“Democrats represent urban areas,” new House Republican leader J.T. Wilcox said. “It’s hard for them to take into account rural Washington.” A longtime advocate for economic growth around the state, not just Seattle, Wilcox said in Port Angeles that too often the wealthy urban parts of the state try to tell rural areas “what their opportunities are supposed to be. That’s where we really want to bring balance back.” (Peninsula Daily News)

The Yakima Herald editorial board warns Democrats may pay a political price after using a budget ‘gimmick’ to pay for parts of their budget. Democrats raided the constitutionally-protected Rainy Day Fund, despite billions in growing state tax revenue from a strong economy. (Yakima Herald-Republic)

Yesterday Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon (D-Seattle) announced that he will not run for retiring Senate Majority Leader Sharon Nelson’s 34th District seat. There doesn’t appear to be a clear front-runner, as the other 34^th District House member, Rep. Eileen Cody (D-Seattle), is unlikely to make a jump to the other chamber. (Washington State Wire)

After the cost of Seattle’s latest streetcar project ballooned to over 130% of initial estimates, the interim director of Seattle’s Department of Transportation said that the project is “an example of probably…how a project perhaps should not have been managed.” SDOT Interim Director Goran Sparrman later admitted he doesn’t know how much the project will actually cost. Some believe that estimates about how much it costs to run the streetcars are also low-balled. (My Northwest)

A six-member King County committee is recommending that county judges and prosecutors no longer oversee inquests into the police use of deadly force. The panel also recommends giving jurors the option to hear statements from various attorneys, including those representing the families of those killed by police. (Seattle Times)

Seattle is in a holding pattern on its unconstitutional income tax, months after a King County Superior judge ruled it illegal. This year’s costs “will be limited to planning efforts,” said spokeswoman Cyndi Wilder. “We do not anticipate major technology expenditures or hiring of additional staff.” The city previously assumed a $13 million software program and as many as 50 new city staff would be needed to implement the tax. (Seattle Times)

A free center is now available for Hanford workers and their families to receive guidance on how to navigate the different Hanford health screening and compensation programs. The center is a partnership among the Department of Energy, DOE’s Hanford contractors and other organizations. (Tri-City Herald)

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