Washington raced to spend down its $2.5 billion in federal COVID relief funds faster than any other state, but in its rush, it missed the mark on what mattered most: academic recovery. While other states used their relief funds to target math and reading recovery, helping students bounce back from COVID learning losses, Washington chose to prioritize sustaining operations and keeping staff on payroll. The result? A bloated system with fewer students and little academic progress to show for it.

Instead of carefully scrutinizing district plans to ensure funds went toward helping kids catch up, state officials let districts use the money to fill budget gaps. The state’s decision to maintain the status quo, rather than demand results, meant millions were spent on administrative needs rather than solutions for struggling students. Other states aggressively pushed funds toward math and reading recovery, and they’re now seeing real gains. Washington? Not so much.

In its rush to spend billions, Washington kept its school systems afloat but completely fumbled the opportunity to leverage those funds for true academic recovery. Now, with the money gone, the state lags behind while others that focused on academic outcomes are reaping the rewards. Read more at the Washington State Standard.

In the recent debate for Washington’s 5th Congressional District, Republican Michael Baumgartner went head-to-head with Democrat Carmela Conroy, who appeared more focused on government intervention than practical solutions for economic challenges. While Baumgartner emphasized the need to rein in reckless spending and proposed privatizing the Transportation Security Administration to reduce costs, Conroy failed to even acknowledge the root causes of inflation. While Baumgartner presented actionable economic reforms, Conroy’s proposals leaned heavily on government solutions that would require more inflation-inducing spending. And, of course, Conroy relied on many of the same-old Democrat “promises” to court voters, including forgiving student debt – completely ignoring the implications to working families who did not attend college. Another Democrat, another same-old, failed policy. Read more at the Spokesman Review.

In some insane local news, federal investigators have identified Matelita “Marty” Jackson, a former Seattle activist, as a key player in a nationwide fentanyl trafficking ring, labeling her a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” This criminal organization, allegedly run by two brothers, operated out of Jackson’s home, where her family reportedly stored drugs and firearms. Documents suggest Jackson laundered money from the fentanyl trade using her personal accounts.

Previously, she gained attention as the executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of King County SE Network SafetyNet Program, though (surprise, surprise) her information has now vanished from the organization’s webpage. According to Fox 13, following her arrest, the mayor’s office met with the Boys and Girls Clubs to discuss the fallout, but details remain under wraps. Seattle Public Schools has also halted any plans with the SE Network SafetyNet program, pending further information. Jackson is currently out on bond. Read more at Fox 13.

Surprise, surprise: Seattle’s far-left leaders are rallying to protect the Democrats’ beloved cap-and-tax scheme, known as the Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The city council, in a 7-0 vote, came out swinging against Initiative 2117, which would finally put an end to this costly program that’s been jacking up gas prices in the name of “clean energy.” Councilmember Morales proudly boasted about Seattle grabbing $26 million from the CCA for things like electric heat pumps, while ignoring the fact that working families are footing the bill through higher fuel costs. Instead of looking for solutions that actually make life more affordable, Seattle’s leadership is once again doubling down on their costly, ineffective policies. Read more at Center Square.

The Tacoma News Tribune recently asked the question, “Can you get arrested for taking down a campaign sign from someone’s yard?” Short answer: yes.

Long Answer: With the 2024 election nearing, campaign signs are popping up everywhere but removing them isn’t just rude—it’s illegal. Washington state law (RCW 29A.84.040) makes it a crime to remove or deface lawfully placed political signs, even in your own neighborhood. Each sign taken down counts as a separate violation, and offenders can face misdemeanor charges, punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $1,000 fine. Read more here.

The Washington Policy Center (WPC) has released new Citizens’ Guides to the four major initiatives on the Washington state ballot. These guides provide clear, factual analysis of each issue, including the background, potential impacts, and arguments for and against each initiative. The guides cover topics such as repealing the Climate Commitment Act, making WA Cares optional, repealing the state’s capital gains income tax, and laws affecting natural gas use. You can find them all here.

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