Podcast appearances and mentions of Washington Policy Center

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

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

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

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

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center says Washington's $903 million revenue shortfall is the result of reckless spending and tax hikes. He calls for reversing course by cutting spending, repealing punitive taxes, and restoring fiscal discipline. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-how-the-legislature-dug-washington-into-a-fiscal-hole/ #Washington #StateBudget #TaxHikes #FiscalPolicy #WashingtonPolicyCenter #MarkHarmsworth #RevenueForecast #Opinion

Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center outlines how the Good Neighbor Authority can strengthen partnerships between states, tribes, and the federal government to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk across the Pacific Northwest. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-making-pacific-northwest-forests-healthy-using-the-good-neighbor-authority/ #Opinion #ToddMyers #GoodNeighborAuthority #WashingtonPolicyCenter #ForestHealth #WildfirePrevention #GNA

Strikes at Evergreen and La Center schools have ended after nearly three weeks, sending students back to class but raising new questions about the legality of school strikes in Washington. Leaders approved adjusted calendars, parents voiced frustration, and Washington Policy Center's Elizabeth New said the law is toothless without penalties. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/uncategorized/video-sw-washington-school-strikes-end-as-strike-legality-concerns-resurface/ #SchoolStrikes #EvergreenSchools #LaCenterSchools #ClarkCounty #WashingtonState #Unions #Education #ElizabethNew #WashingtonPolicyCenter

David Boze of the Washington Policy Center reflects on Charlie Kirk's assassination and the warning signs it exposes for free speech in America, arguing his death highlights a dangerous intolerance that threatens civil discourse and the First Amendment. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-charlie-kirk-and-warning-signs-for-free-speech/ #Opinion #CharlieKirk #FreeSpeech #WashingtonPolicyCenter #FirstAmendment #PoliticalViolence #CivicDiscourse #DavidBoze

NAEP's 2024 results report historic lows in 12th-grade math and reading and flat 8th-grade science. In a column, Vicki Murray of the Washington Policy Center cites concerns from federal officials and argues for urgent reforms and expanded educational options. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-naep-2024-american-students-score-historic-lows-in-math-reading-science/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #NAEP #Education #StudentAchievement #Reading #Math #Science #WAPolitics

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

Two months after Congress created the nation's first federal tax-credit scholarship program, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson has yet to decide if the state will opt in. Supporters, including Vicki Murray of the Washington Policy Center, say the program offers a win for students and taxpayers, while Ferguson has expressed skepticism. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/will-gov-ferguson-opt-wa-in-on-federal-tax-credits-for-school-choice/ #WashingtonState #SchoolChoice #EducationPolicy #TaxCreditScholarship #BobFerguson #WashingtonPolicyCenter #StudentScholarships #EducationFunding

Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center criticizes Evergreen Public Schools' strike, calling it unlawful and harmful to families. She points to financial hardships, illegal strike precedent, and new unemployment benefits law as reasons lawmakers should rethink policy. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-back-to-school-season-comes-with-a-side-of-strike/ #Opinion #ElizabethNewHovde #EvergreenSchoolDistrict #ClarkCountyWA #SchoolStrike #WashingtonPolicyCenter #UnionStrikes #PublicSchools

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center says Washington retailers should embrace cash, highlighting that 5.6 million U.S. households are unbanked. He cites local ordinances, national bipartisan legislation, and practical advantages like avoiding fees and ensuring access during outages. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-why-retailers-in-washington-should-embrace-cash/ #Opinion #MarkHarmsworth #WashingtonPolicyCenter #CashPayments #EconomicEquity #RetailAccess #Unbanked #SmallBusiness #InclusiveEconomy

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center writes that uncontrolled homeless camps on city property undermine safety, businesses, and livability. He points to Camas' recent camping ban and stresses pairing enforcement with affordable housing, mental health, and addiction services to address root causes. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-unseen-costs-of-uncontrolled-homeless-camps-on-city-property/ #Opinion #MarkHarmsworth #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Homelessness #Camas #PublicSafety #AffordableHousing #AddictionTreatment #MentalHealth

Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center says Attorney General Nick Brown's lawsuit against the Trump Administration over a 10% federal spending cap is political theater. He argues the state of Washington imposes similar or stricter caps on its own programs, making the lawsuit hypocritical. Myers suggests the lawsuit is more about politics than policy. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-state-ag-sues-trump-administration-for-doing-what-wa-state-also-does/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #Politics #AdministrativeCosts #WashingtonPolicyCenter

Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center critiques former Gov. Jay Inslee's record on climate change, arguing politics overshadowed real solutions. He cites rising emissions, failed electric vehicle programs, and ineffective cap-and-trade projects as evidence that Inslee's approach put partisanship above progress. Myers says genuine climate policy must focus on results, not rhetoric. This column was first published by TheHill.com. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-politics-wont-help-the-planet-just-ask-jay-inslee/ #Opinion #JayInslee #ToddMyers #WashingtonPolicyCenter #ClimateChange #EnvironmentalPolicy #CO2Emissions #ElectricVehicles #CapAndTrade #TheHill

Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center argues that Washington lawmakers should stop blaming the federal government for rising health care costs and instead focus on innovation, competition, and reducing regulation. She says Medicaid reforms could help contain costs and lift people out of poverty if the state prioritizes effective policy over politics. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-health-care-reforms-will-hurt-more-if-washington-state-doesnt-get-more-on-board/ #WashingtonPolicyCenter #HealthCare #Medicaid #CostContainment #HealthCareCosts #InsurancePremiums #MedicaidExpansion #BobFerguson #StateBudget #Opinion

David Boze of the Washington Policy Center highlights new metrics showing Washington's CO2 tax funding under the Climate Commitment Act often yields no climate benefit, with some projects costing 141 times more per ton of CO2 reduced than private sector efforts. He argues this reveals wasteful spending and poor environmental returns. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-new-metric-shows-how-much-washington-squanders-environmental-funding/ #WashingtonPolicyCenter #ClimatePolicy #EnvironmentalFunding #CO2Tax #ClimateCommitmentAct #WastefulSpending #PublicFunds #EmissionsReduction #DepartmentOfEcology #Opinion

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center critiques the Growth Management Act, saying its land-use restrictions are driving up home prices and making ownership unaffordable for many. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-growth-management-acts-impact-on-house-prices-in-washington/ #WashingtonPolicyCenter #MarkHarmsworth #GMA #HousingCrisis #UrbanGrowthAreas #AffordableHousing #Zoning #BIAW #Opinion

Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center raises concerns about Washington's new law allowing unemployment pay for striking workers. She warns of potential double payments and long-term harm to the UI fund. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-workers-who-strike-need-to-be-warned-double-pay-is-a-no-no/ #Opinion #SB5041 #UnemploymentInsurance #ElizabethNew #StrikePay #WashingtonPolicyCenter #WorkerRights #PublicEmployees #UnionIssues

County fairs offer more than rides and food—they're a gateway to local meat shopping. Pam Lewison of the Washington Policy Center shares how buying from youth livestock auctions supports kids and fills your freezer. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-county-fairs-are-opportunities-to-go-meat-shopping/ #CountyFairs #ClarkCountyFair #LivestockAuction #LocalMeat #PamLewison #WashingtonPolicyCenter #SupportYouth #Agriculture

Todd Myers of Washington Policy Center breaks down Washington's latest CO2 tax spending, arguing most dollars expand government rather than cut emissions. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-climate-commitment-act-spending-expands-government-but-does-little-for-tangible-environmental-benefits/ #ClimateCommitmentAct #CO2Tax #ToddMyers #StateBudget #EnvironmentalSpending #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Opinion

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created the nation's first federal tax-credit scholarship program. Washington Policy Center says a single signature from Governor Bob Ferguson could bring free school-choice scholarships to thousands of Washington students, at no cost to the state. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-will-free-school-choice-come-to-washington-state/ #SchoolChoice #Scholarships #WashingtonPolicyCenter #EducationReform #TaxCredit #GovernorFerguson #PrivateSchools

Host Bill Radke discusses the week’s news with Seattle Times Claudia Rowe, Washington Policy Center’s David Boze, and KUOW’s Cat Smith.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todd Myers of Washington Policy Center critiques how Washington state spends its CO2 tax revenue, saying the bulk goes to government planning rather than tangible environmental gains. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-where-does-washington-state-spend-the-co2-tax-revenue-more-government/ #Opinion #CO2Tax #ToddMyers #ClimatePolicy #WashingtonSpending #EnvironmentalFunding #CCA #CarbonEmissions #StateBudget #WashingtonPolitics

Washington teachers earn the highest adjusted salaries in the country, but some critics say student achievement is not keeping pace. Vicki Murray of the Washington Policy Center argues for performance-based pay as test scores remain low statewide. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/high-pay-low-test-scores-wa-teachers-earn-most-when-adjusted-for-cost-of-living/ #TeacherPay #EducationSpending #WashingtonSchools #StudentOutcomes #WPC #VickiMurray #NCTQ #WAed #PublicEducation

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center critiques Washington's latest budget update, highlighting that revenue growth stems from new taxes rather than economic strength. He urges lawmakers to pursue fiscal discipline and structural reform over short-term fixes. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washingtons-june-2025-budget-revisions-revenue-up-spending-up-more/ #WashingtonPolicyCenter #WAbudget #SmallBusiness #TaxReform #Opinion #EconomicForecast #BandOtax #StateSpending #MarkHarmsworth

Guest - Todd Myers - Washington Policy Center Breaks Down Where Climate Commitment Money is Actually Being Spent // Donald Trump abruptly shuts down a reporter who presses Attorney General Pam Bondi with questions about the controversial Department of Justice memo on Jeffrey Epstein // Hair Kept Our Ancestors’ Brains Cool—and Gave Them an Evolutionary Advantage

Elizabeth New (Hovde) of Washington Policy Center breaks down this year's changes to WA Cares, highlighting SB 5291's new exemptions, eligibility revisions, and ongoing concerns over recertification and wraparound insurance. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-changes-made-and-not-made-to-wa-cares-in-2025/ #WACares #ElizabethNew #WashingtonPolicyCenter #LongTermCare #PayrollTax #LTCI #WAleg

Pam Lewison with Washington Policy Center uses Fourth of July cookout data to examine regional food costs and spotlight the struggles facing American farmers. Her opinion piece urges renewed appreciation for agriculture's national importance. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-fourth-of-july-cookout-costs-emphasize-the-need-for-agriculture/ #FourthOfJuly #FoodCosts #WashingtonPolicyCenter #PamLewison #CookoutPrices #AgricultureMatters #AmericanFarmBureau #PotatoSaladPrices #GroundBeef

Washington Policy Center's Todd Myers critiques Washington's rising gas taxes and CO2 pricing, arguing that residents face some of the nation's highest gas prices despite poor road quality. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washingtons-already-high-gas-taxes-jump-another-six-cents-per-gallon-driving-prices-up/ #GasTax #WashingtonPolicyCenter #ToddMyers #CO2Tax #CCA #WashingtonState #FuelPrices #TransportationFunding #GasPrices #Opinion

Elizabeth New of the Washington Policy Center says the state is failing to uphold its duty to public workers by acting as a dues collector for unions and suppressing information about workers' constitutional rights. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-governments-should-protect-workers-end-cozy-relationship-with-political-allies/ #ElizabethNew #JanusRights #GovernmentUnions #WashingtonPolicyCenter #SB5041 #LaborPolicy #UnionDues #WorkerRights #PublicEmployees #Opinion

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center criticizes Sen. Jamie Pedersen for claiming Washington is business-friendly, citing data that ranks the state 42nd and pointing to policies that he says hurt small businesses. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-senate-majority-leader-jamie-pedersen-thinks-washington-is-a-great-place-to-do-business/ #WashingtonPolicyCenter #MarkHarmsworth #JamiePedersen #SmallBusiness #BusinessClimate #BAndOTax #WashingtonLegislature #EconomicPolicy #Opinion #SenateBill5041

Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center takes aim at recent legislative actions she says are raising health care costs in Washington. From new hospital taxes to state-run care models, New calls for policy reforms that prioritize affordability, competition, and patient access. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-want-lower-health-care-costs-start-with-better-policies/ #HealthCareCosts #ElizabethNew #WashingtonPolicyCenter #WSHA #MedicalDebt #HealthPolicy #CONlaws #MedicaidReimbursement #UniversalCare #Opinion

David Boze of Washington Policy Center responds to OSPI head Chris Reykdal's dismissal of alarming student performance data as partisan rhetoric. Boze points out the irony of Reykdal calling WPC biased while ignoring that the data in question came from Reykdal's own office. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-ospi-chief-chris-reykdal-confronted-by-state-data-blames-partisanship-for-bad-results/ #Opinion #ChrisReykdal #WashingtonPolicyCenter #OSPI #EducationPolicy #Partisanship #DavidBoze #StateData #AcademicPerformance #WashingtonState

Washington Policy Center's Mark Harmsworth warns that Washington's capital gains tax hike from 7% to 9.9% could hurt the economy by pushing businesses and investors to leave the state, reducing long-term tax revenue. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-will-the-capital-gains-tax-increase-to-9-9-cause-businesses-to-leave-the-state/ #CapitalGainsTax #WashingtonPolicyCenter #StateTaxes #SmallBusiness #MarkHarmsworth #WashingtonState #BusinessClimate #Opinion #Microsoft #Amazon

Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center says Washington's efforts to expand public health care are backfiring. She criticizes SB 5083 and HB 1392 for shifting costs to private payers and argues for a more competitive, multi-payer system. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-more-payers-not-fewer-needed-in-health-care/ #Opinion #HealthCareCosts #ElizabethNew #ElizabethHovde #WashingtonPolicyCenter #SB5083 #HB1392 #InsurancePremiums #Medicaid #UniversalCare #CostShifting

David Boze of the Washington Policy Center argues that Washington's 2025 legislative session produced record-breaking tax hikes with little regard for voters or fiscal restraint, while warning that policy trends in the state could ripple across the nation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-2025-tax-tsunami-in-washington-state/ #WashingtonState #TaxHikes #FiscalPolicy #DavidBoze #WPC #StateBudget #GasTax #SalesTax #CapitalGains #Opinion

Bill Radke discusses the week's news with writer/editor Sarah Anne Lloyd, Seattle Times David Kroman, and Washington Policy Center's David Boze. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.