In arguably one of the most disappointing moments of the 2019 legislative session, Democrats passed a bill that will cause the same inequities that lead to the school funding McCleary court case. Democrats are going to hike up property taxes just to appease union-bosses. While the property tax hike was the most disappointing, it wasn’t the worst tax passed. Democrats also advanced the Business & Occupation rate hike that will affect 40 industries and categories of professional-service providers. “The majority says this new tax, which would pull close to a billion dollars out of the economy in just four years, is critical for supporting higher education. But the truth is, higher taxes on these industries and employers are no more necessary than the higher taxes on fuel and real-estate transactions and other things that were approved,” said Senator John Braun (R-Centralia). (Tri-City Herald)

Democrats spent the weekend (while no one was looking) passing close to $1 billion in new and higher taxes. Not only was their tactic an affront to open government, but is completely disconnected from reality. The fact is, a booming economy has provided our state with a huge revenue surplus, more than enough to fulfill all financial obligations. (Seattle Times)

Hidden within votes on all of those tax increases was the passage of Governor Inslee’s public option health care plan. The proposal would create a state-contracted insurance option that would be offered by 2021 – or basically our state’s own pathway to socialized medicine. This was more about giving Inslee something to talk about on the campaign trail than actually helping the health insurance mess. (MyNorthwest)

The Legislature passed a bill that will move up completion of the state Route 167 project in Pierce County. “This project is certainly challenging, but by bonding these tolls we are going to advance completion of this project, which means we will get goods and services moving faster and traffic moving throughout that region,” said Rep. Kelly Chambers (R-Puyallup). The bonds sold to fund this project will be repaid through tolling. (The News Tribune)

Seattle’s plan to turn Fort Lawton, the decommissioned Army base in Discovery Park, into affordable housing has (unsurprisingly) been met with some opposition. “The park is already almost at capacity on weekends,” said Seattle City Council District 7 candidate Elizabeth Campbell. “An immense number of people come through there … the park needs that additional land to expand and maintain its integrity as a natural space.” (MyNorthwest)

The $2 million project to rehabilitate a section of the Yakima Air Terminal-McAllister Field began last week. The project is estimated to be about $1.9 million, with roughly 90 percent of the funding comes from a Federal Aviation Administration grant. “We appreciate the public’s patience as the project proceeds to completion this summer,” said Yakima Airport Director Rob Peterson. “And we appreciate the FAA’s partnership in making this vital apron rehabilitation possible for the city of Yakima.” (Yakima Herald)

Walla Walla County commissioners will hold a “meet and greet” later today in Burbank. The commissioners say the meetings are part of their ongoing effort to provide residents with access to public information and connect with those unable to attend regular meetings. (Union-Bulletin)

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