #RetirementSecurity #StateBudget #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Politics #Opinion ---

Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center argues Washington's compact-by-compact approach to occupational licensing leaves experienced, credentialed workers waiting too long to work. She makes the case for universal licensure recognition — already adopted by 28 states — as a broader fix. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-fix-licensing-expand-access-lower-costs-free-workers/ #OccupationalLicensing #WorkerRights #WashingtonState #PolicyBrief #WashingtonPolicyCenter #LicensureReform #ClarkCounty #Opinion

In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senator Chris Gildon and the Washington Policy Center's Todd Myers break down Washington's Climate Commitment Act. Discover how this “cap-and-tax” law secretly targets your energy bills, driving gas prices up by 55 cents a gallon, and why Republicans are fighting to pause it. TRANSCRIPT The post Is This Law Killing Your Wallet? The Truth About WA Gas Prices on The Elephant in the Dome podcast appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center argues that Washington lawmakers had real options for tax relief — a sales-tax cut, payroll-tax limits, lower fuel costs — and chose none of them. Instead, they signed a 9.9% income tax and let payroll taxes keep climbing. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-workers-needed-tax-relief-but-olympia-gave-them-something-else/ #IncomeTax #WashingtonState #TaxPolicy #WorkerRights #Olympia #WACares #PaidLeave #Opinion #ClarkCounty #WashingtonPolicyCenter

Washington Policy Center's Ryan Frost asks a pointed question: what evidence would actually convince state leaders that high earners and businesses are leaving? With net migration down 7,500, capital gains collections off more than 50%, and 24% of employers considering relocation, Frost argues the data is already there — and being ignored. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-what-would-it-take-for-elected-officials-to-believe-high-earners-are-leaving-washington/ #WashingtonState #CapitalFlight #IncomeTax #TaxPolicy #WashingtonPolicyCenter #BusinessRelocation #StateBudget #Opinion #PacificNorthwest #ClarkCounty

On May 15, Washington's Professional Educator Standards Board votes on rules that could suspend or end a superintendent's career for notifying parents about their child's gender transition at school. Vicki Murray of the Washington Policy Center breaks down HB 1296, the two-track enforcement system, and the court challenges already underway. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washington-state-is-moving-to-punish-superintendents-who-tell-parents-the-truth-about-their-own-children/ #PESB #HB1296 #ParentalRights #WashingtonState #EducationPolicy #Opinion #ClarkCounty #Superintendents #ParentsRights #WAPolitics ---

Washington teachers spend an average of $1,041 a year on classroom supplies out of pocket — 11th highest in the nation. Vicki Murray of the Washington Policy Center argues a new federal tax-credit scholarship could change that, but only if Gov. Ferguson opts in before January 1, 2027. URLHERE #Opinion #WashingtonState #K12Education #TeacherAppreciation #SchoolChoice #EducationPolicy #FederalTaxCredit #PublicSchools #ClarkCounty #WashingtonPolicyCenter

Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center breaks down a critical gap in WA Cares Fund guidance: family caregivers registering through CDWA are automatically subject to a union contract with SEIU 775 — and the state's own materials don't make that clear. Benefits open July 1. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-wa-cares-important-information-is-still-mia-but-benefits-are-available-for-some-in-july/ #WACares #LongTermCare #CaregiverRights #UnionDues #WashingtonState #Opinion #ClarkCounty ---

Washington gas prices have shattered the statewide record at $5.67 per gallon, with Seattle hitting $5.91 and San Juan County at $6.60. Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center says the Climate Commitment Act and a 55.4-cent excise tax together add more than a dollar per gallon before the cost of fuel is even calculated. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/state-taxes-climate-policy-send-wa-gas-prices-to-record-highs/ #WashingtonState #GasPrices #ClimateCommitmentAct #CarbonTax #WAgov #FuelCosts #Transportation #EnergyPolicy #PacificNorthwest #ClarkCounty

Governor Bob Ferguson vetoed $500,000 for a proven retail theft program despite Washington losing $2.7 billion annually to organized crime. Mark Harmsworth from Washington Policy Center explains how the pilot program generated 402 law enforcement responses and filed 142 cases in King County alone. The decision abandons effective enforcement while retailers face escalating losses and consumers pay higher prices. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washingtons-retail-theft-crisis-is-getting-worse-and-gov-fergusons-veto-wont-help/ #RetailTheft #WashingtonPolitics #OrganizedCrime #Ferguson #LawEnforcement #SmallBusiness #PublicSafety #WashingtonPolicy #Crime #Budget

Senator Jamie Pedersen and Solicitor General Noah Purcell coordinated to craft ESSB 6346 with one goal: force the Washington Supreme Court to overturn Culliton v. Chase while blocking voters from referring the statute to the ballot. Internal emails reveal the necessity clause was inserted specifically to prevent referendum despite the tax not taking effect until 2028. Ryan Frost from Washington Policy Center exposes how lawmakers abandoned the constitutional amendment process that requires voter approval. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-internal-emails-show-income-tax-bill-was-designed-to-bypass-the-constitution-and-lock-out-voters/ #WashingtonTax #ConstitutionalChallenge #VoterRights #Culliton #IncomeTax #WashingtonPolitics #TaxPolicy #SupremeCourt #Referendum #Constitution

Washington Policy Center's David Boze shares personal tragedy alongside devastating state data showing Washington leads the nation in chronic homelessness and fentanyl overdoses. Mayor Eric Zimmerman's comprehensive study reveals how policy failures created an avoidable crisis affecting thousands of families across the Pacific Northwest. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-new-study-washingtons-homelessness-problem-is-worse-than-you-think-and-avoidable/ #HomelessnessCrisis #WashingtonState #AddictionTreatment #MentalHealth #PolicyReform #FentanylCrisis #ClarkCounty #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #PublicPolicy

Donald Kimball from Washington Policy Center examines the delicate balance teachers face with artificial intelligence in education. While AI tools offer unprecedented learning opportunities, they risk students outsourcing critical thinking to machines. Kimball argues education choice allows families to find AI policies matching their children's unique needs rather than relying on one-size-fits-all government approaches. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-how-should-teachers-adapt-to-ai/ #AI #Education #Teachers #WashingtonState #EducationChoice #Technology #CriticalThinking #LearningTools #ClassroomTech #Opinion

Ryan Frost from Washington Policy Center exposes the fundamental flaw in Washington's approach to tax reform: lawmakers can always spend beyond revenue and simply raise taxes to cover the difference. Despite a decade of new taxes including capital gains and income taxes, the state still faces multi-billion-dollar deficits because spending has outpaced revenue growth since 2013. Frost argues only a constitutional spending limit tied to population growth and inflation can force the legislature to make real tradeoffs instead of perpetually increasing the tax burden on residents and businesses. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-path-to-real-tax-reform-requires-a-spending-limit/ #TaxReform #WashingtonPolitics #SpendingLimit #Opinion #Budget #Taxes #ConstitutionalAmendment #FiscalPolicy #Government #Accountability

Protests, online petitions, and legislator outreach rarely shift state policy, says Todd Myers of Washington Policy Center. He argues lasting public impact comes from local, diverse efforts and genuine civic involvement. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-growing-gap-between-public-voice-and-political-power/ #WashingtonState #Politics #PublicEngagement #Opinion #CommunityAction #Protest #Government #LocalPolitics #WAPol #CivicParticipation

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection cleared a backlog of 2,400 permits in less than two years by focusing on transparency and customer experience. Mark Harmsworth of Washington Policy Center outlines actionable steps for Washington. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-pennsylvanias-payback-success-is-it-a-blueprint-for-washingtons-counties-and-cities/ #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Permitting #Business #PublicPolicy #SmallBusiness #LocalGovernment #Transparency #GrowthManagement #Housing #Opinion

Elizabeth New of Washington Policy Center explains why Washington state quickly updates materials for new employee laws but leaves Janus First Amendment rights for public workers obscure, raising questions about consistency in educating citizens. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-some-worker-rights-get-a-poster-others-get-fine-print/ #WashingtonState #WorkerRights #Janus #PublicEmployees #Unions #FirstAmendment #ElizabethNew #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Opinion #Labor

A University of California, Santa Cruz study finds fast food workers now face lost hours, reduced hiring, and widespread automation after the $20 wage mandate—all as predicted by Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center. Full details and policy analysis. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-californias-20-fast-food-minimum-wage-creates-less-jobs-and-lower-income/ #minimumwage #california #washingtonstate #fastfood #smallbusiness #laborpolicy #automation #economics #opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter

Elizabeth New of Washington Policy Center highlights how HB 2355 will force households hiring nannies, cleaners, or gardeners to maintain wage records, provide written contracts, and follow new rules starting in 2027. Key exemptions remain unclear. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-hiring-someone-for-jobs-around-the-house/ #WashingtonPolicyCenter #domesticworkers #employmentlaw #HouseBill2355 #ClarkCounty #opinion #laborlaws #householdemployment

Free school meals are being highlighted as a key benefit tied to Washington's proposed income tax, but Elizabeth New argues the policy comes with hidden costs. In this opinion column, the Washington Policy Center analyst examines Senate Bill 6346 and questions whether universal meal programs and expanded tax credits are the best use of taxpayer dollars. New contends the state's budget challenges stem from spending decisions rather than a lack of revenue and calls on lawmakers to prioritize targeted safety nets instead of broad new programs funded by an income tax. Read the full column by Elizabeth New at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-free-lunch-and-an-income-tax-isnt-more-palatable-because-it-offers-one/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #IncomeTax #SB6346 #TaxPolicy #WashingtonPolicyCenter

A financial services company that moved out of Washington last year found hiring easier, costs lower and employee satisfaction higher in its new location. In this opinion column, Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center argues that taxes such as the capital gains tax and the proposed income tax are only part of the reason some businesses are relocating. Harmsworth says uncertainty about future policy, hiring challenges and rising costs are also influencing decisions by employers considering whether to stay in Washington. Read the full column by Mark Harmsworth at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-its-not-just-the-increased-taxes-that-are-driving-businesses-away/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #BusinessClimate #CapitalGainsTax #IncomeTax #WashingtonPolicyCenter

A proposed “Millionaires' Tax” in Washington is drawing sharp criticism from a budget analyst who says the final plan does not meet the governor's own standards. Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center argues the income tax proposal returns far less revenue to taxpayers than Gov. Bob Ferguson publicly demanded and could become the largest tax increase in state history. In this episode, we break down the tax relief claims, the projected revenue, and why critics say the policy falls short of its stated goals. Read the full column at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-gov-ferguson-has-abandoned-his-own-tax-relief-demands/ #WashingtonState #TaxPolicy #BobFerguson #WashingtonPolitics #IncomeTax #BudgetPolicy #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Opinion

A new economic analysis projects Washington's 2025 tax increases could slow economic growth and reduce worker wages over the next several years. In this opinion column, Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center discusses a study estimating the impact of Business and Occupation tax increases and expanded sales taxes on services, and argues the policies could affect the state's business climate and long-term economic growth. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-study-shows-2025s-record-tax-increases-reduce-washingtons-gdp-growth-and-worker-pay/ #WashingtonPolicyCenter #WashingtonEconomy #TaxPolicy #BusinessClimate #Opinion #WashingtonState

Just weeks after Washington expanded unemployment insurance eligibility to striking workers, new numbers show 106 workers have already received 415 weeks of benefits. In this opinion column, Washington Policy Center analyst Elizabeth New argues that Senate Bill 5041 could strain the unemployment insurance fund and shift costs onto employers and taxpayers. She also points to a Yakima hospital strike and highlights Senate Bill 6134, a proposal requiring clearer warnings to workers about possible repayment of benefits. Hear the full analysis of Washington's unemployment insurance policy and labor law changes by reading the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-106-striking-workers-already-using-unemployment-insurance-benefits/. #WashingtonState #UnemploymentInsurance #LaborPolicy #SB5041 #SB6134 #WashingtonPolicyCenter #ElizabethNew #Opinion

GUEST: Todd Meyers from the Washington Policy Center explains why your PSE bill is so high // How Alysa Liu is proving that hard work is worth it. // SCENARIOS!

4pm: Video Guest – Todd Myers – Washington Policy Center // 'Millionaires' tax' legislation officially introduced by Washington state Democrats // Ferguson says he can’t support WA income tax bill without changes // 'Billionaire' Tax is a Bait-and-Switch To Gouge the Middle Class // Todd Myers: 5 tricks dems used to force this bill through // KISS and Company at the ‘All-American’ Kennedy Center Honors // Signs of forced entry found at Arizona home of ‘Today’ show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother // TMZ has received a credible ransom demand for Guthrie’s mom

6pm: Video Guest – Todd Myers – Washington Policy Center // 'Millionaires' tax' legislation officially introduced by Washington state Democrats // Ferguson says he can’t support WA income tax bill without changes // 'Billionaire' Tax is a Bait-and-Switch To Gouge the Middle Class // Todd Myers: 5 tricks dems used to force this bill through // KISS and Company at the ‘All-American’ Kennedy Center Honors // // Man, 24, sparks evacuation at French hospital after doctors find 8ins-long live WW1 artillery shell in his rectum

6pm - Video Guest – Paul Guppy – Senior Researcher at Washington Policy Center // State Rep kicks of Legislative session by blaming Trump for WA woes // Guess who supports a millionaire’s tax? Republicans, WA poll finds // Text Messages

Congresswoman Emily Randall says we should ignore Somali daycare fraud so we can focus on white men. Washington State’s former auditor says the claims of DCYF child care fraud is worth looking into. Washington State troopers are urging drivers to be safer on the roads after a slew of crashes into patrol cars. GUEST: Chris Sullivan on new tolling coming on Monday. // Guest: Todd Myers with the Washington Policy Center exposes a major scandal in Washington’s climate policy. // The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals quietly delivered a big win for gun rights.

What’s Trending: Eastlake HS parent is asking people to write the superintendent to denounce Jason as violent and alt-right, movie review of The King’s Man, and no crowds at the Space Needle for the fireworks return Seahawks game pushed back due to Covid issues with the Rams, and South African Hospital rates shrink after Omicron GUEST: Jason Mercier (Director, Center for Government Reform at Washington Policy Center) analyzes Gov Jay Inslee’s bloated budget

What’s Trending: Federal prosecutors have evidence Trump committed a felony // Phoenix Suns owner threatens to move NBA team to Seattle // GUEST: Simon Owen with the latest on Theresa May and the Brexit deal // GUEST: Liv Finne with the Washington Policy Center says Seattle teachers are leaving the union // GUEST: The Fire’s Laura Burke says 9 in 10 American colleges restrict free speech