A bill that would extend the statute of limitations for felony sex offenses will head to Inslee’s vacant desk after it was approved by both chambers. “This is the most important move the legislature has made for victims in the last 20 years, easily,” said Mary Ellen Stone, who has been executive director of the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center for four decades.  “It recognizes that there are many barriers to coming forward and reporting, and that time limits are not in the best interest of justice or the victim.” (Seattle Times)

Dori Monson says Washington could see $4 or even $5 per gallon of gas if Democrats get their way and pass Inslee’s energy tax. He argues we would follow the same path as California. “In California, gas has gone over $4 a gallon, and is approaching $5 a gallon in some places because of the low-carbon fuel standard. The fuel standard does nothing for the environment, as we’ve reported.” (MyNorthwest)

The teachers union money grab, aided by extreme partisan liberal senators, is so egregious that even some Senate Democrats are calling foul. Senator Mark Mullet (D-Issaquah) penned an op-ed in which he highlighted a few of the many issues with bill the Left is pushing to raise property taxes and destroy the education funding gains made since McCleary. “…we [Democrats] have to stand up when interest groups — even those that support us — are not being reasonable,” he wrote. (Seattle Times)

Washington State Court of Appeals ruled that the city of Puyallup can assume the role of lead on a 2.6-million-square-foot warehouse project, despite the site being located on Pierce County land. “It’s a complete win for the city as we possibly could have attained,” said Joseph Beck, attorney for the city of Puyallup. The Pierce County Council voted 4-3 on Wednesday file a motion to appeal the decision to state Supreme Court. (The News Tribune)

Seattle’s District 3 will see a sizable amount of political activity with a host of candidates challenging Kshama Sawant for the council seat. Contributions raised among candidates in District 3 have already passed $130,000. This race is shaping up to be a real barn burner. (MyNorthwest)

After reports of troubling allegations from incoming Yakima police chief Matt Murray surfaced, an independent contractor was hired to delve into Murray’s hiring. Cliff Moore sent the three-page memo about Murray’s hiring to the media and the Yakima City Council, noting that he intended the document to serve as a “factual, comprehensive review of the process.” The report took a thorough looking into the hiring process. (Yakima Herald)

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