During these down times, those of us at Shift thought our readers might appreciate a few book recommendations.  Occasionally we will highlight reading materials which we have found to be very interesting.  Today, we highlight a couple of excellent works from people who have been leaders in American foreign policy – Condoleezza Rice and Nikki Haley. (Shift)

Due to the constraints placed on state businesses from the coronavirus outbreak, many are recommending that Governor Inslee waive the state’s B&O tax on those impacted by the restrictions.  The recommendations are mostly for businesses in the food and drink industry, entertainment, and hospitality sectors.  The Seattle Chamber has released a quick study which projected the outbreak could impact 40% of the region’s jobs.  Even though most of these jobs and wages will return after the emergency passes, many businesses could face difficult times and governments at all levels will need to pass measures to re-invigorate the economy.  The recommendations are for this waiver to begin retroactively to March 1^st and run until 30 days after the Governor lifts the restrictions.  (Washington Policy Center and Puget Sound Business Journal)

Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman has asked Governor Jay Inslee to cancel the April 28^th special elections.  The election is scheduled to take place April 28^th in 18 counties to decide the fate of local bond levies.  Wyman has asked for the cancelation due to possible problems with “mail processing, voter registration, canvassing results, and certifying an election.”  Wyman is suggesting the ballot measures be rescheduled and included on either the August primary or November general election ballot. (Seattle Times)

The Northwest Republican Community Fund (NWRCF) is supporting the efforts of Hopelink to help those experiencing wage loss due to coronavirus.  If you are able, we encourage you to consider joining the effort to help our neighbors.  NWRCF will match each donation up to $250. Click here to make your donation. (NWRCF email and website)

The Washington Policy Center has organized a webpage where it is posting several policy recommendations for the state to make regarding coronavirus.  Suggestions are for during the emergency and for when the health crisis passes.  It is good to see that many people are already discussing what needs to be done to reduce the long-term impact of the outbreak. (Washington Policy Center)

Plastic grocery bag bans are being criticized, as re-usable grocery bags could be carriers of the coronavirus disease.  Across the country, many local municipalities and states (including Washington) have passed  legislative restrictions on plastic grocery bags due to pressure from the environmental community.  While there is a legitimate debate on whether eliminating plastic grocery bags is actually good for the environment, the possibility that re-usable bags could actually spread the disease has many people rethinking the impact of the bans. (Wall Street Journal)

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has asked that its case against the City of Seattle and its homeless policies be dropped because the liberal legal group is unable to find its plaintiffs.  The ACLU had filed the case in federal court on behalf of two homeless individuals who lost possessions during the cleanup of a homeless encampment. (Seattle Times)

Some creative musicians are finding ways to make money by performing on the internet.  With public shows being cancelled, innovative artists are finding creative ways to reach their audiences and receive much needed funds. (MyNorthwest)

Federal agencies held the first teleconference forum to receive public input on their draft study regarding the Snake River dams.  The draft recommended alternative water spillage techniques to assist the salmon heading downstream and opposed breeching the dams.  Due to coronavirus, the forums were switched from in-person gatherings to ones where people provided their testimony over the phone.  The process was awkward for many, as there were often long stretches where no one spoke.  There will be five more teleconferences over the next couple of weeks. (Northwest Public Broadcasting)

93% of Spokane County residents will pay more in property taxes this year than they did in 2019.  While some residents are paying more due to an increased assessed value of their property, most of the tax hike is due to the state’s increased education funding and from voter-approved local bond measures.  (Spokesman-Review)

The Washington State Democrat Party is using partisan attacks during the pandemic crises to criticize Republicans for being partisan during the pandemic crises.  In a very clear case of the pot calling the kettle black, Washington State Democrat Chair Tina Podlodowski blasted out an email to criticize state and national Republicans for being partisan during the current the national health crises.  Does she not realize that she is doing the exact same thing?  People are expecting our institutions (like political parties) to rise above divisive politics and work together this national health crises. Can Tina and her party activists do that? (Washington State Democrat Party email)

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