Podcast appearances and mentions of Washington Policy Center

PHONE GUEST - TODD MYERS - WASHINGTON POLICY CENTER, The forest is burning. The roadless rule is making it worse.“It is like saying gasoline isn’t a fire risk because the fire starts with on the match, not the gasoline.” // Recapping John’s bittersweet Ocean City Family Reunion // LETTERS

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is facing a recall challenge as questions continue to mount over public safety, the deadly Bite of Seattle shooting and the resignation of former Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes. Two Seattle residents filed recall charges accusing Wilson of failing to fulfill her responsibilities on public safety. The mayor's office says the effort does not appear to have merit and that Wilson remains focused on making Seattle safer and more affordable. Also, scrutiny of Seattle's LEAD crime diversion program continues following a Washington Policy Center analysis challenging claims about the program's results. We Heart Seattle founder Andrea Suarez shares her criticism of LEAD and describes what she says she's witnessed firsthand on Seattle's streets. Finally, Washington State Rep. Jenny Graham speaks out after losing her home in the devastating Spokane fires. Graham is questioning election rules she says prevent her from reaching out to constituents during the emergency and is calling for a special legislative session as questions grow about Washington's handling of the accused arsonist. We're breaking down the latest developments from Seattle, Spokane and across Washington state on Washington in Focus Daily. #Seattle #SeattleNews #KatieWilson #SeattleMayor #SeattleRecall #SeattlePolitics #SeattlePolice #PublicSafety #LEAD #SeattleCrime #WashingtonNews #WashingtonPolitics #Spokane #SpokaneFires #JennyGraham #BobFerguson #WashingtonState #WashingtonInFocus #CenterSquare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Seattle's public safety policies are facing renewed scrutiny as city leaders demand answers from Mayor Katie Wilson over the fallout from the Bite of Seattle shooting and the departure of former Police Chief Shon Barnes.   Seattle City Council members pressed the mayor's office over the roughly five-hour delay before the initial press conference following the deadly shooting and questioned the lack of information surrounding Barnes' resignation. Mayor Wilson has asked Seattle's Office of Inspector General to conduct a review.   Meanwhile, new scrutiny is surrounding Seattle's Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, or LEAD, program after a Washington Policy Center analysis challenged some claims about the program's success. LEAD co-creator Lisa Daugaard responds to the criticism and addresses questions about recidivism, employment and the goals of the diversion program.   Also in today's Washington In Focus Daily: the devastating Spokane wildfires have left more than 50 students at one elementary school without their homes just weeks before classes begin, while the Spokesman-Review faces a major newsroom shakeup after its executive editor was placed on administrative leave.   Watch Washington In Focus Daily for the latest on Seattle public safety, Washington politics, Spokane wildfire recovery and government accountability.   #Seattle #SeattleNews #SeattlePolitics #KatieWilson #SeattlePolice #SPD #PublicSafety #LEAD #Crime #WashingtonState #WashingtonNews #WashingtonPolitics #Spokane #SpokaneFires #WashingtonWildfires #CenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A new analysis is raising questions about the effectiveness of Seattle's LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion) program, a model that has been replicated across Washington, the country and beyond. Washington Policy Center's Eric Zimmerman argues that some widely cited claims involving recidivism, arrests, employment and other outcomes may not be supported by the underlying research. We also turn to Washington's growing income tax repeal fight. At a Let's Go Washington campaign event, Olympia Master Builders President Gina Carlson explained why she believes the state's new 9.9% tax on income above $1 million could affect business owners, retirement planning and generational wealth. The episode also revisits concerns that future lawmakers could expand the tax to additional income levels. Finally, the race for Washington's 4th Congressional District moves toward November following the crowded August primary. Republican Amanda McKinney and her Democratic opponent discuss their competing visions for the heavily Republican Central Washington district as the general-election campaign begins. Washington in Focus Daily brings you the latest on Washington politics, public safety, taxes, elections and government accountability. #WashingtonState #WashingtonNews #WashingtonPolitics #Seattle #SeattleCrime #LEADProgram #PublicSafety #IncomeTax #IncomeTaxRepeal #WashingtonTaxes #I645 #WA04 #WashingtonElections #Election2026 #AmandaMcKinney #CenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center examines how Judge Chris Lanese, while upholding the Public Investment Impact Disclosure for IP26-645, spent the hearing making the policy case for a more progressive tax code rather than testing whether the Attorney General met the law's neutrality requirement. The judge acknowledged the initiative makes no direct spending cuts, yet the disclosure tells voters it would decrease funding for schools and health care. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-judges-own-words-expose-the-bias-in-washingtons-income-tax-repeal-impact-disclosure/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #IncomeTax #PIID #TaxPolicy #BallotInitiative #WashingtonPolicyCenter #StateBudget

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center argues that while lawmakers champion affordable housing, the Department of Health is raising fees on mobile home parks and temporary worker housing by as much as 250 percent, shifting the cost burden onto the residents least able to absorb it. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-when-politicians-say-one-thing-and-do-something-else/ #AffordableHousing #WashingtonState #MobileHomePark #HousingPolicy #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Opinion #ClarkCounty #RegulatoryCosts #SmallBusiness #FeeIncreases

Washington Policy Center's Elizabeth New (Hovde) examines how the WEA, the Washington Federation of State Employees, and relevant locals of SEIU each contributed $1 million to oppose IP26-645, the initiative to repeal Washington's income tax, while also opposing two other statewide measures this November. She argues public employers should give workers clear, neutral notice of their First Amendment right not to join or financially support a public union. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/uncategorized/opinion-dues-donts-unions-are-political-and-union-money-is-again-driving-opposition-to-initiatives/ #WashingtonState #UnionDues #BallotInitiatives #WorkerRights #WEA #SEIU #PublicUnions #FirstAmendment #Opinion #ClarkCounty

Donald Kimball of the Washington Policy Center argues that data centers are not driving up energy prices in Washington state. He points to regulations like the Clean Energy Transformation Act and the Climate Commitment Act as the real cost drivers, and calls for expanding energy production. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-do-data-centers-drive-up-energy-costs/ #DataCenters #EnergyPolicy #WashingtonState #CleanEnergyAct #UtilityCosts #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter

Washington Policy Center's Ryan Frost and David Boze argue the Attorney General's public investment disclosure statement for the state income tax repeal misleads voters by citing impacts on schools and healthcare that the tax does not fund and has no appropriation to support. The income tax earmarks nothing for K-12, higher education, or healthcare — only 5% goes to the Fair Start for Kids Account beginning in 2029. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-misinformation-in-public-investment-disclosure-statement-for-state-income-tax-repeal/ #WashingtonState #IncomeTax #StateBudget #TaxPolicy #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Opinion #ClarkCounty #Politics #Initiative #PublicPolicy

IRS migration data for 2022-2023 shows King County lost roughly 13,000 residents through domestic migration, with outbound movers taking $8.7 billion in adjusted gross income while inbound residents brought only $6.7 billion. Washington Policy Center's Mark Harmsworth argues Seattle's tax and regulatory policies are driving the exodus. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-irs-data-shows-seattles-progressive-policies-are-driving-residents-and-business-away/ #Seattle #KingCounty #WashingtonState #IRSData #HousingAffordability #SmallBusiness #ProgressivePolicies #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Opinion #PacificNorthwest

Washington Policy Center's Todd Myers breaks down three claims about why Washington gas prices have climbed above $5 per gallon again. He argues the state's Climate Commitment Act adds roughly 52 cents per gallon, and that the Department of Ecology's denial of any link between carbon pricing and pump prices is contradicted by Ecology's own commissioned study. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-what-is-pushing-washingtons-gas-prices-above-5-again-two-truths-and-one-myth/ #WashingtonState #GasPrices #ClimateCommitmentAct #CCA #EnergyPolicy #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #CarbonTax #Politics #PacificNorthwest

Washington Policy Center's Ryan Frost examines three statistics Superintendent Chris Reykdal cited on Facebook to argue the state's tax structure, not spending, drives budget problems. Using OFM's own figures, Frost finds real tax burden per resident rose roughly 44% since 2004, the state wage bill grew about 150%, and employee headcount per resident is roughly the same as 20 years ago. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-what-the-states-own-data-says-about-superintendent-reykdals-budget-claims/ #WashingtonState #StateBudget #ChrisReykdal #Opinion #FiscalPolicy #Taxpayers #WashingtonPolicyCenter #GovernmentSpending #Columns #Politics

Washington business leaders are warning that rising taxes, regulations and economic uncertainty are making it increasingly difficult to grow and invest in the state. At the Association of Washington Business Economic Future Solutions Summit, executives from multiple industries described rising costs, expansion into neighboring states and concerns over Washington's long-term business climate. Also in this episode, a new estimate from the Washington Policy Center suggests replacing the electricity generated by the four Lower Snake River dams could cost more than $34 billion—far exceeding the cost of the state's new $800,000 study examining replacement options. The estimate does not include additional transportation or transmission infrastructure costs. Finally, Washington Supreme Court candidate Myers says attorneys and judges should embrace artificial intelligence as a productivity tool, provided that humans remain responsible for verifying information and making all final legal decisions. Watch Washington in Focus Daily for in-depth reporting on Washington politics, business, public policy, energy and the courts. #WashingtonBusiness #WashingtonPolitics #SnakeRiverDams #EnergyPolicy #SupremeCourt #ArtificialIntelligence #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

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 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

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

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

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

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.