Rep. Jim Walsh (R-Aberdeen) says one of 2018’s biggest disappointments was Democrats draining the state’s Rainy Day Fund. “During the House floor debate on this gimmick, I called it something ‘only Bernie Madoff could love.’ It sets a very bad precedent that might allow other shady budget gimmicks in the future,” he wrote in an op-ed. (The Daily World)

A report from the Legislature’s McCleary committee argues that the state has now fully met its constitutional obligation to fully fund basic education. The report to the state Supreme Court notes that funding for K-12 education has grown substantially since the McCleary ruling, rising from $13.4 billion in the 2011-13 biennium to $26.7 billion in the 2019-21 biennium. (Washington State Wire)

On a 9-8 vote, 29th District Democrats asked Rep. David Sawyer (D-Tacoma) to resign or not seek re-election after allegations of inappropriate and harassing behavior. Eight women accused Sawyer of crossing professional boundaries and engaging in inappropriate behavior, including suggestive electronic messaging and comments with sexual overtones. Dissenters at the meeting said an official investigation should conclude before asking Sawyer to step aside. (Washington State Wire)

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan wants in-city tolls, and she ordered the city bureaucracy to get to work on it. Durkan points to “congestion pricing” schemes such as London’s, and said the tolls are necessary to reduce traffic and “really restrict some of those greenhouse gases that are released in the urban corridor.” (Seattle Times)

Former governor Dan Evans filed a brief in Washington’s long-running culverts case, arguing the state’s appeal inflames racial conflict with tribes. On behalf of the state, Attorney General Bob Ferguson appealed the scope of a ruling ordering the state to replace culverts to enhance fish runs, but Evans worries in his brief that the state’s appeal adds to “racial tension” between sport fishers and tribal members. Former attorney general Rob McKenna also filed a brief, this one in support of the state’s appeal, on behalf of state county and city associations.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is partnering with Washington State University to form the Institutes for Nuclear Science and Technology, Advanced Grid and Bioproducts. Proponents believe the venture will drive innovation and prepare a new workforce to tackle thorny issues in areas such as nuclear energy and cybersecurity. (Tri-City Herald)

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