Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier vetoes the county council’s supplemental budget—because temporary solutions won’t solve permanent problems!
Dammeier Puts Brakes on Council’s Band-Aid Budget: Tiny Homes? Try Real Housing Solutions!
Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier vetoed the county council’s supplemental budget, pointing to what he called partisan approval, irregular fund transfers, and irresponsible spending decisions. One of the major sticking points is the council’s allocation of $2.5 million for homeless stability sites, a move Dammeier opposes. He argues that this money would be better spent on long-term, stable housing solutions, rather than temporary fixes like tiny home villages. Dammeier had originally proposed reallocating these funds to higher-priority projects, including the Aviva Crossing Project, which aims to create significant affordable housing in Tacoma, as well as to youth diversion programs.
Despite this, the council pushed through its own plan, which Dammeier believes fails to address the county’s real housing needs. With no plans for a veto override, the supplemental budget will not proceed. Now, Dammeier is preparing to submit his adjustments for the mid-biennium budget, which will include funding for the Aviva Crossing Project. In the meantime, he’s taking steps to ensure federal funding from the American Rescue Plan isn’t lost due to deadline issues. Read more at Center Square.
Capital Gains Income Tax: The Trojan Horse That Wants Your Wallet
In his latest op-ed, GOP State Sen. John Braun argues that Washington voters should repeal the capital gains income tax by approving Initiative 2109, pointing out that voters have rejected income taxes 11 times in the past. He highlights the 2010 proposal to tax the wealthiest residents, which failed despite promises of property tax cuts, as evidence that voters don’t trust these schemes. According to Braun, the capital gains income tax isn’t about “fairness” as its supporters claim, but rather a way to generate more government revenue. While Democrats say it only affects the wealthiest, Braun warns that it’s just a matter of time before the tax expands to cover more people—because when has a tax ever stayed limited? By voting for I-2109, Braun believes voters can stop this tax from growing and protect themselves from future tax hikes while reducing unnecessary government involvement, especially in areas like childcare. Read more at The Chronicle.
Snohomish Backs Off Housing Price Hike
The City of Snohomish has reversed its decision to increase the cost of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by requiring separate sewer and water connections after public opposition, with only far-left Councilmember Karen Kuzak supporting the higher fees. The proposal would have added $20,000 to $40,000 in construction costs – not exactly a great idea when the goal is to encourage more housing construction. By changing course, the city has helped make affordable housing more accessible. Here’s to more cities following suit. Read more at the Washington Policy Center.
Overheard on the Interwebs
Answer: pretty darn psycho…
The facts speak volumes…
Gee, thanks WA Democrats for the many years of “leadership”…
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