In 2014 Governor Jay Inslee placed a moratorium on carrying out the state’s death penalty.  Yet more than seven deaths at the Monroe Correctional Complex have been linked to the medical care Inslee’s Department of Corrections has provided to the prisoners.  Thus, more deaths have occurred from Inslee’s DOC’s medical procedures than if the state had carried out the court ordered death sentences.  In a recent interview Inslee stated, “We were not satisfied with the care that has been provided to a couple of these individuals. This was not satisfactory in my view, not satisfactory legally.” Inslee said they are now working with consultants “to improve our process of data reporting to make it more timely.” (Inslee Media Release and Seattle Times)

On the first day of the 2020 legislative session, 15 Democrat lawmakers petitioned the Washington State Supreme Court to ignore case law and approve the City of Seattle’s attempt to impose an income tax.  The lawmakers are also asking the court to ignore multiple statewide votes rejecting an income tax and a recent poll that shows 72% of current Washington voters oppose an income tax.  (Washington Policy Center)

Stuart Reges is the latest example of the University of Washington negatively impacting the careers of instructors who do not conform to the school’s left-wing political culture.  Reges, a computer science lecturer, believes he was placed on one-year probation due to his libertarian beliefs.  Reges had previously been given the top award the UW presents to faculty members. This incident follows the university’s treatment of Atmospheric Science Professor Cliff Mass for standing up for his scientific findings regarding climate change. (MyNorthwest)

As expected, the Seattle City Council passed a measure that denied political participation from those who disagree with the current council’s limited views.  The council voted 7-0 to deny companies with more than 1% investment from a foreign individual from contributing to a Seattle candidate or independent expenditure.  Yet large government unions with heavy investments in foreign owned corporations and environmental groups with foreign contributors can still donate to Seattle campaigns. Mayor Jenny Durkan endorses the legislation, yet her spokesperson provided a strange reason for the mayor’s support by saying the measure “takes steps to ensure transparency in our elections.”  No one is sure how banning participation in elections ensures transparency.  Legal challenges are expected. (Seattle Times)

Even though no proposal has been made public, it is believed the next round of corporate tax imposed by the City of Seattle could be considerably more extreme than the 2018 tax passed (then rescinded) by the city council.  As Q13 reports on Councilmember Kshama Sawant’s plan, “Sawant wants to raise between $200 million and $500 million annually, with no sunset. That’s roughly four to 10 times more than the 2018 head tax, which would have raised about $47 million each year and would need to be revisited by the council years later.” It might be a good time to invest in moving vans and Pierce County commercial property. (Q13)

The Spokane City Council voted to fill its empty council position with Betsy Wilkerson, board president of the Carl Maxey Center.  As Shift pointed out last September, the Carl Maxey Center is the financial darling of Spokane’s liberal elites.  2019 mayoral candidate Ben Stuckart had previously used his position as council president to provide public funding for the center.  The District 2 seat was open due to Councilmember Breean Beggs winning the election to become the new council president. (Spokesman-Review and Shift) 

King County Superior Court dismissed claims that the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) violated the State Environmental Policy Act with its lethal-control policy for wolves. This is the second recent court ruling against the wolves’ advocates who are seeking to stop WDFW from protecting livestock by killing the predatory wolves.  The advocates want WDFW to adhere to a formal environmental review for each killing, which could take two years to complete. (AP)

The City of Spokane is looking to use goats to reduce brush that fuel wildfires. The idea is being promoted by Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer and City Councilmember Lori Kinnear.  The council will likely vote on the pilot program in either February or March.  (Wenatchee World/Spokesman Review)

In a fundraising email, FUSE Washington outlined its (and all state progressives’) 2020 legislative agenda.  While using “Liberal Speak” to outline the goals, the email states FUSE’s objectives as, 1) fighting climate change, 2) balancing our tax code, and 3) improving voting justice.  Translated, these goals are 1) raising the gas tax, 2) imposing an income tax, and 3) restoring voting rights to felons who have not completed their sentences. (FUSE Washington’s email)

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