In the latest episode of “Let’s See How Far We Can Push the System,” Gov. Bob Ferguson just signed SB 5041, a bill that hands unemployment benefits to striking workers—because apparently, encouraging longer strikes and adding pressure to a $4 billion trust fund sounded like a brilliant idea to Democrats.

Starting in January, workers on strike or locked out will be able to tap into unemployment benefits for up to six weeks, provided the dispute drags on at least 15–21 days. If it gets resolved before then—no cash. But if it doesn’t? Jackpot.

Sen. Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane) called it “leveling the playing field.” Of course, the “leveling” comes at the expense of small businesses, employers, and taxpayers. And while union bosses are cheering, business groups are sounding the alarm: this is government literally inserting itself into private labor negotiations with financial incentives to stay on the picket line longer.

Opponents, including the NFIB and the Washington Policy Center, rightly see this as subsidizing strikes and punishing job creators. After all, when you offer benefits to people not working by choice, you’re no longer running a safety net—you’re funding labor warfare.

And what about the UI Trust Fund? Labor advocates claim the bill will have a “negligible” impact. But at $1.4 million a month for qualifying strikes, it’s clear this isn’t free. The Employment Security Department will now be stuck tracking and reporting on all of this annually—because when you can’t solve the housing crisis or rein in crime, at least you can count strikes!

Bottom line: Democrats have found yet another way to weaponize unemployment insurance for political ends—rewarding strikes, discouraging resolution, and making Washington an even more hostile place to do business. Read more at Center Square.

In a veto that screams “we’d rather not know”, Gov. Bob Ferguson shut down a bipartisan-backed bill (HB 1108) that dared to ask: What’s actually driving Washington’s out-of-control housing costs? The bill passed with overwhelming support from both parties and would’ve tasked the Washington State Institute for Public Policy with doing what the state clearly fears most—getting real answers from people who actually build, rent, and sell homes.

Ferguson’s excuse? We’ve “already studied” the issue, and apparently $234,000 over two years is just too steep a price to hear from folks like mortgage lenders, landlords, contractors, and renters. Instead, we’re told to keep trusting whatever “solutions” Olympia’s been cooking up—solutions that just happen to keep housing unaffordable.

Rep. Mark Klicker (R-Walla Walla), the bill’s sponsor, didn’t mince words. He suspects the real reason for the veto is political self-preservation: maybe Democrats don’t want to know the truth because it might show their own policies are part of the problem. Shocking.

Despite Ferguson’s talk of bipartisanship during his inaugural address, Klicker says he and other Republicans won’t be applauding again. Hard to clap when the guy promising solutions is busy plugging his ears and vetoing the facts.

So while housing prices skyrocket, Democrats pat themselves on the back for doing “something” about the crisis—just not anything that involves listening to the people actually dealing with it. Read more at Center Square.

As Shift WA readers know, Bob Ferguson signed a $78 billion state budget funded by a slew of new taxes that will squeeze Washington families already dealing with high prices. While Ferguson acknowledged the burden—calling it a “challenging budget” for residents—he defended the tax hikes as necessary for a “more sustainable future.”

But don’t expect a straight answer on what this will cost you. Ferguson declined to give a number. Senate Republicans did: they estimate a family of four will pay about $2,000 more per year by 2029, thanks to hikes on the B&O tax, sales tax, capital gains, estate taxes, and more. Democrats countered with their own math—about $900 per year, dismissing some of the GOP’s assumptions and claiming that most families won’t feel the hit – sure, Jan.

Even the Office of Financial Management said it’s “very challenging” to put a number on it –thanks for nothing.

In short, Democrats say it’s a progressive budget. Republicans say it’s a disaster for the middle class. Ferguson? He says he’s listening. But Washingtonians will be the ones paying attention—when the bill comes due. Read more at the Olympian.

Mayor Bruce Harrell is catching heat after blaming Christian worshippers for the violence they endured at a Mayday USA event—at a location the city itself suggested. Despite 23 counter-protesters being arrested (and zero attendees from the church), Harrell framed the event as a “far-right rally” meant to provoke, conveniently omitting that City Hall pushed organizers toward Cal Anderson Park when their Pike Place request was denied.

Pastor Russell Johnson isn’t having it, calling Harrell’s statement “intellectual dishonesty” and blasting him for protecting the city’s far-left base while scapegoating peaceful Christians. Johnson says the event was marred by assaults, lewd acts in front of children, and urine balloons—all courtesy of the militant activist crowd.

And now, after following the city’s direction in “good faith,” the church gets smeared by a mayor scrambling for progressive brownie points. Johnson is holding a Tuesday rally calling on Harrell to resign or apologize—because apparently, expecting basic truth and accountability from Seattle leadership is now an act of radicalism. Read more at KTTH.

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