As the legislative session wraps up, Washington Democrats are frantically jamming through a grab bag of tax hikes like they’re on a game show with a countdown clock. Republicans are crying foul over what they call a “budget bombshell blitz,” where massive fiscal changes are dropped with zero notice, no analysis, and less transparency than a brick wall. From a nicotine tax surprise to a B&O tax with no fiscal note, lawmakers are being told to vote blindfolded while the public is left completely in the dark.

Despite promising to make the tax system more progressive, Democrats are rolling out fee hikes and taxes that land hardest on working families—because nothing says equity like taxing storage units and fishing licenses. Meanwhile, even fellow Democrats are reportedly locked out of the budget details, which must make “representative government” a real laugh line in Olympia. Governor Ferguson is playing the role of the quiet observer, pretending to be uncomfortable with up to $12 billion in tax hikes but not saying if he’ll actually do anything about it.

And just to complete the circus, the ghost of McCleary may return, thanks to a levy proposal that could land the state back in court. Legislative theater, secret deals, and regressive taxes—just another day under one-party rule in Washington. Read more at MyNorthwest.com.

Chris Reykdal wants more local levy money for schools, claiming it’s just “undoing a wrong” from seven years ago—never mind that the state already massively increased K-12 funding after the McCleary decision. Senate Republican Leader John Braun wasn’t buying it, pointing out that levies are starting to fail in his district, despite Reykdal’s insistence that “90% of them pass.” When Braun clarified that actual levies—not just bonds—were rejected, Reykdal deflected, then scolded Braun to promote them harder in the local paper.

The bill, now stripped of its original property tax growth hike, still aims to boost how much school districts can ask from voters—because apparently record education spending still isn’t enough. But voters seem unconvinced: over 900 people signed in against the bill, compared to just 15 in support. Reykdal’s answer to declining trust? Just ask for more money, louder. Read more at Center Square.

Democrats rammed through a $12 billion tax package to patch a $16 billion budget hole—despite Governor Ferguson saying he wanted less, while doing absolutely nothing to stop it. GOP Rep. Jim Walsh called out the bait-and-switch tactics, where Democrats “narrowly” back off tax hikes—only to refile them with new wrapping. From local property tax hikes to increased sales and gas taxes, it’s a full buffet of pain for working Washingtonians. Meanwhile, Ferguson’s clever dodge is refusing to sign the bills… knowing full well they’ll become law anyway. If this is leadership, it’s the kind that shrugs and lets the state bleed taxpayers dry. Read more at KIRO News Radio.

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