With Inslee dialing up his carbon footprint, jetting around the country to run for president, the important question of who is in charge at home – naturally – arises. Extreme liberal, Cyrus Habib. The Lieutenant Governor assumes gubernatorial duties (and a pay bump) whenever Inslee leaves the state. So, just who is this outrageously lefty partisan acting as governor? (Shift WA)

One of Olympia’s favorite pastimes – the Daylight Saving bill was officially introduced this week. Senator Jim Honeyford (R-Yakima), one of the sponsors of the legislation, said its time the Legislature pass this bill. “The week after the time changes, there are more illnesses, heart attacks, traffic accidents, and students don’t do as well on tests,” he said. “There’s a human aspect that just doesn’t seem to work for us.” (My Norhtwest)

Despite the Inslee Double Speak coming out of Olympia, legislators need to call Democrat’s proposed capital gains tax what it is – an income tax. Nonpartisan legislative staff released their bill report for it today (Senate Bill 5129) and wrote, “…most states tax capital gains as ordinary income subject to the state’s income tax rates.” For some reason supporters of the tax in Washington keep calling it an excise tax. Gee…we wonder why they would continually lie about what it is they’re actually proposing? (Washington Policy Center)

State Attorney General Bob Ferguson and the Washington State Department of Health are requesting legislation to raise the minimum legal age of sale of tobacco and vapor products. “Having 18-year-olds be able to buy tobacco products makes it way too easy to have them in schools,” said Madison Langer, 17, who is currently a senior in high school. Republicans on the committee shared hesitations about the bill.  “I know a lot of people who make very bad choices,” said Rep. Michelle Caldier (R-Port Orchard) “So, the question is: At what age should you be able to make those bad choices — or choices at all?” (Seattle Times)

Both Senate and House Republican leaders say Inslee can count on zero Republican votes to raise taxes. “Rather than growing reliance on state government even more, I think we should be thinking about dialing into the most important priorities…,” said House Republican Leader JT Wilcox (R-Yelm). Among others, Inslee has proposed a massive tax hike on small business and an unconstitutional capital gains income tax. (Capital Press)

Pierce County taxpayers are shelling out close to $1 million to pay for more of Mark Lindquist’s legal troubles. The recently ousted county prosecutor has cost taxpayers millions in ill-advised legal battles. This most recent payment to a retired sheriff will put an end to the infamous text message issue and brings the county a little nearer to closing the book on Lindquist-related legal obligations. (The News Tribune)

Yesterday the City of Seattle opened its defense in the Ride the Ducks civil trial, which was brought following a deadly crash involving a Ride the Ducks vehicle. The city and state both contend the Aurora Bridge is not to blame for the crash. When asked about whether or not the duck vehicles belonged on the bridge, city traffic engineer Dongho Chang said, “my opinion is the duck is a legal vehicle to operate on public roadways.” (KIRO 7)

The Kent City Council unanimously passed an emergency zoning ordinance to prevent Sound Transit from building a massive transit facility for light rail cars. “It’s inconceivable that a public agency for the region would even conceive of doing such a thing in a city like ours, said Councilmember Dennis Higgins prior to the vote. Mayor Dana Ralph said the vote was not a signal that the city does not want the facility, just that they would prefer it be located in a more suitable area. (Kent Reporter)

Yakima city officials say they hope to have a new police chief up and running by April. City spokesman Randy Beeher said they have selected a recruiting firm to help with the search. Gary Peterson, a former police chief in California and head of the recruiting firm, is planning to hold public forums here to learn what qualities the community seeks in the next chief. (Yakima Herald)

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