If one is to stick to facts, it is indisputable that the state of Washington has a sizable surplus of revenue, due to the booming economy. “Our collecting $8.6 billion of new revenue this biennium doesn’t’t necessarily mean we have $8.6 billion to spend, because some of that’s already been committed,” Stokesbary said. “And I don’t dispute that. But, even after you account for what’s already been committed and then look ahead for the next two years, as well — even after you account for all of that, we still have a very healthy surplus.” Despite the billions in extra revenue, Democrats will still contend new taxes (like an income tax) are necessary. (Washington State Wire)

“If the levy were to pass, it would kill a plan the Legislature hammered out in 2017 in response to the Supreme Court’s 2012 McCleary decision.” Democrats are moving forward with a bill to raise property taxes all so they can appease one of their biggest campaign donors, the teachers’ union. “Shifting more school funding responsibility from the state to local taxpayers means the quality of a child’s education will once again be determined by his or her ZIP code,” the board added. (Seattle Times)

The Washington Research Council published a policy brief assessing the value of Democrats’ capital gains income tax. The brief isn’t good news for proponents of the tax. Finding that, “A capital gains tax would be highly volatile.” It would be irresponsible to commit to funding our schools with a source that would see massive percentage swings any given year. Oh, and we shouldn’t forget that the capital gains tax would also be UNCONSTITUTIONAL, which the report notes. (Opportunity Washington)

Roughly everyone in Seattle has at one point announced their intention to run for the Seattle City Council this year. Well, not quite everyone, but more than 50 people have taken steps to run. “But these candidates are bringing a greater diversity of life experience,” said Christian Sinderman, a political consultant with clients in multiple races. Perhaps this is the year Seattle voters elect a few sensible candidates to the council. But we’re not holding our breath.  (Seattle Times)

“The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI)’s unilateral decision to terminate their cooperation with Nickelsville is premature and irresponsible,” read a letter from members of two Community Advisory Councils addressed to Seattle City Council and Mayor Durkan. Members of the council threatened to resign if the Low Income Housing Institute does not renegotiate with Nickelsville, a tiny home village. The initial division between LHI and Nickelsville stemmed from the claim that Nickelsville failed to prioritize transitioning its homeless residents out of villages, and into permanent housing. (MyNorthwest)

Last week the Bainbridge Island City Council voted to extend its building ban until October. “I don’t want to go down this rabbit hole, but I think the basic economics of supply and demand apply,” said Mayor Kol Medina. Followed by Councilmen Ron Peltier saying, “I don’t believe in the supply-and-demand thing when it comes to housing on Bainbridge Island.” Good grief. (Bainbridge Island Review)

Yesterday the Spokane City Council heard two initiatives submitted by Better Spokane that would bar the city from ever passing an income tax and require the city’s unions to make their negotiations public. “It’s a win-win across the board,” said Better Spokane Director Michael Cathcart. “We know the public really wants transparency.” (Spokesman-Review)

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