Get out your brooms Mariners!
Happening in Olympia
If Democrats win big this fall, they have some big plans that – guess what – will siphon off more of your money. At the top of their list is what’s always at the top of their list: A state income tax. Speaker Frank Chopp (D-Seattle) acknowledged Democrats could consider a capital gains income tax. State Democrats chair Tina Podlodowski said more government-run health care could make the agenda. To the accusation that large Democratic majorities would make the Legislature “look like the Seattle City Council,” Chopp averred that it’s “not going to happen.” Even he realizes that’s not going to fly with the voters in our state. (Seattle Times)
Western Washington
The state Dept. of Ecology fined King County for wastewater overflows. King County taxpayers will have to cover a $118,000 bill. The fine follows $361,000 King County had to pay after 250 million gallons of raw sewage poured into Puget Sound in 2017. We can’t help but think that if a private business, not the county, did that, the fine would be a lot higher. (My Northwest)
Seattle Times editorial writer Melissa Santos fact-checked state Sen. Maralyn Chase – and there was a lot to check. Perhaps the most egregious claim by the Edmonds Democrat – because it was so easily proved a lie – was when Chase claimed she did not support an income tax. Santos rightfully pointed out that Chase has sponsored multiple state income tax bills over the years. (Washington State Wire)
Eastern Washington
Firefighters were able to contain a fire that covered roughly 5,000 acres that ripped through south Kennewick lands. A city news release recommended anyone who does not need to be in or around the fire areas to stay away for safety. (Tri-City Herald)
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