Before even stepping into the governor’s office, Bob Ferguson faces accusations of corruption and racketeering. Bob Scales, CEO of Police Strategies LLC, has filed a $42 million tort claim alleging Ferguson’s office ran a shady public procurement process that flouted state laws. Making matters murkier, Ferguson’s Attorney General’s Office has hired Pacifica Law Group—where his successor Nick Brown is a partner—on a $250,000 contract to defend the case, raising cries of cronyism. Scales blasted the move as an outright conflict of interest and “absolutely unethical.” Ferguson’s past behavior, including secretive lawsuits to shield donors, adds to the cloud of suspicion. Scales is now calling for a federal investigation, suggesting there’s more than a coin flip’s chance it could happen. Read more at MyNorthwest.com.

Starting January 1, Washington’s RV and trucking industries might want to start brushing up on California law, as new emissions rules will halt the sale of gas and diesel vehicles over 8,500 pounds. These rules, modeled after California’s Zero Emission Vehicle standards, caught many off guard—because who could have predicted following California’s lead would mean…following California’s lead? The RV industry is scrambling, with dealers stockpiling 2024 models and bracing for a used vehicle boom. Meanwhile, manufacturers are backing out of CARB-regulated markets faster than you can say “zero emissions.”

Trucking businesses aren’t thrilled either, with some planning to license vehicles in Idaho or Montana, where a little thing called reality still reigns. And, of course, the state’s supply chain could take a hit, but Washington seems determined to create demand for electric big rigs that don’t quite exist yet. After all, nothing says climate leadership like driving buyers (and jobs) out of state. Read more at KIRO News.

Under Gov. Jay Inslee, Washington’s annual operating budget has nearly doubled from $38.4 billion in 2013 to $75.5 billion today, yet lawmakers claim they need another $10-12 billion to balance the books. Despite record tax revenues and a growing list of taxes, including a CO2 tax projected to hit 45 cents per gallon, legislators like Democrat State Sen. Jamie Pederson are floating new revenue sources like a wealth tax. The real issue isn’t revenue but runaway spending, driven by bloated government growth. In just four years, the state added over 8,300 employees, including 75 roles dedicated to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, costing taxpayers millions.

Education spending has also ballooned, with administrative staff growing by 54%, far outpacing the increase in teachers. Even legislators are cashing in, with their salaries and benefits poised to exceed $110,000 for part-time work by 2026. Meanwhile, the newly passed state employee contract will add another $1.3 billion to the budget. Instead of raising taxes to fix their self-inflicted problems, lawmakers should adopt zero-based budgeting and cut discretionary spending before they inevitably run out of taxpayers’ money. Read more at the Washington Policy Center.

Washington’s EV transition is shaping up to be yet another example of lofty goals with little practical planning. Despite rejecting Initiative 2117, the state is still banking on cap-and-trade revenue to fund an EV infrastructure nowhere near ready to meet demand. While planners pat themselves on the back for adding 7,000 charging ports, they admit up to 150,000 fast chargers and $30 billion are needed—an impossible leap without massive subsidies. Experts warn that unclear plans and inconsistent funding will scare off private investors, leaving taxpayers holding the bag for years to come. Instead of addressing these glaring issues, the state seems content to charge forward, hoping the market will magically solve problems it has no incentive to fix. Read more at Center Square.

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