Gov. Bob Ferguson just signed Senate Bill 5525, adding a shiny new layer of regulation for Washington employers with 50 or more full-time workers. The bill mimics the federal WARN Act but lowers the threshold from 100 employees to 50, because in Democrat logic, smaller businesses deserve bigger burdens. So now, even small  businesses must give 60 days’ notice before mass layoffs or closures, or face penalties and potential lawsuits—unless, of course, a natural disaster wipes them out first. Oh, and if you’re out on Washington’s ultra-generous paid family or medical leave? You’re temporarily layoff-proof. Sponsored by Sen. Annette Cleveland (D-Vancouver), the bill was pitched as a “certainty and stability” measure, which is Democrat-speak for “we made life even more complicated for struggling small business on the rink of closure.” Read more at Center Square.

Washington’s ferry system is getting a major boost this summer, but not thanks to green fantasy timelines. Governor Bob Ferguson quietly shelved the electrification push initiated by Jay Inslee for two of the state’s largest ferries back in March—coincidentally right before a busy tourist season—allowing vessels to return to service three years ahead of schedule. The result? WSF will operate 18 boats this summer, nearly full strength. Routes like Seattle-Bremerton and the Triangle Route will finally see full schedules again, just in time to avoid a coastal revolt. But don’t worry—Olympia still promises to go electric eventually, just not before 2029… or the next election cycle, whichever comes first. Read more at MyNorthwest.com.

Over the years, Washington Democrats managed to starve the state library system of a mere $6.7 million in stabilization funding—while somehow never running out of money for bloated bureaucracies, expensive consultants, and endless climate commissions.

Now, the Washington State Library in Tumwater, home to irreplaceable treasures like territorial-era newspapers and historic novels, is facing near-elimination. Forty-seven employees got pink slips, and even the Talking Book and Braille Library in Seattle—serving residents with disabilities—is staring down brutal cuts. So much for “inclusion.”

The excuse? Falling real estate transaction fees. But let’s be real—this disaster didn’t just materialize overnight. It’s the direct result of years of wasteful spending, poor planning, and a budget process that’s long prioritized flashy pet projects over boring things like literacy and public access to knowledge.

As librarian Sara Jones said, “I don’t have a playbook.” That’s okay—neither do the Democrats running this state, unless it’s titled How to Mismanage a Budget and Still Pretend You’re the Adults in the Room. Read more at King 5.

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