Legislators at any level seek clarity. Bills (most of the time) are written with an eye toward removing ambiguity. Lawmakers hate to see their legislative babies shepherded through the process only to … [Read more...]
How Democrats will try to block workers from leaving government unions
The U.S. Supreme Court’s Janus decision is a pretty “big _______ deal,” as Joe Biden might put it (if he liked it). The court decided government employees cannot be forced to support a union as a … [Read more...]
In a week of big stories, don’t overlook Jay Inslee’s huge failure
True, this crazy world never stops spinning, but still – this week was notable. Among many state and national stories packing a wallop: The 4th-ranked House Democrat, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY), … [Read more...]
Unions in Washington trying to lock workers into dues, prevent them from leaving – again
To say that leaders of government employee unions are nervously awaiting next week’s Janus ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court isn’t quite accurate. What they’re nervously awaiting is the fallout from … [Read more...]
Council can’t admit it: Jobs tax failed because it was unpopular from the start
Give Kshama Sawant one thing: The Seattle city councilmember and Socialist Alternative leader might be wrong on just about everything, but she shares her wrong-headed opinions with a confident … [Read more...]
With McCleary case finally over, everyone relieved, everyone disappointed
11 years ago, a group of public school parents filed suit over state education funding. Yesterday the state Supreme Court finally ended the McCleary case, as it was known, lifting sanctions against … [Read more...]
Anywhere-but-home is Jay Inslee’s favorite place to be
Jay Inslee is garnering more and more mentions nationally as a potential darkhorse candidate for president in 2020. He gets pegged a “darkhorse” because, despite being a state governor, even many … [Read more...]
In fight for Hanford clean-up, “leading” Dems show no leadership
Workers at the Hanford nuclear reservation near Richland got a scare Tuesday. A tunnel at the site partially collapsed. The incident prompted a brief evacuation of the immediate area while officials … [Read more...]
Inslee on bipartisan bill: Nah, the enviros won’t let me
Washington’s Growth Management Act (GMA) is so restrictive that some school districts can’t even find appropriate land for building new schools. In a way, the law is fulfilling its goal: to be greatly … [Read more...]
Democrats don’t even support their own tax increases
No one was shocked when time ran out on the 105-day legislative session with no budget deal in sight. Lawmakers are now in overtime, but House Democrats and Senate Republicans are not yet … [Read more...]
Government sponsored heroin injection sites
In Washington and around the country, opioid abuse is a serious problem. A King County task force is recommending cities open “safe” injection sites where users can inject themselves with an illegal … [Read more...]
Democrats voted against lowering taxes in their districts today
Democrat State Representatives in Washington voted down lowering taxes for many families today when they voted against Representative Drew Stokesbary's amendment to SHB 1843. To help put the vote … [Read more...]