Even though the state is pouring money into Western State Hospital, federal inspectors still found another 57 deficiencies there. Of the $142 million in state spending allocated to mental health, $46 million is going toward paying court fines related to the Trueblood lawsuit, related to the hospital’s failure to provide timely treatment. (Seattle Times)

Gov. Jay Inslee argues the union giveaway bill he signed yesterday creates new efficiencies, but Erin Shannon completely debunks that claim. The Washington Policy Center analyst notes that SB 6199 instead creates a new expensive bureaucracy, but points out that the real point of the bill is so SEIU can deprive caregivers of their rights and keep the dues money rolling in to the union. (Washington Policy Center)

The Association of Washington Business is challenging the ballot title for the new carbon tax initiative, I-1631, because the wording is squirrelly. AWB President Kris Johnson said: “This is about transparency. Voters have the right to know that I-1631 will set a price on carbon emissions, that it will go up every year and that a new, unelected group of people representing different interest groups will be the ones deciding how and where to spend the money it generates, not their elected officials.” (Daily Fly)

Seattle Chamber of Commerce CEO Marilyn Strickland struck back at the City Council’s proposed head tax, saying it will further drive up the cost of doing business in the city. Strickland added that before raising taxes even higher, maybe the city should evaluate whether it’s spending current funds well. Crazy idea. (My Northwest)

Clark County filed a federal lawsuit against companies involved in the manufacturing, distribution and selling of prescription opioids. “The increased use of opioids over the last 20 years has had a devastating effect on our community,” said Marc Boldt, Clark County Council Chair. (The Columbian)

Seattle’s law requiring landlords to choose tenants on a first-come, first-served basis was deemed unconstitutional by King County Superior Court Judge Suzanne Parisien. The judge ruled that choosing a tenant “is a fundamental attribute of property ownership.” (Seattle Times)

McNary Lock and Dam is installing new turbines to the tune of $321 million. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded the contract to Alstom Renewable US. The upgrades “will modernize the dam and lock and improve fish survival, hydraulic capacity, turbine efficiency, operational flexibility and reliability, officials said.” (Daily Sun News)

Pasco will soon host a needle exchange, where addicts can swap dirty needles for clean ones. Dr. Amy Person, the Mid-Columbia’s top health officer, said she believes the exchange will benefit the public because it lowers rates of disease and connects people to drug treatment. (Tri-City Herald)

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