For Bob Ferguson, nothing says open government like waiting six weeks for a quote.
Press Releases on Ice: Ferguson’s New “Transparency” Strategy
Washington state agencies are reportedly stuck in a slow-motion communications nightmare thanks to a new policy from Governor Bob Ferguson requiring his office to approve most press releases, media responses, and even interview talking points. According to internal emails obtained by Axios, the result isn’t “better coordination”—it’s bottlenecks, missed deadlines, and agencies sitting on critical public information for days, weeks, or longer.
Staffers describe the process as “grueling,” “painful,” and a “continual barrier,” with some saying it’s actively preventing them from doing their jobs. In multiple cases, agencies missed chances to inform the public—from health alerts to infrastructure updates—because they were waiting on approval. One communications official even admitted they were told to dodge media questions about WIC funding issues to avoid drawing attention to budget shortfalls.
The policy doesn’t just slow things down—it centralizes control. Agencies now need sign-off for nearly everything, and they’ve been instructed not to mention the governor’s office when explaining delays to reporters. Even routine public health alerts, like a measles exposure notice, got held up for edits.
Veterans from prior administrations say this level of micromanagement is new—and excessive. Previously, agencies handled their own communications, with minimal interference. Now, even the governor himself is reportedly reviewing drafts and tweaking messaging, adding to the delays.
Bottom line: what’s being pitched as “collaboration” looks a lot more like message control—with the public left waiting. Read more at Axios.
Fill Up Your Tank, Fund an Activist
A Washington farming group is sounding the alarm after nearly $500,000 in Climate Commitment Act funds went to Yakima-based activist group We Are ELLA—which then used the money to push messaging critics say targets and misrepresents the state’s farmers.
According to Save Family Farming, the group produced videos attacking agriculture while flashing the Washington Department of Health logo, raising questions about whether the state was backing the message. The Department of Health says it didn’t sponsor the content but did ask for the logo to be removed—yet it’s reportedly still showing up in the videos.
GOP State Rep. Tom Dent, a farmer himself, says the situation is just the latest example of policies stacking the deck against agriculture, pointing to rising labor costs, heavy regulations, and shrinking profitability. He argues farmers are being squeezed harder than ever, with some facing financial collapse.
By all indications, money collected from higher fuel costs is being routed to activist groups that then turn around and attack the very industries keeping food on the table—adding another layer to the growing debate over how climate dollars are actually being spent. Read more at Center Square.
Tax It Till They Leave: Washington’s Self-Inflicted Brain Drain
Washington’s new 9.9% income tax on high earners hasn’t even cleared the courts yet, but critics say the economic fallout is already underway. As the state Supreme Court weighs its legality, business leaders are warning the policy is crushing confidence—and potentially driving out the very people funding the system.
Investment officer Zach Abraham calls it the “final blow,” saying high earners and business owners are actively eyeing the exits. Because many small businesses are structured as pass-through entities, this isn’t just about the ultra-wealthy—it hits job creators directly. His blunt assessment: if the state is willing to sidestep its own constitutional limits, why would anyone trust it with their investments?
The controversy gets worse. Reports indicate Attorney General Nick Brown’s office worked with lawmakers to block a public referendum on the tax using a legal workaround—fueling accusations that voters were intentionally cut out of the process.
Meanwhile, the optics aren’t great. High-profile names like Jeff Bezos and Howard Schultz have relocated to lower-tax states, and Starbucks is shifting around 2,000 jobs to Nashville. Critics argue it’s not coincidence—it’s cause and effect.
Now, with the court decision looming, Washington is facing a growing question: is this just a legal fight, or the beginning of a taxpayer exodus? Either way, some aren’t waiting around to find out. Read more at Seattle Red.
“Affordable” — Now With a $600/Year Price Tag
Katie Wilson is touting a new push to expand free school meals and daycare access as part of her plan to make Seattle more “affordable.” The pitch: more kids get taxpayer-funded meals, and working parents get access to longer, year-round childcare options.
The catch? These “new” initiatives aren’t exactly new. They’re largely funded and structured by the $1.3 billion Families, Education, Preschool and Promise levy that voters approved back in 2025—complete with more than $600 a year in additional property taxes for homeowners through 2032.
Wilson says the expanded meal eligibility will help families who just miss the cutoff, while the city will also roll out about 600 new daycare slots with extended hours to better match working parents’ schedules. City Councilmember Maritza Rivera signaled broad support, with final approval expected soon.
Translation: City leaders are rolling out benefits funded by a massive tax hike and calling it affordability—while Seattle homeowners, already paying over $8,000 a year in local taxes on a median-value home, pick up the tab. Read more at Center Square.
“Mission Accomplished”… Just Don’t Check the Numbers
Former Governor Jay Inslee is once again touting Washington as proof you can cut emissions and grow the economy—based on a conveniently curated reading of the data.
Here’s the problem: the state’s own report shows Washington missed its legally required 1990 emissions target. Instead of highlighting that, Inslee points to the year 2000—when emissions peaked—to claim a 12.4% reduction. Sounds impressive until you realize it’s not the benchmark he himself signed into law.
And that brief dip below targets in 2020? Not policy success—just COVID shutting everything down. As soon as life resumed, emissions bounced right back up, especially in transportation.
It gets even more awkward. The data Inslee is celebrating only runs through 2022—before his signature Climate Commitment Act even took effect. In other words, he’s taking credit for trends that happened before his flagship policy existed.
Meanwhile, the factors actually driving emissions—like hydropower output—have more to do with weather than legislation. And while the state pats itself on the back, residents are paying significantly more at the pump thanks to climate policies, with still-questionable results.
Washington is still above its legal emissions target, the “progress” predates the policy, and the numbers telling the success story require some… creative framing. But hey—don’t tell him it can’t be done. Read more at Seattle Red.
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