“There is no need to create new taxes like the capital gains/income tax and increase the real estate excise tax and business and occupation tax.” That’s the message small business owner and Centralia city councilmember Peter Abbarno has for Governor Inslee. Inslee and Democrats are hoping to use their majorities to pass a number of tax increases this year. (The Daily Chronicle)

Rep. Drew Stokesbary (R-Auburn) thinks the debate about whether college athletes in Washington State should be allowed to profit from their collegiate athletic career is worth having. Today, that debate kicks off when his bill (HB 1084) is heard in the House Committee on College & Workforce Development. “The value they deliver back to the university far exceeds the value of that scholarship,” said Stokesbary. “Maybe Nike wants to pay him $50,000 to be in a billboard near University Village, that would be allowed.” (KING 5)

A father and husband to two sexual abuse survivors, Rep. Dan Griffey is hopeful this could be the year lawmakers pass legislation that would eliminate the state of limitations for certain felony sex crimes. “The pain that (survivors) feel every time they talk about this is just too much to bear. My wife asked this year if maybe … this would be the year that she didn’t have to go bleed her heart in front of the world. I hope it is.” Griffey’s bill, HB 1234, would eliminate the statute of limitations for felony sex crimes like rape, child molestation, incest, and commercial sex abuse of a minor. (Q13 Fox)

The newest member of the Legislature, Republican Alex Ybarra, doesn’t have to spend much time getting the layout of Olympia. The now Representative, has served on several state legislative and task forces and state commissions, and has been active in statewide education policy. Last week county commissioners in the 13^thLegislative District selected Ybarra to replace former Rep. Matt Manweller. From working on issues from water rights to education, Ybarra has plenty of work in front of him. “Lots of late nights. I get in about 6 in the morning and get back to where I’m staying around 10 p.m.,” he said of his typical schedule. “It’s much work, and I’m trying to keep on top of it the best I can.” (Yakima Herald)

The Washington State Supreme Court began hearing arguments on a case examining whether or not presidential electors can vote for a different candidate than the one they originally pledged to vote for. A similar case is being considered in the Federal 10^thCircuit Court of Appeals. Washington State’s case stems from actions by three 2016 electors who were eventually fined $1,000 by the state for violating their party’s voting rules. (Washington State Wire)

WSDOT is spending a whopping $4.4 million taxpayer dollars to tell drivers about the new SR-99 tunnel. A WSDOT spokesperson defended the “Tunnel Direct” paid advertising campaign saying, “When we ask people where they remember seeing information about express toll lanes, paid advertising are one of the top mediums people remember seeing.” They also say that it’s primarily aimed at educating people that there are different entrances and exits for the tunnel. (KIRO 7)

Yesterday, Jenny Durkan announced the nomination of Saad Bashir to lead Seattle’s Information Technology Department. If confirmed by the City Council, the next chief technology officer will oversee an annual budget of more than $250 million. “It’s crucial to have a leader in our IT department that will ensure that our city keeps up with new developments and innovations, and I believe Saad is that leader,” Durkan said. (Seattle Times)

The United State Supreme Court declined to hear a case brought by a Bremerton football coach, Joe Kennedy. The case centered around the questions of whether or not he should be allowed to pray with students on a football field. “He probably doesn’t have any (options) as far as appealing the school district’s original decision,” said former Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna. (My Northwest)

Trisha Wolford, assistant fire chief for the Spokane Fire Department, will be making a cross country trip to begin her next job. Wolford is leaving Spokane to become the chief of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department in Maryland. “We’re not getting these jobs just because we’re women,” she said. “We’re getting them because we have grit and we worked hard and we’re smart.” (Spokesman-Review)

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