Looks like Democrats tried to pull a fast one, but thanks to sharp-eyed constituents and the quick action of GOP Sen. Keith Wagoner, their attempt to undermine parental rights didn’t last long. Wagoner was appalled to learn of the quiet addition of a provision to SB 5708 – a bill he co-sponsors – requiring social media companies to notify minors when their parents checked their activity. Wagoner took quick action—successfully stripping the provision from the bill today.

Speaking to the Ways and Means Committee just moments ago, Wagoner made it clear that he’s committed to keeping the bill focused on its original intent: actually protecting kids online. The legislation now ensures that online services provide real safeguards for minors, including restricting data collection, preventing addictive algorithm-driven feeds, and limiting notifications at certain times.

Wagoner also thanked constituents for bringing the provision to his attention and reaffirmed his commitment to keeping parents in the loop, not cutting them out. With that sneaky addition gone, the bill can now move forward with its real purpose—protecting kids, not undermining parents. Wagoner’s full remarks will be available here.

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Nothing screams “protecting kids online” quite like alerting them the moment their parents check in on their activity. That’s exactly what Senate Bill 5708 proposes—mandating that social media companies tattle on parents trying to keep their children safe. Because obviously, the real threat isn’t online predators or cyberbullying—it’s parents daring to be involved.

This blatant overreach is yet another attempt by the state to wedge itself between parents and their children. And people are noticing. After public outcry, even one of the bill’s sponsors, Sen. Keith Wagoner, is scrambling to walk it back. If lawmakers were truly interested in protecting kids, they’d be empowering parents, not undermining them. Read more at the Washington Policy Center.

After years of reckless spending by Democrats, Washington’s budget shortfall has ballooned to as much as $15 billion, and Gov. Bob Ferguson is at least acknowledging the problem. His plan trims about $7 billion, including state worker furloughs and cutting vacant positions—a start, but nowhere near enough to close the gap. Meanwhile, Democrats in the Legislature are already salivating over tax hikes, throwing out ideas like a wealth tax, business payroll tax, and new taxes on cigarettes and gun sales.

Ferguson insists, “We’re not going to tax our way out of this.” But with Democrats in control of both chambers, that’s exactly where this is headed. His budget team admits that nearly $4 billion of the shortfall comes from the generous pay raises state employees just received—yet somehow, taxpayers are supposed to cough up even more to keep the spending spree going.

Republicans have been warning about this fiscal disaster for years, and they’re ready to find real savings to fix it. If Ferguson is serious about cutting, he’ll need to stand up to his own party’s tax-hike frenzy. Otherwise, Washingtonians should brace for yet another round of “progressive revenue options” that hit their wallets hard. Read more at the Washington State Standard.

Washington’s housing crisis isn’t an accident—it’s the result of years of failed central planning under single-party rule. Rep. Andrew Barkis joins the podcast to break it all down, from so-called “rent stabilization” to the latest transportation schemes. We also dig into the road usage bill—what it really means and how it could hit your wallet. Don’t miss this deep dive into the policies making life more expensive. Listen now on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!

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