When Jay Inslee campaigned for governor in 2012, he promised no new taxes, but after 12 years, his tune has certainly changed—along with the size of the state budget. In 2013, Inslee inherited a $38.4 billion biennial budget. Now, as he prepares to leave office, he’s proposing a staggering $78.8 billion budget, funded in part by $4 billion in new taxes, including a controversial wealth tax. So much for that “no new taxes” pledge.

During the Great Recession, lawmakers slashed $11 billion in spending to deal with budget shortfalls. Inslee? He’s opting for tax hikes and calling it leadership. Even with record revenues pouring in, the state faces a budget shortfall projected to reach up to $16 billion over four years. How does that happen in a “booming economy”? Inslee claims the state’s tax system is “regressive,” even as Washington ranks among the top 12 states for per capita taxes, according to the Tax Foundation.

His wealth tax targets Washington residents worth over $100 million, supposedly just 3,000 people. Inslee insists their wealth “will continue to grow after this tax,” as though that’s supposed to make the pill easier to swallow. Meanwhile, his plan also includes a 20% hike in the business & occupation (B&O) tax for service businesses earning over $1 million, which he calls a “modest” change. When asked how this might hurt small businesses, he dodged, saying it’s better than Trump-era tariffs. Not exactly comforting.

Republican lawmakers weren’t impressed. Sen. Chris Gildon summed it up by saying Inslee is ending his tenure the same way he started: “tax-and-spend to the end.” He noted that the state doesn’t have a revenue problem—it has a spending problem. Instead of using the extra $5 billion in expected revenue to balance the books, Inslee wants more taxes, making Washington even less affordable for residents and businesses alike.

Inslee’s parting gift to Washington? A budget that raises costs for everyone while blaming a system he’s had over a decade to reform. This isn’t leadership—it’s a legacy of bloated spending and broken promises. Read more at the Washington Examiner.

State Sen. Jeff Holy, R-Cheney, has proposed a bipartisan bill to tackle Washington’s abysmal law enforcement staffing, which ranks dead last nationwide. His $100 million plan would fund grants to help communities hire more officers, addressing surging crime rates like murder, auto theft, and retail theft. Even Democrats, including Sen. Manka Dhingra, are on board—maybe because the state’s new governor-elect, Bob Ferguson, has vowed to prioritize public safety. But with a looming budget crunch, the big question remains: will Olympia actually put its money where its mouth is? Stay tuned—April 27 is a long way off. Read more at Center Square.

Washington Democrats are back with their greatest hits: taxing guns and ammo, banning firearms in more places, requiring permits to exercise a constitutional right, and creating a confusing patchwork of local gun laws. Their agenda punishes law-abiding citizens while doing nothing to stop the criminals who acquire guns illegally. Banning guns in parks? Because, of course, criminals respect “no guns allowed” signs. Meanwhile, the same lawmakers who want you defenseless have no problem enjoying taxpayer-funded security. This isn’t about safety—it’s about control, hypocrisy, and disarming responsible citizens in a state already plagued by rising crime. Read more at KTTH.

The northern giant hornet, a major threat to honeybees and ecosystems, has been officially eradicated from the U.S., thanks to a collaboration between the WSDA, USDA, and the public. First detected in 2019, the hornets could destroy entire honeybee hives in minutes, endangering pollinators critical for farming. This victory not only protects bees but also supports farmers by ensuring crop pollination, healthier harvests, and stronger agricultural communities. Read more at KIRO 7.

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