If only the Seattle City Council could accept even this level of responsibility
Shift Wire
Council can’t admit it: Jobs tax failed because it was unpopular from the start
At Shift, we’ve followed the jobs tax debate pretty closely, and we’ve seen a lot of different arguments for and against it. Not once did we see or hear anyoneargue that homelessness is caused by government inefficiency – but one Seattle city councilmember trotted out that straw man argument, before her colleagues piled on their own excuses. (Shift WA)
Happening in Olympia
Gov. Inslee yesterday announced Michelle Gonzalez as the director of Washington’s new Women’s Commission. The commission will advise the Legislature, state agencies and the governor on issues important to women. (Washington State Wire)
According to the state Employment Security Department, Washington’s unemployment rate fell to 4.7 percent in May. A few industries that saw the largest gains in employment were retail, trade, and construction. (The Olympian)
Western Washington
The City of Seattle is being sued for violating the state’s Open Public Meetings Act after it held a special meeting to repeal its jobs tax. Even though the tax was repealed, the No Tax on Jobs Coalition submitted its roughly 46,000 signatures to get the referendum on the ballot, just in case. The coalition’s spokesperson John Murray said they chose to file the signatures “out of an abundance of caution.” (My Northwest)
Mayor Jenny Durkan wants to expand Seattle homeless shelter services by 25 percent. Her plan includes inviting 120 people to shelter at city hall. The mayor’s office expects the council to approve the plan. (My Northwest)
Eastern Washington
About 60 Kennewick teachers spent their first day of summer vacation rallying for higher pay. The state Legislature allocated about $1 billion more for K-12 teacher pay – and strikes are coming. (Tri-City Herald)
Notable Tweets
Like what you read?
Do you like The Morning Briefing? Forward this to a friend! It helps us grow our community and serve you better.
If you feel we missed something that should be covered, email us at [email protected].
If you don’t want to receive this email each morning, click here to opt-out of The Morning Briefing.