Jay Inslee isn’t a fan of the Republican’s education-funding plan. Unsurprisingly, he’s attacked it saying it would hurt low income people. Yet, when a reporter at yesterday’s press conference asked him about his carbon tax increasing prices at the pump ($400+/year in total, actually), Jay’s response was weak. You can hear it here.

Jay Inslee has appointed David Ammons to the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission. Ammons is the longest-serving capitol reporter in state history. He served much of that time as president of the press corps. Most recently, Ammons served in state government as the Communications Director and senior policy adviser for the Office of Secretary of State under both Republicans Sam Reed and Kim Wyman.

GOP state Rep. Drew Stokesbary isn’t pleased with HB 1843 – House Democrat’s solution to McCleary – and he has let his colleagues know. During the bill’s hearing, Stokesbary informed Democrats why he would not be supporting their bill. He pointed out that the bill increases spending – which means more taxes – by roughly $3 billion per school year. Yet, despite the spending hike, HB 1843 does nothing to solve key inequities in school funding.

It should come as no surprise that the solutions presented by state Senate Republicans and state House Democrats to meet the requirements of the McCleary decision differ vastly. But, according to the Washington Policy Center, not in the way one might expect. While the state Senate bill – passed on February 1^st – is “bold, progressive and innovative”, it also meets requirements of funding for students and implements smart policy reforms. On the other hand, the House bill is “far more conservative, with neither funding reforms nor improvements to the way money is spent.” It appears that Democrats insist on continuing on a path that has proved ineffective.

A three-judge federal appeals panel from the 9^th Circuit will not reinstate President Trump’s temporary travel ban. Justice Department lawyers argued the case for reinstatement after Seattle-based U.S. District Judge James Robart issued a temporary restraining order. Lawyers on both sides faced tough questioning conducted by phone. The Trump administration could appeal the decision to the Supreme Court or alter the order.

Jay Inslee is already vowing another fight between Washington state and the Trump administration – this time over legal marijuana. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is an opponent of legalizing marijuana. Inslee is vowing to persuade the federal government that the issue should remain with the states. Of course, given evidence of Inslee’s so-called persuasive tactics, marijuana growers should make appropriate plans.