Not surprisingly, the Washington State Transportation Commission made a series of recommendations to the legislature which moves forward the concept of taxing residents per mile they drive. These recommendations are the result of less gas tax revenue being received by the state due to more fuel-efficient vehicles and an increasing number of electric cars.  Full implementation of a new per mile tax system is still a years away, but yesterday’s actions by the Commission starts the process of the new tax becoming a reality. (Seattle Times)

In a survey which has received considerable media attention on the East side of the state, it was revealed that a large majority of Washington residents are against destroying the Snake River dams.  Perhaps not surprisingly, most Puget Sound media failed to cover news of the poll which showed that 58% of Washington residents oppose dam removal.  The survey was released in advance of this Friday’s release of the draft of Governor Jay Inslee’s $750.000 study on dam removal.  BTW – of all the days in the year, why does Inslee choose to release this study the Friday before the start of a holiday week? (Washington Policy Center)

The News Tribune adds to the growing number of Washington newspapers calling for the end of “title-only” bills in the state legislature.  The deceptive process used by both parties in the past but utilized more frequently by recent Democrat controlled legislatures, allows controversial measures to be passed at the last minute without public input.  Bills with titles, yet containing no substance, are approved by a committee, only to have the text of the bill added on by legislators in either the House or Senate before being approved by the chamber and rushed into law. (News Tribune)

A micro-home shelter is set to open in Tacoma which will house up to 35 homeless individuals.  The emergency shelter comes in response to the growing number of people camping in Tacoma city parks. (MyNorthwest)

In November, Mukilteo voters rejected a proposal to change from a “strong mayor” to a council-city manager government structure by a 72% – 28% margin, yet this week the city council attempted reduce the mayor’s powers by slashing the office’s financial package.  At Monday’s meeting, the council attempted to slash the pay of the mayor in half and eliminate employment benefits.  The measure failed due to a tie vote (one council member was absent) and the mayor will continue to receive $70,000 a year with benefits. (Everett Herald)

Seattle government workers no longer view their jobs to provide a specific service to the public, but instead believe they are to promote an extreme liberal agenda while being paid by the taxpayers.  In his latest article, Christopher Rufo explains why local governments continue to grow in size yet the public sees far less being accomplished. (City Journal)

Tacoma native and Seattle resident Gary Larson unveiled a new website this week that features his popular “The Far Side” cartoons.  Larson has been retired from producing daily cartoons since 1995, but promises new material in 2020.  (News Tribune)

In what has quickly become a holiday tradition, Bellevue’s Snowflake Lane is celebrating its 15^th year.  Created by Kemper Properties, the nightly parade runs along Bellevue Way between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square. (Bellevue Reporter)

The Washington State Department of Transportation confirms that the funding for the recently “paused” North-South Freeway project comes solely from the gas tax.  The freeway was recently one of the transportation projects which Governor Inslee mothballed to punish citizens for approving I-976 in November.  Since the revenue stream to fund the freeway is not part of the car tab revenue, there is no fiscal reason to halt its progress. (Washington Policy Center)

Despite several unanswered questions, Spokane County Commissioners voted to allow immigration refugees to settle in the county.  The commissioners were following up on an executive order signed by President Trump.  The commissioners also expressed their individual concerns that county officials were making decision that should be determined by federal immigration policies. (Spokesman-Review)

The Douglas County Commissioners have asked the Douglas Public Utility District (PUD) to delay deciding on its proposed rate hikes.  Citing concerns of whether there has been enough public discussion of the proposed increases, the commissioners have asked the PUD to not decide on the increases at next Monday’s meeting.  County commissioners are especially concerned about the proposed 20% hike (and several subsequent 10% hikes) to be imposed on cryptocurrency data mining centers.  Records show the data centers account for nearly $10 million dollars in local tax revenues. (iFIBER One)

The Washington State Farm Bureau is concerned about the 2020 Washington legislature imposing a low carbon fuel standard.  Government Relations Director Tom Davis said it is the top priority of many liberal interest groups and it would seriously impact the state’s farmers. (Washington AG Network)

Washington State Democrat party Chair Tina Podlodowski again uses scare tactics and extreme political rhetoric to try to raise money.  In a recent email, Podlodowski claimed those who want to defeat Democrat candidates were “the kind of Republicans who support separating families at the border and locking children in cages — exactly the kind of Republicans we cannot allow to win.”  Which begs the question, would she support all the Republicans who don’t want to lock children in cages? (Podlodowski email)

Do you like The Daily Briefing? Forward this to a friend! It helps us grow our community and serve you better.

You can also follow ShiftWA on social media by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter.

If you feel we missed something that should be covered, email us at [email protected].

If you don’t want to receive this email each morning, click here to opt-out of The Daily Briefing.