Podcast appearances and mentions of Washington Policy Center

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!

Opinion column by Elizabeth New with Washington Policy Center examines Senate Bill 6346, the proposed 9.9% tax on income above $1 million, the Senate's 27-22 vote, and the constitutional and legal questions that could follow if the House of Representatives approves it. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-senate-shenanigans-income-tax-debate-double-standards/ #WashingtonState #SB6346 #IncomeTax #WashingtonPolicyCenter #ElizabethNew #TaxDebate #StateLegislature #Opinion

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center writes that recent discussion around Senate Bill 6347 and other tax proposals signals concern over high-net-worth individuals and businesses leaving Washington state amid cumulative tax burdens including estate, capital gains, and payroll taxes. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-democrats-signal-retreat-on-the-death-tax-as-exodus-fears-mount/ #MarkHarmsworth #WashingtonPolicyCenter #DeathTax #MillionairesTax #EstateTax #SmallBusiness #WashingtonState

In this opinion column, Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center warns that SB 5292 could set the stage for higher Paid Family and Medical Leave payroll taxes by changing the rate-setting formula and adding new reserve requirements. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-sb-5292-pfml-tax-bill-looks-like-a-trap/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #PFML #SB5292 #WashingtonState #PayrollTax

In this opinion column, Vicki Murray of the Washington Policy Center outlines what's at stake in the 2026 parental rights and girls' sports initiatives, arguing the measures could influence education policy in Washington state and nationally. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washington-parental-rights-battle-goes-national/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #ParentalRights #GirlsSports #EducationPolicy #WashingtonState

Washington Policy Center's Mark Harmsworth writes that ongoing tax increases and proposed income and wealth taxes are driving uncertainty for small and large businesses across Washington, contributing to investment hesitation and business exits. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-business-is-already-leaving-washington/ #WashingtonState #Opinion #BusinessClimate #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Taxes #Economy

Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center breaks down a proposed Washington income tax, outlining how Senate Bill 6346 would tax income above $1 million, affect capital gains and business owners, amend Initiative 2111, and limit the referendum process. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-income-tax-proposal-has-arrived/ #WashingtonPolicyCenter #IncomeTax #WashingtonLegislature #StateBudget #TaxPolicy

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

Vicki Murray of Washington Policy Center outlines the federal tax-credit scholarship program and argues Washington could lose $732 million in education funding if the state does not opt in, detailing how the program works and the debate among state leaders. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-24-states-in-washington-out-732-million-lost/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #EducationFunding #K12Education #WALegislature #SchoolChoice

Mark Harmsworth of Washington Policy Center critiques House Bill 2611, which would redefine overtime after 32 hours, outlining potential impacts on small businesses, labor costs, paid sick leave accrual, and Washington's broader economy. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-olympia-wants-a-4-day-work-week-it-wont-work-out-as-the-politicians-think-it-will/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #WALegislature #SmallBusiness #LaborPolicy #Economy

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center argues House Bill 1834 would impose sweeping regulations on social media platforms while limiting parents' ability to monitor and protect their children online, raising concerns about parental rights, data access, and unintended legal consequences. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-house-bill-1834-would-create-a-regulatory-nightmare-and-restricts-parental-control-on-social-media/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #WALeg #ParentalRights #SocialMediaPolicy #HB1834

In this opinion column, Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center examines IRS and national data showing Washington losing higher-earning taxpayers, arguing that rising taxes, regulation, and proposed income taxes could worsen outmigration and harm jobs and state revenue. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-who-is-leaving-washington-and-why-the-politicians-need-to-care/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #StateTaxes #SmallBusiness #EconomicPolicy #WashingtonState

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

Washington Policy Center's Mark Harmsworth argues that House Bill 2481 would restrict data-driven pricing, impose new regulatory risks on retailers, and disrupt supply-and-demand signals that businesses rely on to keep shelves stocked, warning the bill could raise costs and reduce access for Washington consumers. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-house-bill-2481-will-stifle-innovation-and-hurt-businesses/ #HB2481 #WashingtonPolicyCenter #SmallBusiness #PriceControls #WashingtonState #Economy

Washington Policy Center budget director Ryan Frost breaks down seven major elements of Gov. Bob Ferguson's proposed 2026 supplemental budget, including income tax proposals, spending growth, reserve fund withdrawals, business taxes, and infrastructure funding. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-seven-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-governors-budget-proposal/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #WABudget #WashingtonPolitics #Taxes #Infrastructure

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.

Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center examines a state report on Climate Commitment Act spending and explains why he believes the claimed emissions reductions are significantly overstated due to data errors. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-state-co2-report-shows-86-of-washingtons-claimed-climate-benefits-are-probably-fake/ #WashingtonPolicyCenter #ClimatePolicy #WashingtonState #CarbonTax #PublicSpending #Opinion

Washington Policy Center's Charles Prestrud examines transit agency governance in Washington, arguing that appointed boards lack accountability as costs rise, ridership lags, and state subsidies continue to increase. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-transit-agencies-need-accountability-not-increased-state-subsidy/ #Opinion #Transportation #WashingtonState #Transit #WashingtonPolicyCenter

Opinion column by Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center examining California's $21 billion unemployment insurance debt and Washington's Employment Security Department failures, arguing both states face higher taxes and economic strain without major reforms. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-californias-unemployment-debt-crisis-mirrors-washingtons-employment-security-department-failures/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #UnemploymentInsurance #SmallBusiness #GovernmentAccountability

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

In this opinion column, Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center argues that Washington's push toward a universal, taxpayer-financed health care system would create new problems with cost, access, and rationing, and urges policymakers to pursue patient-centered reforms that emphasize competition and transparency. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-hard-work-is-being-done-to-try-to-trade-one-bad-health-care-system-for-another/ #Opinion #HealthCarePolicy #UniversalHealthCare #WashingtonPolicyCenter #WashingtonState #PublicPolicy

In this opinion column, Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center explains why she supports the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, arguing that repeated extensions hide rising health care costs instead of addressing affordability through transparency, competition, and structural reform. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-why-i-wont-mourn-the-end-of-enhanced-aca-subsidies/ #Opinion #ACA #HealthCareCosts #WashingtonPolicyCenter #HealthPolicy #Insurance

Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center outlines why he believes Washington's projected budget deficit is the result of historic spending increases rather than a lack of revenue, and explains how the House Republicans' Affordability First framework proposes limiting spending growth and avoiding new taxes. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-solving-washingtons-deficit-without-tax-increases/ #WashingtonPolicyCenter #RyanFrost #StateBudget #TaxPolicy #WashingtonState #PublicSpending #Opinion

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

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center says rising minimum wages and higher B&O taxes are pushing food prices beyond the reach of lower-income consumers, citing data from Wendy's, academic studies, and recent policy changes that he argues are worsening affordability for families and small businesses. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-is-the-cheap-fast-food-burger-a-thing-of-the-past/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #MinimumWage #SmallBusiness #Inflation #CostOfLiving

In this column, Washington Policy Center transportation expert Charles Prestrud questions whether Sound Transit's newest light rail extension is any cause for celebration. He compares Link ridership and King County Metro bus ridership before and after recent expansions and argues that multi‑billion‑dollar rail projects are mostly shifting existing riders from buses, not growing overall transit use or easing freeway congestion. Prestrud urges Sound Transit's board to rethink ST3 plans and consider more flexible, cost‑effective ways to improve regional mobility. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-sound-transit-no-cause-for-celebration/#WashingtonState #SoundTransit #LightRail #ST3 #TransitPolicy #PugetSound #Transportation #WashingtonPolicyCenter #CharlesPrestrud

Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center argues that Washington's projected $4.3 billion deficit for 2027–29 reflects unchecked spending growth rather than a revenue shortfall. He points to state spending more than tripling in just over a decade and urges lawmakers to “bend the curve” by restraining expenditures instead of seeking new taxes. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-despite-historic-tax-hikes-washington-state-faces-4-3-billion-deficit/ #WashingtonState #Budget #TaxPolicy #Spending #Opinion

A new Department of Ecology report finds that more than half of 2025 Climate Commitment Act project spending went to electrifying the Washington State Ferries fleet, including hundreds of millions of dollars for new hybrid vessels and terminal charging infrastructure, while Ecology touts an estimated nine million metric tons of carbon reductions over the last two fiscal years. Critics such as Washington Policy Center's Todd Myers are questioning whether some projects' reported reductions and cost-per-ton figures are realistic, pointing to examples like an Ellensburg home electrification program that Ecology credits with 3.5 million metric tons of reductions at just one dollar per ton. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/half-of-2025-cca-spending-went-toward-wsf-fleet-electrification/ #WashingtonState #ClimateCommitmentAct #WSFerries #CarbonPolicy #Ecology #WAleg #ClimateSpending #EmissionReductions

Paul Guppy of the Washington Policy Center clarifies common misconceptions about property taxes in Washington state, explaining how elected officials set tax amounts and the role of county assessors, and calls for accountability to restore trust and fiscal responsibility. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-when-elected-officials-raise-your-property-taxes-dont-blame-the-assessor/ #WashingtonState #PropertyTax #Opinion

With holiday meal planning in full swing, PRI fellow in agriculture policy Pam Lewison - a farmer in Eastern Washington and also fellow at PRI's sister think tank, the Washington Policy Center - joins us to discuss just how much our holiday meals will cost this year.  She and Tim discuss the impact of the Trump tariffs on farmers and how the administration's plans to import Argentine beef will impact US cattle ranchers.

Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center warns that Washington's unemployment insurance trust fund is weakening and that SB 5041, which allows striking workers to collect UI benefits, could increase employer taxes, strain state resources and worsen financial pressures for businesses and workers. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-shrinking-ui-trust-fund-could-cause-businesses-and-their-workers-more-pain/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #UIFund #SB5041 #WorkerRights #BusinessCosts #WashingtonPolicyCenter

Elizabeth New (Hovde) with Washington Policy Center questions whether WA Cares will force family caregivers into union-linked systems. She highlights missing details about non-union options, the program's financial design, and its potential impact on taxpayers and Medicaid. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-wa-cares-an-important-detail-for-future-family-caregivers-is-still-unclear/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #WACares #ElizabethNew #Caregivers #SEIU775 #LongTermCare #HealthcarePolicy #MedicaidReform #PublicPolicy

Charles Prestrud of the Washington Policy Center argues the I-5 Bridge Replacement Project faces serious challenges, including inflated light rail ridership forecasts, growing costs, and weak federal funding prospects. He warns lawmakers may be left spending millions to keep the project alive without progress. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-will-light-rails-problems-sink-the-i-5-columbia-river-bridge-replacement-project/ #Opinion #Transportation #I5Bridge #LightRail #WashingtonPolicyCenter #ColumbiaRiver #WSDOT #TransitFunding #Infrastructure #BridgeReplacement

Washington Policy Center's Mark Harmsworth warns that Olympia lawmakers are considering a 9.9% income tax that could devastate small businesses across the state. He argues the proposal would hurt entrepreneurs, reduce jobs, and damage Washington's economy. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-democrats-in-olympia-are-about-to-destroy-small-businesses-in-washington-with-a-9-9-income-tax/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #MarkHarmsworth #SmallBusiness #IncomeTax #Olympia #TaxPolicy #EconomicPolicy #Entrepreneurship #WashingtonState

Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center critiques the state's 2025–27 budget, arguing that overspending and misplaced political priorities created the crisis now driving supplemental funding requests. From Medicaid underfunding to costly climate initiatives, Myers says lawmakers ignored essential services while expanding union pay raises and wasteful projects. He calls on legislators to reject tax hikes and instead cut unsustainable spending. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-tax-hikes-wont-fix-a-spending-problem/ #Opinion #ToddMyers #WashingtonPolicyCenter #WashingtonState #Taxes #Budget #GovernmentSpending #Legislature #Economy #FiscalResponsibility

Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center calls for reforming Medicaid Long-Term Care to ensure it serves people in genuine need and protects taxpayer resources. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-to-protect-a-safety-net-and-taxpayers-reforms-to-medicaid-long-term-care-are-needed/ #Opinion #Medicaid #LongTermCare #WashingtonPolicyCenter #ElizabethNewHovde #HealthcareReform #PublicPolicy #Taxpayers #SafetyNet #Accountability

Honeybees have been dying off at a higher rate in recent years and many believe it's caused by things like climate change and the pesticides farmers use, but Washington Policy Center's Todd Myers, a beekeeper himself, says don't jump to conclusions.

Honeybees have been dying off at a higher rate in recent years and many believe it's caused by things like climate change and the pesticides farmers use, but Washington Policy Center's Todd Myers, a beekeeper himself, says don't jump to conclusions.

Pam Lewison with the Washington Policy Center argues that U.S. beef prices don't need government “fixes.” She says importing beef from Argentina to lower prices would hurt American ranchers and undermine free market principles. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-u-s-beef-prices-dont-need-fixing/ #Opinion #Agriculture #PamLewison #WashingtonPolicyCenter #BeefPrices #FreeMarket #Farming #EconomicPolicy #Ranchers #FoodCosts

Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center examines how Washington's Paid Family and Medical Leave program has become a regressive payroll tax, disproportionately burdening lower-wage workers while benefiting higher-income earners. She warns that lawmakers' proposed rate increases could mean another hit to workers' paychecks. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-pfml-used-by-those-with-upper-incomes-to-bring-all-workers-another-wage-decrease/ #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Opinion #PFML #PaidLeave #ElizabethNew #WorkerRights #Economics #LaborPolicy #WashingtonState #PublicPolicy

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center highlights a new National Bureau of Economic Research report showing that high minimum wages lead to fewer jobs and shorter work hours. He argues that despite good intentions, policies like California's AB1228 hurt entry-level workers and small businesses. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-after-a-year-of-high-minimum-wages-a-new-report-shows-workers-are-working-less-and-earning-less/ #WashingtonPolicyCenter #MinimumWage #Economy #California #SmallBusiness #Labor #Employment #Policy #Opinion #MarkHarmsworth

VIDEO GUEST - JOHN BERNARD - SENIOR FELLOW FOR GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY AT THE WASHINGTON POLICY CENTER, BESTSELLING AUTHOR AND CEO OF AMERICA’S PULSE America’s Pulse is the first app of its kind that puts 50 measures in your hands across all 50 states, allowing you to see how your state compares. The measures show how your state ranks in a wide range of quality-of-life measures covering education, health, children, the economy, public safety, infrastructure, environment, and government efficiency. John is the best-selling author of Business at the Speed of Now, and Government that Works, Architect of Results Washington (and critic of its abandonment) // John does Play-by-play of Jacob and Sean's Rage Room Experience// John is having a Stem-Cell Procedure Tomorrow

Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center says OSPI quietly removed key state education targets from its website, a move that raises transparency concerns and hides accountability for declining student outcomes. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-ospi-scrubs-website-of-key-data/ #Opinion #ToddMyers #WashingtonPolicyCenter #OSPI #Education #Transparency #Accountability #WashingtonState #PublicSchools #DataRemoval

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center criticizes Gov. Bob Ferguson's new executive order requiring Project Labor Agreements for large state-funded projects. He argues the policy will drive up construction costs, limit opportunities for non-union workers, and burden taxpayers. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-gov-ferguson-signed-an-executive-order-that-will-increase-the-cost-of-public-construction-projects/ #Opinion #MarkHarmsworth #WashingtonPolicyCenter #BobFerguson #ProjectLaborAgreements #WashingtonState #ConstructionIndustry #EconomicPolicy #PublicProjects #TaxpayerImpact #LaborPolicy

Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center breaks down Senate Joint Resolution 8201, which would let the WA Cares Fund invest more broadly for better returns. She explains how this measure could help stabilize the fund, protect workers' paychecks, and improve fiscal management across Washington. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-wa-cares-needs-all-the-help-it-can-get/ #Opinion #ElizabethNew #WashingtonPolicyCenter #WACares #SJR8201 #PayrollTax #WorkerRights #WashingtonState #EconomicPolicy #HealthCarePolicy

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center warns that Senate Bill 5814 will devastate small businesses, expanding sales taxes on services, raising costs, and fueling inflation while leaving entrepreneurs scrambling. He calls for repeal of the law and reform of Washington's tax system. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washingtons-new-sales-tax-onslaught-devastates-small-businesses/ #Washington #SmallBusiness #SalesTax #SB5814 #WashingtonPolicyCenter #TaxReform #Opinion #MarkHarmsworth

Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center argues against undoing reforms in H.R. 1 as part of the government shutdown standoff. She says the shutdown is unfair to taxpayers and workers, and that reforms such as Medicaid work requirements, eligibility checks, and ending temporary COVID-era subsidies are needed for real cost containment. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-stop-the-temper-tantrum-keep-needed-health-reforms/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #ElizabethNewHovde #HealthCareReform #GovernmentShutdown #Medicaid #Obamacare #PolicyDebate

Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center critiques Gov. Bob Ferguson's new “Your Washington” initiative, arguing it must meet deadlines, set meaningful metrics, and enforce accountability to avoid the failures of Results Washington. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-gov-ferguson-promises-to-make-the-state-more-responsive-heres-how-he-can-make-that-happen/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #GovBobFerguson #GovernmentReform #YourWashington #Policy #Accountability #Bureaucracy #Columns

6pm: Guest – Charles Prestrud – Director of the Cole center for Transportations at The Washington Policy Center // Charles has more than thirty years of transportation experience, including serving as WSDOT’s planning manager for King and Snohomish Counties. // Seattle mayor ruffles feathers over $30B Sound Transit budget woes, priorities // This Day in History: 1957 - Arkansas troops block “Little Rock Nine” from entering segregated high school // Conor McGregor officially announces his candidacy for President of Ireland