In a move that would make even high-tax states do a double take, Washington Democrats wrapped up the legislative session by ramming through a bloated budget that slaps taxpayers with $9.4 billion in new taxes and fees. As the Tax Foundation points out, while most states are cutting taxes, Democrats in Olympia chose to hit everything from car sales and fuel to storage units and even marriage licenses—because nothing says “congrats on your wedding” like a fee tied to domestic violence programs.

Democrats claim these hikes are necessary to fight inflation and maintain services, but Republicans rightly point out the obvious: higher costs on everyday essentials fall hardest on low- and middle-income families. As Rep. Ed Orcutt put it, “Life will be more expensive in Washington”—a fitting slogan for the next bumper sticker.

Despite their PR spin about “balanced approaches” and “difficult decisions,” Democrats essentially ordered the entire tax hike menu while pretending to be fiscally responsible. Businesses? Squeezed. Families? Gouged. Storage units? Taxed. And that fishing trip to clear your head? Yep, pricier too.

Meanwhile, GOP lawmakers offered a budget that funded priorities without hiking taxes—but naturally, Democrats tossed it aside. After all, in Washington’s blue bubble, responsible budgeting is harder to swallow than another liquor license fee. Read more at Center Square.

Bob Ferguson just signed another 80+ bills into law, because clearly, government can never be too bloated or too busy meddling. From making it harder to collect legitimate debts to banning elephants in traveling acts, Washington’s governor is on a roll. Let’s take a peek at what the Ferguson Administration thinks are priorities:

• Medical debt? Now immune to credit reporting. Don’t worry about the inevitable consequence of medical costs increasing for everyone—just ignore that and call it “equity” (ESSB 5480).
• School curriculum? Less math, more blood donation “awareness” (SB 5641).
• Need contraception? You’ll now get 12 months at once—because what could go wrong there? (SB 5498).
• Childcare in apartment buildings? We’re measuring capacity based on where the kids might be, not the whole building (SSB 5655).

Meanwhile, the state is pouring tax goodies into tribal revenue-sharing deals (HB 1355), telling cities how to zone and build (2SHB 1183), and making sure breweries can sublease food trucks (HB 1602). Good governance or just regulatory spaghetti? You decide. And yes, they passed a law saying you can park across your own driveway (SHB 1061)—which tells you the level of micromanagement we’re dealing with. Ferguson also signed off on a law (SSB 5163) that renames “mortality reviews” to “fatality reviews,” because words are apparently more important than results. There’s also a bill banning employers from asking for a driver’s license—unless the job involves driving (SB 5501). Another solution in search of a problem. Oh, and if you run a call center and think about relocating abroad, the state will fine you $10,000 a day (ESSB 5459). Because the best way to keep jobs in Washington is to threaten the people who create them. In short, Ferguson’s signature pen got quite the workout—signing laws that range from pandering nonsense to ideological vanity projects. Welcome to Washington, where the legislature pretends to govern and the governor pretends to lead. Read more at King 5.

As federal officials launch an investigation into antisemitism at the University of Washington, Democrats are choosing sides—and it’s not with law and order. After leftist protesters torched dumpsters, occupied a building, and caused $1 million in damage, Democratic Rep. Shaun Scott offered his “support” to the arrested students, 21 of whom have already been suspended.

Rather than condemning violence and vandalism, Scott made a vague promise to “amplify” the cause—because in today’s Washington Democrat Party, radical activism takes priority over public safety and accountability.

Meanwhile, UW faces federal scrutiny over antisemitic incidents, joining schools like Columbia and Harvard in the hot seat. And while the university insists it’s cooperating, the damage—both physical and reputational—is done.

Republican Rep. Jim Walsh summed it up: spoiled children throwing tantrums need discipline, not encouragement from elected officials.

Democrats want to talk about “equity” and “resistance”—but when students set fires and terrorize campuses, they call it protest. The rest of us call it what it is: lawless chaos, enabled by cowardly politicians. Read more at Center Square.

Facing a $150 million budget hole, newly appointed King County Executive Shannon Braddock has launched a 200-day plan—not to cut waste, rein in spending, or confront fiscal reality—but to go hunting for more tax revenue. Because nothing screams “leadership” like trying to plug a budget crater with someone else’s wallet.

With DEI programs still on full blast (despite federal warnings), Braddock’s response is to double down—suing the feds, blaming Trump, and crossing her fingers Bob Ferguson signs off on new tax authority. Among the wishlist: a new 0.1% sales tax and expanded sales taxes on services, which could start draining wallets as early as 2025.

Also coming soon: yet another round of levies for voters to rubber-stamp—because clearly, your property tax bill isn’t high enough already.

In short, King County’s “balanced budget” plan is really just a code phrase for more taxing, more spending, and zero accountability. Read more at Center Square.

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