We hope you have a happy Fourth of July weekend!
Here’s a few need-to-know stories ahead of the holiday festivities.
Happy Independence Day!
On this Fourth of July, we celebrate the birth of our great nation and the enduring principles of liberty, justice, and freedom that define America. It is a time to honor the sacrifices made by our Founding Fathers and the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who have defended our freedoms throughout history. As we enjoy the festivities and reflect on our shared heritage, let us remember the importance of upholding the values of self-reliance, personal responsibility, and respect for the rule of law. May we be grateful for the opportunities our country provides and strive to preserve the American Dream for future generations. God bless America, and Happy Independence Day!
Thanks to Democrats, Your Fourth of July BBQ Costs More Than Ever!
Thanks to Democrat-driven inflation, you can expect your Fourth of July barbeque to be pricier this year. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), the average cost for a 10-person meal is now $71.22, marking a 5 percent increase from 2023 and the first time the cost per person has surpassed $7. Regional variations show the West Coast bearing the highest cost at $80.88, while the Northeast spends $63.54, the Midwest $68.26, and the South $68.33. The West Coast’s elevated prices are – of course – driven by leftist policies that have resulted in higher fuel costs, regulatory burdens, and increased minimum wages.
As the Washington Policy Center points out, in the past five years, the overall cost of a Fourth of July cookout has surged by 30 percent. But, despite rising grocery prices, farmers aren’t reaping the benefits. Farm incomes fell by 17% in 2023 and are projected to drop another 25% this year, while production expenses hit record highs. Only about 15 cents of every grocery dollar spent goes back to the farmers. For example, out of the $80.88 spent by West Coast shoppers, just $12.15 returns to the farms. Read more at the Washington Policy Center.
A Turning Point? June 2024’s Major Wins for Citizen Movements in Washington State
This last month, did our state experience a dramatic shift in its political landscape due to the power of citizen-led movements? According to Future 42, the answer is yes. Three significant citizen initiatives became law on June 8 after Washingtonians’ petitions forced lawmakers to address them. These initiatives restored local discretion for police pursuits, established parental notification requirements for schools, and banned state and local income taxes. The legal victory showcased the increasing influence of the people over their representatives. But that’s not the only example.
On June 21, a landmark legal battle for government transparency was won when Scott Smith’s whistleblower lawsuit against the state was allowed to proceed, drawing attention from major media outlets. A new coalition also gained traction in addressing the homelessness crisis by rejecting the “Housing First” approach in favor of tackling root causes like mental health and addiction. Over 60 lawmakers signed the “Real Solutions to Homelessness” pledge, marking a significant policy shift.
Additionally, Rasmussen Group polling revealed that 60% of Washingtonians oppose Puget Sound Energy’s plan to shut down natural gas service, challenging state policies. These developments, alongside ongoing efforts for remaining initiatives and battles against harmful policies, underscore a rising wave of citizen activism. As Future 42 points out, the accomplishments of June set a strong foundation for celebrating America’s freedom and hint at a future where citizens’ voices increasingly shape state policy. Read more at Future 42.
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].