“We don’t support using reserves to pay for ongoing operating expenses,” State Treasurer Duane Davidson told WPC following the recommendation by Gov. Inslee to both raise taxes and dip into budget reserves to fund his proposed supplemental budget. “With a robustly growing economy we should be adding to our reserves now, not pulling from them.” (Washington Policy Center)

Democrats are counting on “a modicum of water” to be enough for “rural landowners” in their latest out-of-touch proposal, which is a mere Band-Aid for the problems brought on by the state Supreme Court’s atrocious Hirst decision. (The Spokesman-Review)

Gov. Inslee is already embarrassing himself as chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, declaring that people will soon stop supporting Republicans – that it “just happens organically.” (The Seattle Times)

The City of Seattle paid nearly $50,000 to push its income tax legislation on the people – paying for legal services, economic consultants and a lobbying organization…so much for fair democracy. (MyNorthwest)

“I-405 failure is an option.” Mariya Frost of the Washington Policy Center analyzed the results of the University of Minnesota study on I-405 – reporting conclusions ignored by the Joint Transportation Commission, such as the suggestion that “[Express Toll Lanes] should be terminated as soon as practicable.” (Washington Policy Center)

Seattle’s bike share program will continue on until July, despite initial plans to end the pilot program at the end of this month. The city intends to allow the bike share program to continue operating while they review. (The Seattle Times)

Patricia Lally, Director for the Office for Civil Rights in Seattle, is stepping down – joining many other city officials leaving their posts or being asked to resign following the election of Mayor Jenny Durkan. Lally said she “made the decision before the election,” explaining she “thought this might be an ideal time.” (The Seattle Times)

SDOT Chief Scott Kubly resigned on Friday after coming to a “mutual decision” with Mayor Durkan. Former deputy director of SDOT, Goran Sparrman, has taken up the post of interim director. (The Seattle Times)

A technicality caused 61 of 110 cases to be dismissed following an eight-day prostitution sting in Bellevue. “We’re not stopping. There will be future operations. There may be operations going on right now,” Police Chief Steve Mylett said. (KOMO News)

Pierce County prosecutor Mark Lindquist faces a public hearing by the Washington State Bar Association Disciplinary Board after he went on TV and commented on an ongoing trial. (MyNorthwest)

The Bothell City Council is turning a local golf course into a new city park. The city is buying the 89 acre Wayne Golf Course, with plans to develop the area into a recreational spot. (The Seattle Times)

The Atlantic salmon farm in Port Angeles has been shut down for being unsafe, illegal and for polluting the Sound. “There is no room for negotiation,” state Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz said regarding the closure of Cooke Aquaculture Pacific’s net-pen farm near Ediz Hook. (The Seattle Times)

The federal government has signaled its intent to open discussions with Canada on the Columbia River Treaty. Despite the lack of an expiration date, either country can  cancel provisions in the treaty following September 2024, as long as they give a minimum 10-year notice. (The Seattle Times)

Do you like The Morning Briefing? Forward this to a friend! It helps us grow our community and serve you better.

If you feel we missed something that should be covered, email us at [email protected].

If you don’t want to receive this email each morning, click here to opt-out of The Morning Briefing.