Faced with a staggering $10–$12 billion budget shortfall, Washington Democrats are already salivating over new taxes to save their bloated programs. Enter Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson, who claims he’s more interested in cost-cutting than tax hikes—at least for now. How noble.

In a Seattle Times interview, Ferguson spoke of “efficiencies” and “better ways” to manage the government, like a kid pretending to tidy up a house that’s already on fire. He even admitted to questioning the existence of certain state agencies, though conveniently refused to name any. Bold leadership, or just vague hand-waving?

Meanwhile, Ferguson has assembled a massive 53-member transition team. You know, because nothing screams fiscal responsibility like dozens of bureaucrats brainstorming “savings.” Don’t worry, there’s no “revenue subcommittee,” though House Democrats are already floating shiny new taxes, like a wealth tax and a high-salary corporate tax, to plug the gap left by their spending spree.

Outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee handed Ferguson this mess, after a decade of ramped-up spending and policies that shrank tax revenues. Now, Democrats are emboldened by their election wins to double down on “progressive” solutions that make your wallet their solution.

Ferguson, who campaigned on hiring more police, is promising a $100 million grant program for recruitment. That’s rich, considering he ignored public safety during his 12 years as attorney general. But hey, at least it made for good TV ads.

He’s also waffling on progressive pet projects like capping rent increases and giving striking workers unemployment benefits, signaling they might land on his desk for a noncommittal shrug later. And let’s not forget his preemptive legal battle plans against a potential second Trump administration, as if Washingtonians are more concerned about Trump than their skyrocketing costs of living.

Ferguson insists he’ll “rock the status quo” in Olympia. But if his record—and his party’s history—are any indication, expect a tax hike-heavy encore. After all, when the budget’s broken, Democrats’ go-to solution is simple: “It’s your problem now.” Read the article at the Seattle Times here.

Washington lawmakers are revisiting the debate over daylight saving time (DST), with a new push to adopt permanent Pacific Standard Time (PST). Unlike past efforts to switch to year-round DST, this proposal sidesteps federal approval and would end the twice-yearly ritual of changing clocks.

Supporters argue it’s time to ditch the disruptions, pointing to health risks, increased depression, and even $340 million in annual economic costs tied to the time changes. Critics, however, bring up concerns about circadian rhythms, agriculture, and time zone confusion with Oregon and Idaho, which could end up an hour ahead during part of the year.

This latest plan also includes a backup: if Congress ever gets its act together, Washington could still make the move to permanent DST down the road. For now, the proposal offers a straightforward way to keep Washingtonians on a consistent schedule and end the clock chaos once and for all. Read more at Center Square.

Jason Rantz at KTTH is ringing the alarm over Edmonds’ potential move to dissolve its police department and contract services with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO). Facing a $20 million budget hole, the city is considering slashing services, including shuttering its police force—a move the Edmonds Police Association calls a disaster in the making.

This plan has stirred turmoil among officers, who feel blindsided and betrayed, especially since Edmonds’ outgoing police chief, Michelle Bennett, seemed cozy with King County during early talks. Adding to the chaos, officers are already jumping ship, spooked by the uncertainty and lured by better offers from agencies with actual budgets.

The SCSO isn’t thrilled about being Plan B, particularly since they’re short-staffed, with 29 open deputy positions. Even if Edmonds does go this route, only a fraction of its officers would likely make the jump to the sheriff’s office. Most prefer working for a city, not a county, and the thought of contracting with King County has them running for the exits.

Police union president Will Morris argues this mess stems from poor city planning, like splurging on shiny equipment instead of fixing chronic understaffing. While Edmonds officers love serving their community, many feel forced to look elsewhere due to leadership’s inability—or unwillingness—to prioritize public safety over political optics.

Residents, too, are unhappy, particularly after city leaders quietly floated annexing into South County Fire, a move met with vocal opposition. It’s hard to imagine Edmonds locals warming up to losing their own police department, especially given the uncertainty over whether SCSO or King County can fill the void.

For now, as Rantz is urging, perhaps Edmonds should hit the brakes, rethink their priorities, and actually listen to their officers and residents. After all, trading dedicated local policing for a discounted, overburdened county sheriff’s office hardly seems like the bargain city leaders might hope for. Read more at KTTH.

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