Supporters of I-1631, the latest in a long line of carbon tax schemes, turned in signatures to qualify for the fall 2018 ballot. If passed, the “fee” (sponsors don’t like to call it a “tax” even though, you know, it’s a tax) would start at $15 per metric ton of carbon – the equivalent of a 14 cents per gallon gas tax – and quickly rise to the equivalent of 40 cents a gallon. (Seattle Times)

Despite historic levels of revenue, lawmakers are still imposing unfunded mandates on local governments, writes Jason Mercier with the Washington Policy Center. Voters have even passed laws saying that unfunded mandates are illegal in our state. Mercier takes a look at why these mandates keep cropping up. (Tri-City Herald)

The Seattle Times Editorial Board wants to see more transparency from the Port of Seattle involving a $500,000 payment to its top lawyer following a sexual harassment allegation. “Spending large amounts of tax dollars based on secret complaints and undisclosed internal reviews is not good public policy.” (Seattle Times)

During a trip to Spokane, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue assured farmers the government will help those affected by the President’s tariffs. Perdue said the USDA is looking into buying crops that might suffer in the market, “That’s’ where we [taxpayers] buy crops that don’t have a place to go and give them to school lunch programs and food banks.” (NW News Network)

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.