We live in a time dominated by online shopping and fast, free delivery. So, it should come as no surprise the Washington Democrats want to implement a way to tax shoppers – and they’ve hit on it. As the Washington Policy Center recently reported, lawmakers are considering a new delivery fee for every package delivered in the state. Consulting firm CDM Smith, in a study funded by the gas tax, proposed fees ranging from $0.25 to $0.75 per delivery, potentially generating $112 million annually from a $0.30 fee. This fee would be added during online checkout and sent to the state, effectively increasing the state sales tax with significant administrative costs for retailers and the Department of Revenue.

Of course, as Democrats never seem to understand, actions have consequences. The new tax is sure to lead to higher consumer prices, increased taxes, and possibly the end of free delivery services if businesses cannot absorb the extra costs. Seattle recently experience something similar when its $5 delivery fee for food services resulted in a 30% drop in orders, severely impacting local restaurants and prompting the city to reconsider the terrible idea. Read more at the Washington Policy Center.

The latest Rasmussen polling on the Washington governor’s race revealed a tight contest between Bob Ferguson and Dave Reichert, with Ferguson slightly ahead at 33% to Reichert’s 31%. Mark Mullet and Semi Bird lag far behind, with only 5% and 4% support, respectively. Additionally, 5% of respondents indicated they would vote for another candidate, while a significant 21% remain undecided.

But that’s not all the poll revealed. Washington voters – apparently – have a perception of electability problem. When asked who they believe is most likely to be elected governor, 49% of respondents named Ferguson, compared to only 17% for Reichert. The strong belief in Ferguson’s chances of winning may led to low voter turnout for those who would rather not see a far-left ideologue as governor. Ladies and gentlemen, yet another reminder to get out and vote – and make sure friends and family do as well.

Seattle Public Schools’ management has hit a new low with their latest bungling of the school closure process. First, they mismanage the district so severely that they’re forced to consider closing about 20 elementary schools. Then they won’t even reveal which schools are on the chopping block until September, leaving parents in the dark and in suspense right as their kids prepare to return to school.

Superintendent Brent Jones announced that instead of providing a closure list at the recent School Board meeting, he would only discuss the decision-making criteria and the implications of shutting down nearly a quarter of Seattle’s elementary schools. The lack of transparency and concrete information comes after four community meetings – all of which answered little to no questions. Given how poorly Seattle runs everything from law enforcement to education, is anyone really surprised? Read more at The Seattle Times.

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