An outside political group pays for one of Gov. Jay Inslee’s climate staffers, while another telecommutes (and sometimes actually commutes) from Morocco. A Wall Street Journal editorial asked of Inslee’s Morocco-based employee, “Perhaps Washington residents should ask who is paying for Chris Davis’ intercontinental carbon emissions.” Another serious question: Just who does the outside-funded employee answer to? (The Seattle Times)

Voters are, unsurprisingly, still not happy with their astronomically high car tab fees, and DOL workers are taking the brunt of it. With Democrats fully in control of Olympia now, taxpayers shouldn’t plan to get much relief anytime soon. (Q13 Fox)

In fact, some regional planners are advocating for even higher car tabs, more toll lanes…or both! The powerful Puget Sound Regional Council delivered its updated draft transportation plan, which imagines close to $40 billion in new taxes, fees and tolls. (Washington Policy Center)

Seattle City Light seems to have developed a bad habit of overcharging its customers. Not surprisingly, the three City Light customers highlighted in the Times say the bureaucratic utility is hard to deal with. (The Seattle Times)

According the Sheriff, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department is understaffed. “Manpower is an issue for us. Resources. Our detectives are spent,” said spokesman Ed Troyer. “They’re working four times as many cases as other agencies. We just kind of hit our limit.” (MyNorthwest)

The Pasco School District is holding information sessions outlining its upcoming levy proposal. The district is asking voters to replace the current two-year maintenance and operations levy, which expires at the end of the year. (Tri-City Herald)

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