Let legislators know what Far-Left policies you would like to see repealed or reduced by participating today in Round 2 of Shift’s Holiday Madness Match-up.  After thousands of Shift readers made their choices in the first round, repeal of the state income tax on capital gains and repeal of the long-term care payroll tax prevailed in first-round match-ups on one side of the bracket.  On the other side, Shift readers showed their support for reducing car tabs and reducing the coddling of criminals.  Play today to determine which liberal policies will meet in the final match. (Click to play Holiday Madness Match-up, Round 2)

Republican legislative leaders sent Governor Jay Inslee and Democrat legislative leaders a strongly worded letter calling for the complete repeal of the Democrats’ poorly developed Long-Term Care payroll tax.  The GOP leaders’ letter is in response to the December 1^st letter from Senate Democrat leaders to Governor Inslee, begging for a delay in the implementation of the new tax. The Democrats’ hope was to provide some cover for their members so the legislature could attempt to fix many of the problems with the Washington Cares program, which was solely designed by Democrat lawmakers to benefit the Democrats’ major campaign contributors at the Service Employees International Union.

Senate Republican Leader JT Wilcox (R – Yelm) and Senate Republican Leader John Braun (R – Centralia) wrote, “We believe the program and tax should be fully repealed. The program is fundamentally unfair, the tax is regressive, and the system is fiscally unsound. Credible legal challenges have also raised important questions and added even more uncertainty to the situation.”

Senator Braun and Representative Wilcox noted that 443,000 Washington workers are seeking exemptions from the tax and many more wanted an exemption but could not find a qualified private policy in time.  The letter also noted that 63% of voters in 2019 voted against the payroll tax in an advisory vote. (Senator Braun and Representative Wilcox letter, Senate Democrat letter to Governor Inslee, and Washington Secretary of State 2019 election returns)

Representative Jim Walsh (R – Aberdeen) and Representative Alex Ybarra (R – Quincy) have pre-filed a bill to create the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to broaden the educational choices available to 100,000 students. Representative Walsh called the legislation (HB 1633) “bold” for offering $10,000 a year to students which could be used for tuition, supplies, and other costs at public schools, charter schools, private schools, or home-school systems.  Representative Walsh stated the measure, “(E)mpowers Washington’s kids and their families to have real school choice — regardless of whether they’re rich, poor, or — like most of us — somewhere in the middle. Finally, it will also help our public-school districts become more efficient and productive.” (House Republican Caucus media release and Washington Legislature Bill Summary)

With the dramatic failure of the Democrats’ “police reform” package, Gig Harbor Police Chief Kelly Busey has several suggestions for state legislators to reduce crime in Washington State.  The 30-year police veteran suggested a near complete revision of the bills passed by the Democrats during the 2021 session, when they hastily acted to reward the political violence committed on Seattle’s Capitol Hill.  Specifically, the chief mentioned limits on the use of reasonable force to detain someone in a mental health crisis and the restrictions on pursuits of suspected criminals, as two measure which need to be re-examined, for current regulations have led to many unsafe circumstances.

Chief Busey also claims current restrictions on detaining suspects are allowing many guilty individuals to go free.  The police chief was very critical of the Democrats’ “fix” to the Blake decision, which he says allows drug users a minimum of two “Get Out Of Jail Free” cards and removes the threat of incarceration as a way to encourage drug users into treatment (News Tribune)

The Washington Research Council released a report for how lawmakers should spend the unprecedented $8.649 billion dollars in projected state budget surplus dollars, and warns that it should not be spent creating new unfunded government programs which will place a burden on future budgets.  The Council’s recommendation include the prudent steps of: 1) restoring state reserves; 2) provide improved funding for current programs; and 3) cutting or eliminating existing taxes. (Washington Research Council)

Seattle Mayor-elect Bruce Harrell announced his first batch of political appointees yesterday, and every single one of them are either current or former city employees, or members of a liberal special interest group with extensive conflicts with city government. Thus, the same liberal establishment which has been responsible for five consecutive failed mayoral administrations will again be the “foundation” for a sixth. Many of the individuals are well known for their previous role in city government (like former Councilmember Tim Burgess and current Deputy Mayor Tiffany Washington), yet the appointment which has drawn the most attention was Mayor-elect Harrell selecting his niece and campaign manager Monisha Harrell to become his senior deputy mayor.

While technically appointing a niece to a high-paying public service position does not violate the city’s code of ethics, there is the appearance of nepotism in the decision. Last week Mayor-elect Harrell did attempt to provide political cover for this action when he filed a “disclosure of appearance of conflict or impaired judgement” with the City of Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission.  In the document Mayor-elect Harrell stated, “While she is my niece, I have no financial dealings with her, she is not financially dependent on me or my wife.” (Seattle Times)

Due to the Democrats’ pro-criminal legislation and the resulting increase in crime, the City of Tacoma is considering allowing more electric fences to combat a rash of business robberies.  Currently electric fences are only allowed in industrial areas, but Tacoma City Councilmember Robert Thoms has introduced a resolution to expand the area after hearing complaints from many businesses.   Councilmember Thoms’ proposal would expand the area where electric fences can be used to include downtown Tacoma, commercial zones, and areas zoned for mixed use.  Electric fences will still be prohibited in residential areas. (News Tribune)

A legal challenge to Clallam County’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for customers to enter restaurants and bars has been moved, due possible conflict with judges, and the arguments will be heard this Friday in Kitsap County.  Six local establishments filed the lawsuit, contending the mandate unfairly targets their industry and impedes their freedom of commerce. The case was moved due to the three Clallam County Superior Court judges stating they couldn’t impartially hear the case. (KNOP Radio)

As Spokane continues to grapple with a severe housing shortage, a new study reveals that housing density will need to be increased and zoning will need to be altered to allow more multi-family housing units to be built.  The study was conducted by the CRE Consulting Corps, which stated there appears to much agreement that more housing is needed, but the problems arise over “when and where and how.” The study recommend zoning changes to allow more “infill” in current developments and different types of housing to fit local needs. (Spokesman Review)

The McElroy Bridge outside of Cle Elum collapsed on Monday, causing damage to an attached water-supply line and shutting off water to many residents.  Apparently there is no truth to the rumor that the bridge over the Yakima River was damaged due to the high volume of moving trucks from those who are escaping the liberal “utopia” in King County. (YakTriNews)

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