Gov. Jay Inslee’s proposed budget is even worse than you could have imagined. If Inslee gets what he wants, state spending will balloon 22% over current levels. And no, that’s not a typo. In fact, it would mean a 75% rise in state spending over eight years, which is absurd. Inslee wants to impose an unconstitutional income tax, raise taxes on homeowners, and make it even more difficult to run a business in our state. Inslee says this budget is fair. He says this budget is optimistic. But what is this budget really? Divorced from reality. (Washington Research Council)

Sen. John Braun (R-Centralia) said he isn’t the least bit surprised by Inslee’s appetite for more taxes. “If budgets are a statement of priorities, it’s clear the governor will always choose to spend more without considering the effect on taxpayers or the results we achieve,” Sen. Braun said. “At some point, the public is going to run out of patience with annual demands for billions more of their money.” (Sen. John Braun)

Even legislative Democrats are pumping the brakes on Inslee’s proposed spending plans. Senate Democrats’ budget writer Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island) told the Times,“His tax increases will be taken up by the Legislature, but they’re probably more ambitious than the Legislature will be able to pass.” (Seattle Times)

Jason Mercier with the Washington Policy Center has a thorough piece on Inslee’s capital gains income tax and what it means for taxpayers. Mercier says that if the final budget includes a capital gains tax, it would be immediately challenged in the courts. “Make no mistake, if adopted this capital gains income tax will result in a lawsuit.” (Washington Policy Center)

Cong. Dave Reichert is looking back on his soon-to-end 14-year tenure in Congress. Reichert cited passing a law helping foster kids, working to promote trade, and the 22,000-acre Alpine Lakes Wilderness as some of his proudest accomplishments. And on his way out, he says Congress needs to get over its addiction to endless investigations.“I would end every investigation right now from Congress’ point of view. Let the law enforcement agencies conduct their investigations. We have to trust them to do that.” (My Northwest)

The Spokane Public Schools board voted to heed voters’ wishes and build a new football stadium at the current site, Albi Stadium, instead of a site nearer downtown. “I believe in the democratic process,” board member Jerrall Haynes said. “But if we are to go against the voters’ decision, we run the risk of losing hundreds of millions of dollars in voters going against bonds in the future.” (The Spokesman-Review)

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