Governor Jay Inslee, an expert in extreme environmentalist policies, is judging Joe Biden’s most recent attempt at pandering to the small contingent of voters ranking that as their most important issue. Inslee, perhaps out of polling envy, took a shot at Biden’s climate change proposal. “I have to express disappointment that the vice president’s proposals really lacked teeth and they lack ambition that is necessary to defeat the climate crisis,” he said. It’s going to be tough for Biden to hear Inslee’s criticism from all the way at the front of the pack. (MyNorthwest)

The state’s Department of Labor and Industries announced it filed a rule that could more than triple the salary threshold under which employers must pay overtime to their workers. “The current system is out of date,” wrote Joel Sacks, director of the state Department of Labor and Industries. “We want to make sure that people who legitimately deserve overtime get paid for the extra hours they work.” The business community is hoping that state regulators slow down and consider changes being made at the federal level. (The News Tribune)

Seattle’s unconstitutional income tax is set to face its next legal challenge tomorrow morning in front of the Division 1 Court of Appeals. Proponents of the income tax initially tried to bypass the court of appeals, but the state Supreme Court declined to take the issue up. At the center of the debate is the question of whether or not income tax supporters can circumvent voters and the constitution. Democrats want to use this court fight and Seattle as a runway to taking the income tax statewide. (Washington Policy Center)

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn’s office has identified eight people it plans to appoint as commissioners to three King County Drainage Districts. The seats were left vacant after an investigation exposed Allan “Benny” Thomas’ alleged diversion of more than $400,000 in taxpayer dollars to his personal bank account. “I feel I have a responsibility to my community,” said David Ballestrasse, President of NW Safe Company, who has been appointed to Drainage District 5.  “I have no comment on Mr. Thomas,” he said in an email. (KING 5)

The Yakima City Council decided earlier this week that they will not make any changes to the public comment process during council meetings. A resolution would have shortened comment time from 3 minutes to 2 minutes. “It’s an opportunity for constituents to come and discuss issues with us,” said Councilwoman Carmen Mendez. “Three minutes is not a long time, and this is what we were elected for, to listen to our constituents.” (Yakima Herald)

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