A “whistleblower” at the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) claims that a senior official “promoted and permitted” changes to the department’s computer system which  left thousands of taxpayers’ information unsecured and allowed the historic theft of $576 million to take place. The Puget Sound Business Journal obtained a copy of the whistleblower’s June letter to the Washington State Auditor’s office, which stated that the actions by the “senior official” took place on April 4^th and 5^th , and led to more than 86,000 fraudulent payments being made by Governor  Jay Inslee’s hand-picked ESD team.  Joining the FBI, US Attorney’s office, and other federal agencies, the Washington State Auditor’s office (run by Democrat Pat McCarthy) is investigating the failure of the Inslee Administration to protect taxpayer funds and allowing one of the largest heists in American history to take place. The Auditor’s office will release its initial report on the investigation in December, (conveniently) after the general election.  Yet one must wonder, if an on-going investigation into this colossal failure will hurt Governor Inslee’s dream of becoming a cabinet member in a possible Biden Administration. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

The recent action by the Washington State Supreme Court, waiving the requirement to pass the bar exam to obtain a state license to practice law, is yet another example of how state regulations “favors the rich while imposing high costs and barriers on workers trying to get a job.”  This is the observation of a new report from the Washington Policy Center.  The justices  determined it was too tough for aspiring attorneys to study for the exam due in part to (we are not making this up) loud noises caused by the CHAZ occupation, and let the fortunate ones who were already signed up for the bar exam a pass. Yet, other government entities are continuing to make it more difficult for low-income workers to obtain state permission to make a living.  The Department of Licensing has had numerous computer failings, which have caused many who are seeking jobs to be denied the ability to receive the necessary state certification.  While future wealthy attorneys are garnered privilege due to their elite connections with the justices, the Inslee Administration’s failures make it more difficult for lower income individuals.  (It is ironic to note that while our state’s private industry is leading the world in computer technology, the Inslee Administration has recently had serious computer errors in multiple state departments and agenciesy, most notoriously at the Employment Security Department and Department of Corrections.) (Washington Policy Center)

The parents of special needs children are suing controversial Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, alleging the state is not meeting its paramount duty of public education during the coronavirus pandemic.  The lawsuit also claims the state is shifting its responsibilities to educate children onto the parents, which often causes financial hardship by keeping parents from work. The attorney for the parents stated, “The parents who brought this case are very concerned that these rules have relaxed the requirements for a basic education in Washington.”  The parents are seeking to have Governor Inslee’s emergency rules for education invalidated by the courts. (KNKX Radio)

The Oregon Legislature wrapped up a one-day special session to repair a $1.2 billion revenue shortfall in its budget.  Meanwhile, north of the Columbia River, Washington State Governor Inslee and cowardly Democrat legislators are stubbornly refusing to call a special session (even though it is required by law) to fix the $4 billion revenue shortfall in the Washington State’s own budget.  Maybe the difference is that the Oregon Legislature decided to cut spending and use reserve funds to compensate for lost revenues, while the Democrats in Washington State want to impose more taxes and to do so before the election could cause them difficulties in November. (KGW and Washington Policy Center)

Acting without legislative approval, and questionable legal authority, Governor Inslee has set aside $40 million dollars in federal money for undocumented workers to receive benefits, due to lost wages from the coronavirus outbreak.  It is estimated that 240,000 individuals are in Washington State without legal authorization.  These people were previously not eligible to receive federal benefits for lost wages through the CARES Act, which passed Congress in the spring. However, Governor Inslee’s administration has found a loophole that it claims will allow it to use federal money in a way that was expressly forbidden in the law passed by Congress. (YakTriNews)

In a Facebook post, House Republican Leader J.T, Wilcox revealed he had the coronavirus.  Despite being extremely cautious and limiting his interactions with others, he caught the virus and was sick for about five days and has been in self quarantine.  Even though he is officially done with the isolation period, he will continue to stay at home just to make sure. (J.T. Wilcox Facebook post)

Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best’s decision to retire was caused by the members of the Seattle City Council failing to consult her as they considered slashing the police budget and for demonstrating a lack of respect for members of the police department. The chief said during a news conference with Mayor Jenny Durkan that she was also upset that many of the new officers the department has hired will be laid off due to the council’s actions, and these officers provide significant diversity to the department.  (Seattle Times)

Seattle Police Officers Guild president says Left-wing activists are “running the show” in the city as Seattle will lay off 100 officers.  Mike Solan stated in a radio interview, “We’re not in a good place in our city due to political pandering by the fringe majority of the Seattle City Council that, unfortunately, have our entire reasonable community of Seattle citizens basically at the mercy of their unreasonable activism.” (MyNorthwest)

The Pierce County Sheriff Department is offering $10,000 bonuses to new applicants, as it seeks “higher caliber candidates” to fill 15 spots this week and nine more will likely be hired soon.  A recent study revealed that the sheriff’s department was understaffed and recommended hiring up to 85 individuals. The department is seeking experienced law enforcement personnel who do not requiring five months of training to begin serving.  It is a good guess that many Seattle police officers are now looking at these positions. (News Tribune)

Snohomish County health officials say tracing has shown that most new coronavirus cases are the result of younger people failing to follow health guidelines.  Tracing has also shown that 18 locations (including two adult family homes and a food processing plant) were the source of most of the outbreaks during the recent spike in cases. (Everett Herald)

The Spokane School District will offer distance learning at school buildings for elementary students who want it.  This new policy will likely be popular among working families (especially single-parent households) since they previously were forced to decide between work or taking an active role in their children’s education and staying home with them during the day. (Spokesman-Review)

The failure of the Clinton/Gore spotted owl plan has left just one pair of “nesting” owls in Chelan County.  While the controversial plan impacted thousands of lives and made ghost towns out of several communities, it has done little to save the owls.  The spotted owls are now being pushed out of their habitat by “their cousins”, the more aggressive barred owl. (Wenatchee World)

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