Looks like Democrat State Senator Jamie Pedersen, representing the 43rd Legislative District in Seattle, thinks “bipartisan” means the Democrats in Olympia pulling the party further left. With his recent promotion as the new majority leader for Washington Senate Democrats, Pedersen seems thrilled to grow the Democrats’ majority and bring in what he calls “new energy and passion.” Apparently, this “passion” means more focus on Democratic priorities like gun control and extreme, costly green policies, and maybe even some old favorites—higher taxes and regulations on businesses.

Pedersen replaces Andy Billig, who worked closely with Gov. Jay Inslee to push leftist policies on guns, the environment, and taxes. But Pedersen’s promotion – as one of the most far left members of the State Senate – just adds to Olympia’s one-sided trend, where “bipartisanship” seems more of a showpiece than a principle.

Despite crowing about cooperation, Pedersen’s new caucus lineup includes fresh faces who lean even further left. And with State Sen. Mark Mullet’s moderate seat going to a more liberal replacement, Washington Senate Democrats seem committed to ramping up their ideological shift. Read more at the Washington State Standard.

The Discovery Institute is stepping up with a bold policy plan that prioritizes a “treatment-first” approach to tackle Seattle’s homelessness crisis, directly challenging the ineffective “housing-first” model used by the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA). Unlike KCRHA’s costly, unsustainable strategy—estimated to need up to $1.1 billion annually—the Discovery Institute proposes focusing all unrestricted funds on treatment and recovery programs to help people reach self-sufficiency. Their plan suggests reallocating 20% of homelessness funds to emergency treatment, which they estimate could bring 25% of the unsheltered population indoors immediately. They criticize current policies for halting treatment requirements, diverting funds away from emergency responses, and applying a flawed “one-size-fits-all” approach.

Instead, the Institute advocates for specialized clinical tracks and support for high-performing nonprofits to increase shelter beds that come with essential treatment services. As the PIT count continues to reach new highs in King County, Discovery’s focus on short-term emergency services and treatment stands out as a practical, people-focused alternative to KCRHA’s bloated model. And, unfortunately, that’s perhaps why King County Democrats won’t pay any attention to it. You can find the report here.

Surprise, surprise – after the defeat of I-2117, Washington’s CO2 tax soared, likely raising gas prices significantly compared to neighboring states. The CO2 tax, set through auctions and private markets, jumped to $57 per metric ton (MT) of CO2—up from about $30—adding roughly 45 cents per gallon to fuel prices. The difference in gas prices between Oregon and Washington has grown, from 22 cents in July to 40 cents per gallon in November, a direct impact from Washington’s escalating CO2 prices.

During the election, some figures downplayed potential price hikes, including former Democrat State Senator Reuven Carlyle, who dismissed predictions of rising CO2 prices. However, as the Washington Policy Center points out, with private market prices now exceeding $50/MT, it’s clear his optimism was misplaced. Going into 2025, the price pressure will likely continue as the number of CO2 allowances declines by 8%. Brace yourselves, Washington voters may now experience the full cost of retaining the CO2 tax. Read more at the Washington Policy Center.

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