Washington state small businesses face a crushing 11.9% increase in health insurance costs in 2025, the highest in a decade, affecting 220,000 people. While Democrats like Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler tout the availability of multiple insurers, they’ve failed to address the real issue: skyrocketing costs that burden both businesses and workers. Small businesses, already struggling with high premiums, are forced to pass these costs onto customers, further inflating prices for everyone. As for Kreidler’s vague promises of future reforms? They ring hollow as costs continue to soar. The lack of decisive action from the state’s leadership is a clear failure of Democrats to protect small businesses from being overwhelmed by rising health insurance expenses. Read more at the Washington State Standard.

Washington Democrats are pulling out all the stops in their disgraceful power grab, using underhanded redistricting tactics to make a supermajority in both the State Senate and House possible. After a court ruling forced the redrawing of 13 legislative districts—conveniently favoring Democrats—they’ve seized this opportunity to entrench their control, aiming for a supermajority that would allow them to rewrite the state’s constitution. With just four Senate seats and 10 House seats needed, they’re throwing big money into battleground districts.

The 14th and 17th Districts have become prime targets in this redistricting scheme, with Democrats pouring cash into these races. In the 14th, Democrat Chelsea Dimas is banking on a redrawn map to edge out Republican Gloria Mendoza, and Ana Ruiz Kennedy is another Democrat hoping to capitalize on the unfair advantage. Meanwhile, in the 17th District, Democrat Terri Niles is trying to take advantage of the new lines to beat Republican David Stuebe. Even in races slightly favoring Republicans, like the 25th District, where Democrat Cameron Severns is running against Republican Michael Keaton, Democrats are dumping money in hopes of tipping the scales.

By every appearance, the Democrats are salivating over their potential supermajority, which would let them push tax hikes by lowering the threshold needed to pass local levies, further straining Washington taxpayers. Read more at MyNorthwest.com.

Seattle’s plan to replace police officers with “alternative responders” is now under scrutiny as the proposed Public Safety and Homelessness committee debates the budget for these programs. Mayor Bruce Harrell’s 2025 budget proposes $20 million for non-police public safety initiatives, including the CARE program, despite growing concerns about public safety in downtown Seattle. As the Washington Policy Center points out, the city’s experiment with shifting police responsibilities to social workers and crisis responders has failed to reduce crime or address the homeless crisis effectively. Meanwhile, the Seattle Police Department remains understaffed, with officer morale at historic lows. Looks like the city is doubling down on a strategy that’s left neighborhoods less safe, rather than focusing on hiring more police officers. Read more at the Washington Policy Center.

General Election voting kicked off last week as drop boxes opened for ballot submissions. Each county is required to mail ballots to voters by today, starting an 18-day voting period leading up to Election Day on November 5. Please remember to submit your ballot early to avoid last-minute issues. You can postmark your ballot by 8 p.m. on November 5 (no postage required), or through county drop boxes, which are open 24/7 and will close at 8 p.m. on Election Day. As you know, this election includes crucial positions like president, governor, congressional seats, and local measures. Please remember to vote! You can find ballot drop locations here.

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