A new report from the Washington Policy Center (WPC) reveals that neither “science” nor “data” are accurately reflected in the colorful graphic dials which Governor Jay Inslee has used to justify his arbitrary and partisan COVID-19 decisions. Leave it to the WPC’s Todd Myers to determine that the governor’s scientific-based claims are bunk.  Myers writes, “The dial settings do not match the underlying data trends. There is no data for some of the dials. The dials are extremely imprecise, and some of the metrics the governor uses are meaningless.” One wonders if any member of the local media will ask our Governor to explain the numerous deficiencies of the graphics he is using to fool the public into thinking he is making science-based decisions? Or ask why he refuses to reveal the actual data behind his decisions, especially since he is demanding unprecedented sacrifices from Washington citizens?  Inslee’s lack of transparency, and seemingly only seeking advice for his COVID-19 decisions from partisan supporters, is leading many Washington residents to wonder what the governor is hiding? (Washington Policy Center and Shift)

The Angels of the Wind Casino in Arlington became the first high-profile “non-essential” business to re-open in Washington State, with tribal leaders thumbing their noses at Jay Inslee and his emergency orders.  Governor Inslee, who has benefitted from substantial tribal political contributions, has failed to express any outrage over the Stillaguamish tribe flagrantly defying his shutdown orders. The casino will allow up to 800 people into its buildings to gamble.  Meanwhile, a 71-year-old barber who wears a “Make America Great Again” hat has had his cosmetology license suspended by the state, has received cease and desist orders from the state, could lose his state business license, and has been told he could be arrested because he has opened his small barber shop. (Seattle Times and Everett Herald)

Due to the amount of money available for those seeking unemployment benefits, Washington State is experiencing an increase in the number of fraudulent claims.  As a result, the Employment Security department is holding up checks for two weeks to investigate claims. (Everett Herald)

The Canadian government will likely extend its U.S. border restrictions for an additional month. On March 21^st, the international border was closed to non-essential crossings for 30 days.  This was extended for an additional 30 days in April, and Canadian officials have suggested it will be extended until June 21^st. It is believed the U.S. government will approve the extension.  (Bellingham Herald)

Olympia City Councilmember Renata Rollins stated she is not paying her rent for May, even though she has not lost wages due to the coronavirus.  As the deadbeat councilwoman’s landlord writes in an excellent article, this selfish act by the councilmember only hurts people who are actually currently suffering.  Many landlords and property managers are working with their tenants who are facing economic difficulties due to the coronavirus outbreak, but landlords also have bills to pay (including salaries for their employees). By refusing to pay her rent, Councilmember Rollins makes it more difficult for her landlord to assist those who truly need help. (Zack Kosturos’ article on Linkedin)

The Seattle City Council keeps wedging government into the landlord-renter relationship. First the city allowed tenants to not pay rent for six moths after the coronavirus emergency ends, and now the city council has passed a bill that dictates how and when the renter will pay the debt.  The increased involvement of city government into the financial relationship between landlords and tenants will likely reduce the number of people willing to rent out their properties. This will reduce the number of housing units available in Seattle, where there is already a housing shortage. The economic law of supply and demand does not much care for what the council thinks, and costs for tenants will rise. (Seattle Times)

There has been a slight increase in the number of masked criminals, as King County is asking the public to wear face masks to slow the spread of the coronavirus.  It is doubtful these criminals are wearing the masks for altruistic reasons.  Unfortunately, this could have been predicted, and is another hurdle for local law enforcement (and business owners). (MyNorthwest)

Demonstrating that leadership is evidently popular in Pierce County, he only candidate to file against Republican County Executive Bruce Dammeier is 81-year-old former state legislator Larry Seaquist.  Seaquist was the Representative from the 26^th Legislative District for four terms before losing to Republican Michelle Downey Caldier in a heated 2014 battle.  Seaquist has recently taught political science at the ultra-liberal Evergreen State College. (Pierce County Elections)

Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler will be hold a Zoom fundraiser on Wednesday, May 20^th, starting at 8:30 AM.  Representative Elise Stefanik (R-New York), the youngest Republican woman elected to Congress, will be the event’s special guest.  Stefanik, while serving on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, had a front row seat to the Democrats’ impeachment shenanigans under Representative Adam Schiff. There will be opportunities to ask questions of both Herrera Beutler and Stefanik. Donations are being requested for the event.  Click here to RSVP. (Jaime Herrera Beutler email and webpage)

Five Eastern Washington medical professionals challenge Governor Inslee’s non-science-based opinion that no new coronavirus cases for three weeks is necessary before businesses can safely re-open.  In a Wenatchee World op-ed, the medical experts say the Governor should not have “moved the goalpost from ‘flatten the curve’ to ‘no new cases,’” for this is an unrealistic goal. They also worry that the continued virus shut down is hurint people as well. “Depression, anxiety, suicide, obesity and all of the other risks from inactivity and isolation will result in death. As healthcare professionals, we are seeing them in our practices and we are alarmed.” (Wenatchee World)

Spokane County will likely follow King County’s example and require people to wear face masks in public settings.  Spokane County Health Officer Dr. Bob Lutz said, ““There’s a very strong likelihood that we will do something similar in the next week or two.” Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward has also stated she would support the requirement. (Spokesman-Review)

A letter from Selah City Attorney stated that Mayor Sherry Raymond’s earlier proclamation did not call on residents to violate the governor’s emergency orders, and that most of the confusion came from inaccurate media reports.  Despite the clarification, Governor Inslee’s office continued to pick a fight with his former hometown, where the city council unanimously supported the mayor’s proclamation.  Inslee’s spokesperson acted like a bully by falsely stating “It is good that the mayor retreated from her position.” Or what, exactly? (Yakima Herald)

State Representative Mary Dye (R-Pomeroy) says that the recent charitable actions of the state’s agriculture community have demonstrated “the outstanding culture in farming, where neighbors watch out for neighbors.”  Farmers of a wide variety of crops have donated to state foodbanks and have handed out their products at events across the state. (Washington AG Network)

In a campaign fundraising email, former gubernatorial candidate (before Jay Inslee’s retreat from presidential politics forced her to run again for re-election for a job she did not want) Hilary Franz says her top priority as Commissioner of Public Lands is dealing with climate change.  While most Washington residents are trying to stay healthy while waiting to rebuild our economy, our Lands Commissioner’s top focus is on separating wealthy Democrat environmentalists from their dollars by telling them she is glad to cripple business activities through regulations that won’t do anything to actually do anything about climate change. (Franz campaign email)

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