Governor Inslee stubbornly continues to ignore requests to redefine commercial home construction as an “essential business” (as it is in all but 5 other states) during the “stay at home” declaration.  This is especially curious since the governor is allowing construction to continue on projects funded by government money (like low-income housing, transportation projects, and government buildings).  Governor Inslee has not yet revealed how it has been determined that the coronavirus is more likely to impact one construction site over another based solely on where the money is coming from to pay the workers. (Bisnow)

As expected, Democrat lawmakers are using COVID-19 as another feeble excuse to raise taxes to pay for their uncontrollable appetite for even bigger state government.  Instead of saving money during the last decade with a strong economy, Democrats chose to increase the state spending by 75% since 2013.  Democrats are again talking about imposing a state income tax on capital gains (ahem, an excise tax, say the liberals), yet they refuse to admit 1) that their “excise” tax is considered an “income tax” by all other states and the IRS, and is thus unconstitutional in Washington State; and 2) that it is an unstable source of revenue (as California has found out). (Washington Policy Center)

Many students and parents are curious about the timing of the announcement, by Governor Inslee and Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, that schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year.  This is especially difficult for high school seniors who may be denied their senior proms and graduation ceremonies.  With nearly four weeks remaining on the current stay-at-home declaration, and two months remaining in the school year, some have wondered why more time wasn’t taken before making this fateful decision. (Everett Herald)

Maia Espinoza – now a candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction — writes an op-ed in which she blames our current state leaders for not embracing online education technology, which could have reduced many of the education problems we are facing during the COVID-19 stay-at-home period.  Despite school budgets nearly doubling in recent years, education leaders have used “equity” as an excuse to not incorporate more online technology into our schools.  Espinoza writes, “If the excuse for our lack of innovation is about equity, why don’t we allocate resources for students that need it most in the same way we provide free and reduced lunch? I argue we should be finding ways to lift all students up.” (Spokesman-Review)

Washington Education Association (WEA) President Larry Delaney put out a (self-serving) statement regarding Governor Inslee and Superintendent Reykdal’s announcement that schools will be closed for the remainder of the school year.  As usual, Delaney promoted the teachers’ union’s false declaration that “WEA members are up to the task because we always put our students at the center of what we do.”  Really?  It is hard to accept it is for the students’ benefit when teachers go on illegal strikes every year and when teachers’ double-digit pay raises force school districts to cut education programs.  But it is especially hard to accept during COVID-19 crisis, when the WEA has historically fought the implementation of online education programs which are now the primary vehicle for educating students.  Washington schools (especially in Seattle) lag far behind many states when it comes to online education programs. (The Stand)

The Washington Policy Center will be revealing details of their new program, “Free Markets Create”, during its weekly webinar on Wednesday morning. The program is aimed at young people who have never been informed on the benefits of a free-market economy and are thus more susceptible to the lies of socialism.  All can join in on the webcast Wednesday at 10:00 AM. (Washington Policy Center)

Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman will be holding a Zoom Fundraiser for her re-election campaign on Friday morning (4/10), with special guests former Attorney General Rob McKenna and Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier.  The suggested donation is $40, but any contribution is appreciated.  For additional information click here or email [email protected]. (Kim Wyman for Secretary of State campaign)

For those seeking a slice of normalcy during this very “abnormal” spring, Girl Scout cookies can still be purchased online and delivered to your door. While door-to-door sales and stands outside retail stores have been suspended due to COVID-19, consumers can still purchase cookies at the Girl Scouts website.  The organization is also accepting donations to provide cookies to first responders and health care workers. (Seattle PI and Girl Scouts)

Regional business leaders from Amazon, Microsoft, Costco, and Google have donated more than $20 million to the University of Washington’s coronavirus testing program.  Currently the lab is handling 2,000 test a day, with patients receiving results in 6 – 24 hours. The UW facility is hoping to provide 5,000 tests daily by the end of this week. The Paul G. Allen Foundation has provided $2 million to assist homeless people dealing with COVID-19.  (Seattle Times)

Seattle Councilmembers Kshama Sawant and Tammy Morales proposed their latest job-killing tax measure to the full city council on Monday.  The legislation would impose a 1.3% payroll tax on companies with more than $7 million dollars in payroll, to fund more failed social programs (which are more accurately described as measures to enlarge the size and power of city government). The council did though snub Sawant by not having the bill referred to a committee she chairs, but instead sending it to the Budget Committee chaired by a different almost as far-left council member. (Seattle Times)

54% of Seattle’s property value is in the downtown core, yet liberal criminal “justice” and homelessness policies are driving customers and businesses away.  As fewer customers come to downtown Seattle because of rampant criminal, drug, and homelessness issues, more businesses are considering closing their doors.  The result will be fewer tax dollars  to pay for the liberal social policies which have created many of the problems. (Seattle Business Magazine)

The Yakima Herald has joined the loud chorus of voices asking Governor Inslee to rethink his COVID-19 construction measures, which selfishly benefit government projects while punishing commercial and residential developers.  The Herald called Inslee’s actions “misguided” and stated if Inslee reversed his position it “would put thousands of people back to work and remove them from unemployment lines, including people in peripheral lines of work — those who sell or rent construction equipment, for instance.” (Yakima Herald)

Farmers are rightfully being recognized for their efforts to maintain the nation’s food supply chain during the coronavirus outbreak.  In Washington, and around the country, farm workers have continued to plant, harvest, store, and transport food to citizens who are currently confined to their homes.  Vice President Mike Pence said, “We are grateful for our farmers who are working around the clock to keep the food supply rolling.”  Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue added, “For all you producers on the front line out there, again farmers and ranchers, thank you. Keep doing what you’re doing, and America is grateful and so am I.” (Washington AG Network)

Many small businesses are donating their time, resources, and money to helping out during the crisis.  Dutch Brothers Coffee has announced it will donate 100% of its April profits to First Responders First charity. (YakTriNews)

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