Podcast appearances and mentions of Washington Policy Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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.

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

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.