In a recent op-ed, former Seattle Port Commissioner Bill Bryant described why boulders along Interstate 5 are the perfect symbol of Jay Inslee’s tenure as governor. Why? Well, these boulders, intended to deter homeless encampments, represent the failure of Inslee’s policies on homelessness, mental health, and drug addiction. Of course, like all of Inslee’s failures, it also comes at a huge price tag for taxpayers.

Inslee’s Right-of-Ways Safety Initiative, which includes the boulders, has spent up to $149 million but only permanently housed 183 people. This equates to a cost of about $140,000 per person when considering temporary housing for 900 more. All that without even attempting to address the root causes of homelessness, such as mental health issues and addiction.

Of course, Inslee’s administration defends the hefty price tag as necessary investments, despite the poor outcomes. But, as Bryant points out, simply moving homeless individuals does not solve their underlying issues, and the state needs a more comprehensive strategy. Washington ranks poorly in mental health care, and its permissive drug culture exacerbates the problem. Effective solutions would involve better mental health services, stricter drug laws, and more transitional housing. Additionally, life skills and technical education are crucial for long-term stability.

Unfortunately, under Inslee’s leadership, our state has experienced a steep rise in homelessness. Because, under Inslee, our state has concentrated on policies that offer visible but superficial fixes like the boulders, instead of meaningful, lasting solutions. Read more at the Tacoma News Tribune.

If you’re like the average person, the more you learn about the long-term payroll tax, the more you want nothing to do with it. And that, perhaps, is why Democrats want you to obscure what’s really going on from the public. We know that many workers who pay the tax likely will never qualify for the benefits. For those who do qualify, we know that the benefits are not enough to cover all expenses. But here’s something you may not know – beneficiaries won’t be able to hire just anyone they choose for care.

The caregiver will need state approval, requiring applications, contracts, and training. The Department of Social and Health Services oversees provider registration and is currently working on new regulations. The agency has scheduled public input sessions to gather information about caregiver responsibilities and rights.

All that takes time and taxpayer money. As the Washington Policy Center points out, given voters may effectively end the long-term payroll tax if they pass Initiative 2124, DSHS would be wise to wait until November to take further action. After all, given the less-than-ideal information coming out about the tax, voters may very well decide that the long-term payroll tax is simply not worth it. Read more at the Washington Policy Center.

Last week, State Senate lawmakers held a session to debate House Bill 2001, the Judicial Discretion Act, which allows judges to review and potentially shorten long prison sentences, including life sentences. Under the bill, sponsored by far-left Democrat State Rep. Tarra Simmons, prisoners are eligible for reduced sentences if “they’ve served 10 years if convicted as an adult or 7 years if convicted as a juvenile.” During the 2024 legislative session, the bill passed the State House but failed to make it to a State Senate committee meeting.

The bill is just one of many recent attempts by Democrats to pass legislation that favors criminals at the expense of victims. As one victim put it during the recent session:

“‘Should conduct in prison outweigh the gravity of the crime? Must sexual assault victims break open old wounds in order to respond to an offender’s petition for early release?’ Lynne [the victim] said. ‘We must not heap more wrongs on innocent survivors.’”

The State Senate is expected to hold another session on the bill on Jan. 13, 2025. Read more at the Washington State Standard.

Sure sounds a lot like a 9-0 Supreme Court ruling’s decision…

Some Washington Democrats aren’t even trying to hide anymore. Here’s one candidate for State House openly calling for socialism… 

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].