What’s obvious is now official: Capital gains taxes are income taxes. That’s according to the IRS, which responded to a question by Cong. Dan Newhouse on the topic. You’re probably thinking “duh,” but the topic came up because Olympia Democrats pushing a state capital gains tax act like it’s somehow not an income tax. Every other state revenue department had already confirmed they consider capital gains taxes a type of income tax, and now the IRS officially agrees. So that just leaves Olympia Democrats who pretend otherwise. (Washington Policy Center)

The state Office of Financial Management published most of the “Decision Packages,” which are requests made by agencies to the Governor’s Office. A few notable requests: The Health Care Authority is requesting $57 million in new funds to offset unrealistic savings estimates, and the Department of Transportation is asking for nearly $2 million for maintenance of the I-405 tolling facilities. (Washington State Wire)

The $6.2 million overcrossing near Snoqualmie Pass on Interstate 90 will soon provide safe passage for wildlife. “You’re building a crossing structure for some species and a home for others,” said Jen Watkins, of Conservation Northwest, a nonprofit that has championed the project. (Seattle Times)

KIRO 97.3’s Jason Rantz says Councilmember Sawant was preying on uninformed students, urging them to walk out of school over something the students don’t understand. Sawant called for a citywide walkout yesterday to protest projected job cuts. After Seattle Public Schools announced its enrollment projections were short by 700 students, the district moved some teachers to other schools where the need was greater. (My Northwest)

State Rep. Joe Schmick (R-Colfax) is facing a Democrat challenger for the first time in a decade. Mathew Sutherland, the youngest candidate on this year’s Washington ballot, is hoping to ride the “blue wave” to victory in a historically red district. Sutherland had originally challenged Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, then switched to the state House seat after he endorsed Democrat Lisa Brown for Congress. (The Spokesman-Review)

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