The Daily Briefing – July 24, 2025

After doubling state spending and expanding Medicaid to cover illegal immigrants, Democrats are shocked—shocked!—that the money is running out.

Washington Democrats Blew the Budget—Now Blaming Trump for the Bill

Turns out you can’t spend like drunken sailors forever. Washington state is staring down a budget meltdown by 2027, and instead of owning up to years of reckless spending—including a 116% increase in the state budget and a $150 million Medicaid expansion for illegal immigrants—Democrats are pointing fingers at Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” for their self-inflicted crisis.

Gov. Bob Ferguson’s health advisor admits we’re in the “worst budget crisis we’ve ever had,” but don’t worry, the Democrats have a plan: panic, blame someone else, and gear up for more “tough decisions” that somehow always end with you paying more taxes. And while Sen. Patty Murray is busy fearmongering about hospital closures, even her own health officials can’t say how many will actually lose coverage.

Medicaid enrollment has exploded, and now the federal spigot might be tightening. But after years of turning Washington into a fiscal sinkhole, Democrats are shocked to discover there’s a bottom. Read more at Center Square.

CO2 Cash Grab: Washington’s Climate Tax Funds Bureaucrats, Not the Planet

You’d think a tax on CO2 emissions would go toward, you know, reducing CO2 emissions. But in Washington state, most of the $174 million in carbon tax money is actually being funneled into government planning offices and bloated bureaucracy—not environmental results.

According to the Washington Policy Center, despite all the feel-good slogans about “community projects,” more than 70% of Climate Commitment Act (CCA) spending goes straight into the hands of state agencies and planners. A project to reduce flooding? That’s just code for hiring more government staff. The supposedly life-saving asthma reduction program? A whopping $300,000—less than 0.2% of the total. Meanwhile, actual emissions continue to miss the state’s unrealistic and unscientific targets.

It’s a classic case of big-government climate theater: flashy headlines, fuzzy goals, and zero accountability. There are no metrics for measuring success, because if they tracked outcomes, the scam might be exposed.

If Governor Ferguson really cared about the environment—or taxpayers—he’d freeze this spending spree and demand real results. But until then, Washingtonians can keep enjoying the privilege of funding climate vanity projects that do more for bureaucrats’ resumes than the actual climate. Read more at the Washington Policy Center.

King County’s Solution to a Budget Mess? You Guessed It—Another Tax

Facing a $180 million budget hole (because of course they are), the King County Council just voted 8-1 to slap residents with yet another sales tax—this time under the noble banner of “public safety.” The one-tenth of 1% tax may sound small, but it’s just the latest hit in a long line of tax hikes that have made King County one of the most heavily taxed in the state.

Councilmember Girmay Zahilay claimed his hands were tied, saying the state only gave them “one tool.” Apparently, that tool is a hammer, and taxpayers are the nail. Funny how these “reluctant” tax increases always pass with overwhelming support from the same people who caused the fiscal mess to begin with.

Only Councilmember Reagan Dunn dared to vote no, pointing out the county has raised taxes by more than 40% over the past decade. His colleagues? They nodded solemnly, then reached deeper into your wallet.

The new tax kicks in January 2026. Consider it your reward for King County’s chronic overspending and refusal to reform. Read more at MyNorthwest.com.

KING 5 or PR Firm? Seattle Media Falls in Love with Open Borders Extremists

Seattle’s KING 5 has apparently decided journalism is overrated—so they’re freelancing as a press office for La Resistencia, a radical group that wants to eliminate all immigration enforcement, shut down every detention facility, and abolish deportations entirely. But, as KTTH’s Jason Rantz points out, instead of telling viewers any of that, KING 5’s recent report reads like it was ghostwritten by the group’s activist-in-chief.

No context, no pushback, no mention that La Resistencia’s goals are completely unhinged—even by Washington standards. According to KING 5, this is just another warm-hearted community group “raising awareness.” In reality, they’re fringe ideologues who oppose deporting anyone, including criminals.

The group’s statement that deportations are comparable to the slave trade? KING 5 printed that without flinching. A counterpoint? Don’t be silly. In Seattle media, immigration radicals never face tough questions—they get glowing profiles and a pat on the back.

The truth: La Resistencia isn’t about improving the system—they want to burn it down. And Seattle’s activist-journalists are more than happy to strike the match. Read more at KTTH.

Subscribe to Our Podcast Today!

Have you subscribed to the new Shift WA podcast yet? Subscribe now and don’t miss out on a single critical discussion!

Support Our Work...

Please consider making a contribution to ensure Shift continues to provide daily updates on the shenanigans of the liberal establishment. If you’d rather mail a check, you can send it to: Shift WA | PO Box 956 | Cle Elum, WA 98922

Forward this to a friend.  It helps us grow our community and serve you better.

You can also follow SHIFTWA on social media by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter.

If you feel we missed something that should be covered, email us at [email protected].

Share: