WA Cares Director Ben Veghte was recently faced with the challenge of calming lawmakers after the Employment Security Department (ESD) caused panic by claiming that 25% of WA Cares revenue was being swallowed by administrative costs. Veghte insisted this was a misunderstanding, emphasizing that the program’s administrative expenses were a “tiny fraction” of the $1.3 billion collected in its first year. But confusion spread when ESD’s Ibrahim Dembele confirmed during a meeting that 25% was being retained—prompting shock from even Democrat State Sen. Karen Keiser and others. However, it turns out this 25% refers to a contingency reserve based on appropriations, not actual revenue. The real administrative costs were $31.2 million, or just 2.25% of revenue.

Even so, as the Washington Policy Center pointed out, millions are still being wasted. The state has spent nearly $5 million on a pointless marketing campaign for a program that workers are forced to fund whether they like it or not. The outreach spending, which includes ads, mailers, and website development, continues to rise despite voters being set to decide on Initiative 2124 in November, which could make WA Cares optional. Of course, the idea of “creating affinity” for a mandatory program is absurd, especially when its solvency is already in question. Regardless of whether it’s 25% or 2.25%, WA Cares’ administrative costs reflect a bloated and inefficient program that delivers little value while burning through taxpayer dollars. Read more at the Washington Policy Center.

The Washington state Democratic Party is showing their hypocrisy again. The party that claims to defend democracy is attempting to remove Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from the state’s November ballot. And they have the support from national Democratic leaders to do it. They plan to appeal the secretary of state’s decision to allow Kennedy on the ballot, arguing his campaign failed to follow legal procedures. The state Democratic Party claims the 4,181 signatures Kennedy submitted were not gathered at a valid convention as required by law. Under Washington law, minor party presidential candidates must collect at least 1,000 signatures at conventions held between May and July. The legal challenge will be filed in Thurston County Superior Court, and the Democratic National Committee is covering the costs. Kennedy’s campaign has not commented but is working on getting him on ballots in all 50 states. State law mandates a swift legal process for such challenges, requiring a court decision within five days of filing. So much for Democrats’ and “protecting democracy.” Read more at Washington State Standard.

The race for Washington’s Commissioner of Public Lands remains unresolved as an automatic recount begins. Former Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler has secured a spot in the general election, but the second position is still contested between Democrat Dave Upthegrove and Republican Sue Kuehl Pederson, who are separated by just 0.05%. About 15,000 votes are still in play, including 3,500 being counted and 9,000 challenged mainly due to signature issues.

The Commissioner of Public Lands oversees 6 million acres of state land and is crucial in wildfire response, recreation, and conservation – something that Democrats have grossly mishandled in our state for years. The recount process is expected to take 10 to 14 days, with a notable increase in voter turnout anticipated for the November general election. Campaigns are actively working to correct and resubmit challenged ballots. Read more at Fox13.

Far-left gubernatorial hopeful, Bob Ferguson, recently sent out a fundraising email with the following subject line: “I have to be honest with you.” We have one question for Bob: If true, why is it so hard for Bob Ferguson to tell the truth?”

Have you subscribed to the new Shift WA podcast yet? We’ve already released three full episodes, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive:

• The hosts break down the results of the Washington state primary election. Why are people reflexively voting for Cantwell? What did we learn in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th congressional races? They touch on all those federal questions and pontificate about the major state races including OSPI, commissioner of public lands, and that other one.
• David Olson talks about his bid for the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, including the role of OSPI, implications of I-2081, and his approaches to learning loss and school tech policies. He also addresses rising anti-Semitism in schools and the need for more apprenticeships.
• Jacquelin Maycumber outlines her campaign for the 5th congressional district, her reasons for running, and her views on Congress’s role. She covers national debt, entitlement reform, the border crisis, and offers insights on the Jones Act.

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