Democrats have managed to make Washington State an unfriendly place for business – according to a recent survey conducted by Chief Executive. The survey ranked Washington 46th out of 50 states for business friendliness, with only New Jersey, Illinois, New York, and California being worse. Years of Democrats’ tax-and-spend agenda have managed to drive businesses to relocate. Specifically, as the Washington Policy Center points out, the punitive tax structure includes the Business and Occupation (B&O) tax on gross receipts and a recently implemented capital gains income tax.

The B&O tax, which accounts for 19.1% of the taxes businesses pay, is based on gross revenue without deductions for costs, meaning even unprofitable businesses must pay. The capital income gains tax, which affects small business owners selling their businesses to fund retirement, further incentivizes businesses to make their escape out of Washington. And, as we here at Shift WA recently pointed out, high sales taxes, especially in Seattle and Tacoma, are discouraging businesses from operating in Washington.

As the Washington Policy Center warns, the state’s high unemployment rate of 4.9% could worsen due to this unfriendly tax environment. Perhaps it’s time for Democrats to seriously consider cutting the sales tax and repealing the capital gains tax to attract businesses and create jobs – but we aren’t holding our breath for a change of heart. Read more at the Washington Policy Center.

Yet another consequence of Democrats’ anti-law enforcement policies is hitting hard. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department Corrections Bureau is facing a staffing crisis as over 40% of its deputies are nearing retirement age, with 43% being over 50 years old. According to a recent report, the aging workforce, coupled with the demands of working in corrections, is leading to morale and mental health challenges. The bureau has seen a net loss in staff since 2021, with 42 separations in 2022 and a continued loss in 2023, despite some new hires. Retirement is a major factor for deputies’ decision to part ways. And, as we have seen in Seattle’s police force, the use of overtime has been high due to the need to cover vacant positions and meet new state training requirements – which adds more strain on the budget. If only Democrats hadn’t spent years demonizing our men and women in uniform… Read more at The Center Square.

Our friends over at the Citizen Action Defense Fund (CADF) are appealing a Division II Court of Appeals decision to the Washington Supreme Court after their initial trial win in Thurston County Superior Court was overturned. The case involves CADF’s lawsuit against Washington state’s Office of Financial Management (OFM) for not disclosing records related to secret negotiations between the Governor’s Office and public sector unions, resulting in nearly $1 billion in salary and benefits increases. While Thurston County Superior Court ruled in CADF’s favor, stating that these records should be public once agreements are posted online, the appellate court reversed this decision, citing the deliberative process exemption. CADF – rightfully – argues this undermines the Public Records Act and government transparency. The Washington Supreme Court is considering whether to review the case, with a decision expected within four months. Read more at Center Square.

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn came out on top in the recent Council debate, securing a unanimous vote to keep the juvenile detention center open. Despite Executive Dow Constantine’s push for a “no locks, no cells” future, Dunn stood firm, emphasizing that some youth are simply too dangerous to let loose. Dunn pointed to a 146% spike in violent felony filings since 2021 as proof that now is not the time to go soft on crime. The reality is that while alternative programs might work for lower-level offenders, violent juveniles need to be kept in detention for public safety.

Dunn also did not shy away from criticizing Constantine’s vision, calling it unrealistic and even accusing nonprofits of having financial motives behind their support for closing the jail. While support is needed to help troubled youth, for those committing serious crimes, the detention center is necessary. It’s a crucial part of keeping the community safe – and for victims to obtain justice. Read more at Fox 13.

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

• Judge Dave Larson joins the podcast to discuss his run for the Washington State Supreme Court, his journey into law, and the realities of judicial elections. He also touches on bias in the judiciary, legal news on ballot initiatives, and whether legal shows get it right. Finally, he shares ideas for improving the justice system.
• 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.

Subscribe now and don’t miss out on these critical discussions!

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