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American farmers continue to set productivity records, although they face many impediments to success. Pam Lewison in Washington State knows those struggles personally, and she's working to keep agriculture vital and viable. Lewison is research director at the Washington Policy Center's Center for Agriculture. Her mission includes making sure their elected officials understand how legislation and regulation impact those growing their food. She also works with the media, providing articles that educate the public about why agriculture matters.“If we use our words and share them appropriately with the media, we have the opportunity to make sure that people see us as who we are,” Lewison said. “I think that's probably the most powerful avenue that we have available to us.”Lewison and her husband operate JP Ranch, a forage farm in Moses Lake. They have been Redox customers for the past five years, including helping combat salt buildup in their soil, as well as nutrition for their alfalfa crop. As for diKap™, Lewison said “It's fantastic. We get some extra tonnage, and it makes for some really beautiful bales of hay. We have nothing but good things to say about it."
Mark Harmsworth of Washington Policy Center breaks down the state's new $77.8B budget, questioning whether it delivers real results for taxpayers. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-washington-state-2025-27-budget-proposal-is-out-and-legislators-are-still-spending-money-the-state-doesnt-have/ #Washingtonstate #ClarkCountyWa #localnews #statebudget #taxpolicy #educationfunding #ClimateCommitmentAct #WashingtonPolicyCenter #MarkHarmsworth
Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center argues that the Washington Supreme Court's decision to overturn Spokane's anti-camping initiative undermines both public safety and voter rights. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-spokanes-voter-approved-anti-camping-initiative-is-overturned-by-the-washington-supreme-court/ #homelessness #Spokane #publicsafety #affordablehousing #ClarkCountyWa #Washingtonstate #judicialactivism #localnews #MarkHarmsworth #WashingtonPolicyCenter
Elizabeth New of the Washington Policy Center critiques Washington's paid leave payroll tax, arguing it places an unfair burden on low-income workers. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-low-income-workers-should-not-have-to-give-higher-income-workers-more-of-their-wages/ #PaidLeave #ClarkCountyWa #localnews #WashingtonPolicyCenter #taxpolicy #workerjustice #Vancouver #ElizabethNew #payrolltax #economicimpact
During COVID, Gov. Inslee abused his emergency powers, and now a bill to limit Gov. Ferguson's emergency powers has died in committee. Senior Researcher at the Washington Policy Center, Paul Guppy, joins us to discuss emergency powers, the budget and a new reparations plan to give $120,000 to anyone except white people to purchase homes. Wow!
Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center shares how Earth Day should celebrate innovation, private initiative, and voluntary cooperation in protecting the environment. From eradicating the murder hornet in Washington to habitat restoration in Spain, he explains how free-market environmentalism is proving more effective than bureaucratic mandates. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-an-earth-day-lesson-last-years-biggest-environmental-victories-came-from-free-markets/ #localnews #ClarkCountyWa #EarthDay #ToddMyers #freeMarketEnvironmentalism #WashingtonPolicyCenter #environment
Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center outlines how emergency clauses in state legislation are being used to block voter input on major issues. He calls on Governor Ferguson to remove these clauses unless they're truly necessary. Read the full opinion column at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-time-to-limit-emergency-clauses-and-give-voters-a-choice/ #ClarkCountyWa #localnews #Washingtonstate #publicpolicy #emergencyclauses #voterchoice
This week, we feature a special recording of our live webinar featuring PRI scholars and policy experts exploring key green topics being debated and discussed in Washington, DC and in the states – from Cap and Trade and gas and carbon taxes to green appliance mandates. Learn about the latest study from PRI detailing just how much the green transition in California will cost you – you'll grab on to your wallet when you hear the figure! Panelists include PRI's Dr. Wayne Winegarden and Todd Myers from the Washington Policy Center.
Elizabeth New of the Washington Policy Center says new state laws remove parents from critical health decisions involving their children. Read the full column at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-parents-told-to-have-a-seat-government-knows-best/ #localnews #ClarkCountyWa #ParentalRights #WAlegislation #ElizabethNew #SchoolHealth #WashingtonPolicyCenter
Host Bill Radke discusses the week’s news with Washington Policy Center’s Paul Guppy, Seattle Times Claudia Rowe, and host, writer, and producer Angela Poe Russell. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Elizabeth New of the Washington Policy Center warns that Senate Bill 5041 could harm businesses and taxpayers by allowing striking workers to collect unemployment benefits. Read the full column at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-employers-shouldnt-pay-workers-not-to-work-paying-people-to-strike-should-be-a-unions-job/ on www.ClarkCountyToday.com #localnews #ClarkCountyWa #ElizabethNew #SB5041 #UnionDues #UnemploymentInsurance #WashingtonPolicyCenter #WorkerRights #StrikePay #WAleg
Host Bill Radke discusses the week’s news with Washington Policy Center’s David Boze, Seattle Times Patrick Malone, and consultant Ron Davis See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Washington's EV mandate is approaching fast, but sales numbers remain far below the 35 percent target. Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center explains why the state risks higher car prices and reduced options if laws remain unchanged. Read the full column at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washingtons-ev-sales-far-short-of-next-years-state-mandate/ #localnews #ClarkCountyWa #WashingtonEVMandate #ElectricVehiclesWA #CarPricesWA #WashingtonPolicyCenter #ToddMyers
A Washington Policy Center column raises concerns about SB 5181, a bill that would reduce parental notification rights in Washington's public schools. The opinion highlights how changes could impact child health and trust between schools and parents. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-bill-limiting-notifications-for-parents-passes-committee/ on www.ClarkCountyToday.com #parentalnotification #educationpolicy #childhealth #localnews #ClarkCountyWa
The Washington Policy Center warns that Senate Bill 5798 would open the door to higher property taxes across Washington by removing key limits on increases. Read the full opinion column at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-senate-bill-5798-is-a-massive-tax-increase-on-the-homeowners-of-washington/ on www.ClarkCountyToday.com #localnews #ClarkCountyWa #propertytax #washingtonlegislature #sb5798 #taxpolicy #washingtonstate #homeowners #washingtonpolicycenter #initiative747
Elizabeth New of the Washington Policy Center argues that two bills — HB 1296 and SB 5181 — could reduce parental access to important medical information about children in Washington's public schools. Learn what's at stake and why she believes this could harm child well-being. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-parents-could-have-less-access-to-information-about-school-aged-children/ #localnews #ClarkCountyWa #parentalrights #HB1296 #SB5181 #studentprivacy #publicschools #Initiative2081 #ElizabethNew #WashingtonPolicyCenter
President Trump's plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education is stirring debate in Washington state. David Boze of the Washington Policy Center unpacks what this could mean for local school control, spending, and outcomes. Read the full column at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-should-you-fear-the-end-of-the-department-of-education/ #educationpolicy #ClarkCountyWa #localnews #DepartmentofEducation #Washingtonstate #schoolreform
Elizabeth New of the Washington Policy Center warns Senate Bill 5041 could increase strikes, reduce job opportunities, and cost Washington businesses and taxpayers hundreds of millions. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-should-striking-workers-be-paid-by-their-employers-not-to-work/ on www.ClarkCountyToday.com #localnews #ClarkCountyWa #strikepaybill #SenateBill5041 #unionstrikepolicy #ElizabethNew #Washingtonstate #Vancouver #Opinion
Paul Guppy of the Washington Policy Center says the latest attempt to limit emergency powers in Washington state has failed. Still, Governor Ferguson's voluntary pledge may bring more accountability. Read the full column at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-legislative-leaders-fail-again-to-limit-the-abuse-of-emergency-power-in-washington-state/ #localnews #ClarkCountyWa #EmergencyPowers #WashingtonPolicyCenter #SB5434 #PaulGuppy #GovernorFerguson
Washington's CO2 tax has surged again, increasing fuel costs across the state. Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center explains why state officials continue to miscalculate market impacts. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-another-increase-in-the-states-co2-tax-another-failure-by-ecology-staff-to-understand-the-market/ #localnews #ClarkCountyWa #WACarbonTax #EnergyPolicy
A bill that could have helped with the financial consequences of certain legislation on the ag industry has died in Olympia. Washington Policy Center's Ag Director Pam Lewison explains.
A bill that could have helped with the financial consequences of certain legislation on the ag industry has died in Olympia. Washington Policy Center's Ag Director Pam Lewison explains.
Washington Policy Center's Mark Harmsworth breaks down the winners and losers in Washington's latest legislative session. Some tax proposals failed, while others remain active. Read the full analysis at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-legislative-winners-and-losers-so-far/ #Vancouver #WashingtonPolicyCenter #LegislativeSession #WashingtonLegislature #StateBills #BusinessRegulations #TaxPolicy #HousingCosts #RentControl #EconomicPolicy #PublicPolicy #GovernmentRegulations #ClarkCountyWa #LocalNews
Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center discusses how House Bill 1217 could worsen Washington's housing crisis by increasing rent costs and reducing supply. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-how-the-legislature-just-voted-to-raise-your-rent/ #Vancouver #WashingtonState #ClarkCountyWa #MarkHarmsworth #WashingtonPolicyCenter #HouseBill1217 #RentControl #HousingMarket #PropertyOwners #RentalLaws #HousingAffordability #EconomicPolicy #WashingtonLegislature #LocalNews
Washington state lawmakers are considering legislation that could limit parental involvement in critical decisions affecting minors. Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center discusses why parents should be paying attention. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-legislation-is-being-considered-that-could-harm-children/ #Vancouver #WashingtonState #ClarkCountyWa #ParentalRights #Initiative2081 #WashingtonLegislature #MinorsMedicalDecisions #ParentalConsent #SJR8204 #HB1296 #SB5181 #SB5708 #HB1176 #SocialMedia #MatureMinorDoctrine #WashingtonPolicyCenter #localnews
Washington state lawmakers are debating Senate Bill 5041, which proposes extending unemployment benefits to striking workers for 26 weeks. Critics argue that this would drain the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, a system meant for workers who lose jobs through no fault of their own. Elizabeth New of the Washington Policy Center warns that this bill would put businesses at risk and shift financial responsibility from unions to employers. Read the full column at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-senate-bill-5041-a-favor-for-unions-will-harm-safety-net-for-workers/ on www.ClarkCountyToday.com #SenateBill5041 #UnemploymentBenefits #StrikingWorkers #WorkerRights #ClarkCountyWa #LocalNews
Two bills to reform WA Cares failed this session, while two others move forward. Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center discusses their impact on the program and what lawmakers should do next. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-outcome-is-split-so-far-on-four-bills-related-to-wa-cares/ #Vancouver #ClarkCountyWa #localnews #WACares #PayrollTax #LongTermCare #WashingtonLegislature #PolicyReform #RetirementPlanning #WorkerBenefits
Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center discusses the concerns surrounding House Bill 1402, which aims to limit driver's license requirements in job postings. Critics argue the bill's vague language could create legal uncertainty for employers. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-house-bill-1402-would-define-which-jobs-require-a-drivers-license-but-omits-to-provide-the-definition/ #HouseBill1402 #employmentlaw #ClarkCountyWa #localnews
Elizabeth New (Hovde) from Washington Policy Center discusses Senate Bill 5112, which would allow trained psychologists to prescribe medication, potentially improving mental health care access in Washington. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-let-trained-psychologists-prescribe-to-improve-mental-health/ #SenateBill5112 #MentalHealthCare #ClarkCountyWa #localnews
Washington state's legislature is back in session in Olympia through at least April, and legislators are considering a variety of proposals that could affect agriculture. Pam Lewison, the Research Director for the Center for Agriculture at the Washington Policy Center, joins Dillon with a rundown of issues both positive and negative that she's tracking right now.
Washington lawmakers are debating Senate Bill 5480, a proposal to void medical debt reported to credit bureaus. Elizabeth New of the Washington Policy Center warns that while the bill aims to help struggling patients, it could drive up healthcare costs and encourage non-payment. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-medical-debt-bill-a-dangerous-gamble-with-unintended-consequences/ on www.ClarkCountyToday.com #MedicalDebt #HealthcareCosts #DebtCollection #FinancialAccountability #SenateBill5480 #ClarkCountyWa #LocalNews
Elizabeth New of the Washington Policy Center testified in Olympia on Senate Joint Memorial 8004, which seeks taxpayer-funded universal healthcare in Washington. She argues for free-market solutions over government intervention. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-testifying-in-olympia-on-a-proposal-to-change-our-system-of-health-care/ #ElizabethNew #WashingtonPolicyCenter #UniversalHealthcare #HealthCareCosts #TaxpayerFunded #GovernmentIntervention #FreeMarketSolutions #PriceTransparency #Telehealth #VancouverWA #ClarkCountyWa #localnews
The latest Nation's Report Card shows concerning trends in student performance, with Washington state struggling to meet proficiency standards. Vicki Murray of the Washington Policy Center calls for more parental control in education to drive reform. Read the full column at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-nations-report-card-f-for-fix-it-already/ #NationsReportCard #EducationReform #LearningLoss #SchoolAccountability #ParentalChoice #NAEP #StandardizedTesting #WashingtonState #ClarkCountyWa #localnews
(The Center Square) – Washington state's $45 million Electric Vehicle Instant Rebate Program for buying or leasing electric vehicles fell far short of promises to deliver environmental results and help middle-income people buy EVs, concluded a Washington Policy Center policy brief released on Wednesday. According to the Washington State Department of Commerce, the program provided up to $9,000 off a new EV lease for low-income drivers at the point of sale. The state agency claimed this translates into lease payments under $200 a month, well below the average gas-powered automobile payment of more than $700 a month.
Washington's Electric Vehicle rebate program fell far short of expectations, delivering just one cent of environmental benefit per dollar spent. A new Washington Policy Center report questions the cost-effectiveness of the program, which fell well below sales projections and led to high per-ton CO2 reduction costs. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-electric-vehicle-rebate-program-failed-but-will-it-be-expanded-anyway/ on www.ClarkCountyToday.com #EVRebate #ElectricVehicles #TaxpayerFunds #CO2Reduction #EnvironmentalPolicy #PublicSpending #TeslaModel3 #LegislativeBudget #ClarkCountyWa #LocalNews
Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center discusses how Washington's rising salary threshold for exempt employees is leading to layoffs, reduced work hours, and fewer opportunities. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-an-obscure-washington-state-salary-law-is-still-causing-employers-to-lay-employees-off/ #Vancouver #ClarkCountyWa #WashingtonState #LocalNews #MarkHarmsworth #WashingtonPolicyCenter #SalaryLaw #OvertimeRules #EmployerRegulations #BusinessImpact #NonprofitChallenges #JobMarket
House Bill 1380 could allow homeless individuals to sue cities over public land restrictions, potentially raising taxpayer costs. Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center explains why this bill may create more problems than solutions. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-hb-1380-would-allow-homeless-people-to-sue-a-city-and-collect-taxpayer-dollars/ www.ClarkCountyToday.com #ClarkCountyWa #localnews #HB1380 #homelessness #Washington #publicland #taxpayerfunds #legalissues #municipallaws #housingpolicies #citybudget #propertytaxes
Bill Radke discusses the week’s news with Economic Opportunity Institute’s Rian Watt, Seattle Times Josh Farley, and Washington Policy Center’s David Boze.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center warns that House Bill 1334 could lead to significant property tax increases by adjusting the way inflation is calculated. The proposed change could allow municipalities to raise taxes up to 6% annually. Read more about the potential impact at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-house-bill-1334-would-allow-municipalities-to-increase-property-taxes-significantly #ClarkCountyWa #localnews #Vancouver #HouseBill1334 #HB1334 #propertytaxes #taxincrease #WashingtonPolicyCenter #inflation #ConsumerPriceIndex #governmentspending #taxpolicy #economicimpact
Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center examines the ongoing failures of Washington's Employment Security Department, highlighting inefficiencies, lack of transparency, and the need for further reforms. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-employment-security-department-still-is-unable-to-meet-its-obligations #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #WashingtonState #EmploymentSecurityDepartment #ESDfailures #unemployment #governmentaccountability #publicrecords #fraudprevention #smallbusiness #localnews
David Boze from the Washington Policy Center explores how government policies impact businesses, taxation, and education in Clark County. From economic regulations to civic engagement, his latest column highlights key policy debates. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-wa-progressives-lost-in-2024-they-just-dont-know-it.
Elizabeth New (Hovde) from the Washington Policy Center critiques Senate Bill 5041, a proposal to provide UI benefits to striking workers, calling it a costly burden on businesses. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-make-employers-pay-striking-workers-too-silly on www.ClarkCountyToday.com #LocalNews #ClarkCountyWa #SenateBill5041 #UIBenefits #BusinessChallenges
Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center critiques House Bill 1217, arguing that rent control policies fail to address Washington's housing crisis. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-rent-control-is-back-and-this-time-it-means-it #Vancouver #WashingtonState #ClarkCounty #LocalNews #RentControl #HousingMarket #RentalRegulations #HousingAffordability #PropertyOwners #EconomicPolicy #WashingtonLegislation
Pam Lewison, with the Washington Policy Center, shares her perspective on eliminating Washington's sales tax on farm equipment and how Senate Bill 5092 could benefit the state's farmers and ranchers. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-new-bill-highlights-need-for-sales-tax-removal on www.ClarkCountyToday.com #Vancouver #ClarkCountyWa #farmingequipment #salesTax #localnews
Elizabeth New of the Washington Policy Center analyzes voter priorities and legislative challenges as the 2025 session begins. Visit https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-legislature-convenes-monday-priorities-pessimism-and-political-realities on www.ClarkCountyToday.com for more. #LegislativeSession2025 #ClarkCountyWa #LocalNews #TaxPolicy
Bill Radke discusses the week’s news with PubliCola’s Erica Barnett, Seattle Times David Kroman, and Washington Policy Center’s Paul Guppy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark Zuckerberg pledges a renewed commitment to free speech on Meta's platforms. Donald Kimball of the Washington Policy Center breaks down what these changes mean. Visit https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-metas-mark-zuckerberg-recommits-to-free-speech www.ClarkCountyToday.com for the full story. #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #LocalNews #Meta #FreeSpeech #MarkZuckerberg