Issues | Future 42

Washington’s Rainy Day Fund Ranks 49th — That Matters Now More than Ever

Washington communities are once again facing the reality of severe flooding — homes damaged, roads washed out, families displaced, and local governments stretched thin. First responders, emergency management teams, public works crews, and volunteers across the state have stepped up in extraordinary ways, working long hours to protect lives and property. They deserve sincere thanks...

[un]Divided: Seattle Little League billed $120,000 to play at run down public ballfields

Despite passing record taxes to upkeep parks, Seattle is charging youth teams six figures to play on public ballfields. Yet the city is still failing to keep them in good shape. Follow unDivided across platforms and subscribe to support the show at unDividedpod.com.

By Brandi Kruse

After $12.5B in New Taxes, Lawmakers Are Already Back for Another Bite

Washington’s budget crisis didn’t come out of nowhere. After more than a decade of explosive spending growth — the kind that consistently outpaced population and inflation — lawmakers in Olympia are now stunned to discover that revenue is falling short of expectations. The surprise is hard to take seriously. When government grows this fast for...

Strong Kickoff, Stronger Community — Clark County Update: Dec. 2025

Clark County Future 42 hosted its kickoff event this week. The sold-out event featured Emmy-Award winning emcee, Brandi Kruse, and Tracy Doriot (founder and senior partner of Doriot Construction) as the keynote speaker on the affordability crisis, along with Steve Gordon, Dann Mead Smith, and Leslie Lewallen – the Director of the Clark County Future 42 Chapter. Over 130...

[un]Divided: Washington state sues Trump over its own homeless crisis

In his 45th lawsuit against the Trump administration so far this year, Washington AG Nick Brown is suing over new restrictions the federal government wants to place on homeless housing. Follow unDivided across platforms and subscribe to support the show: unDividedPod.com.

By Brandi Kruse

Spokesman Review op-ed: If transparency matters on climate data, Washington state should lead by example

The Spokesman-Review published an op-ed by Jackson Maynard and Todd Myers highlighting Washington’s failure to release legally required greenhouse-gas emissions data — and the lawsuit filed by Citizens Action Defense Fund (CADF) to compel transparency. From the column: For years, state officials have demanded transparency from businesses and individuals on climate policy, but refuse to...

[un]Divided: Dems to propose another new business tax

Despite enacting the largest tax increase in state history earlier this year, Washington Democrats are poised to introduce even more this week. Senate Minority Leader John Braun (R-Centralia) joins unDivided with Brandi Kruse to discuss. Follow unDivided across platforms and subscribe to support the show: unDividedpod.com.

By Brandi Kruse

Another Ferguson Transparency Failure Emerges in Center Square Investigation

Recently uncovered records reported by The Center Square expose a troubling pattern: During his time as Attorney General, and now as Governor, Bob Ferguson has consistently fallen short of the transparency and accountability standards he loudly proclaims. In 2023, the Washington State Bar Association opened a confidential investigation into Ferguson’s office of the Attorney General...

[un]Divided: Seattle’s new socialist mayor promises to raise taxes

To pay for a long wish list of “free” things, Seattle Mayor-elect Katie Wilson says she will propose new taxes. Follow unDivided across platforms and subscribe to support the show: unDividedPod.com.

By Brandi Kruse

Everett City Council Enhances Public Safety, Extends “No Sit, No Lie” Law

At last week’s public council meeting, the Everett City Council voted 5-2 to extend the current “no sit, no lie” law which would otherwise have been sunset at the end of 2025. This law was enacted with major support from local business owners and residents as it enacted buffer zones to address loitering, homelessness, and...

Democrat legislative leaders Push for New Income and Wealth Taxes as Businesses Close and Washington’s Competitiveness Plummets

Just months after passing the largest tax increase in state history — a $12.5 billion package — Democrat leaders in Olympia are already looking for new ways to take more. Now they’re floating two new tax proposals a 9.9% income tax and a statewide wealth tax targeting assets like stocks, investments, and property holdings. They...

Big Wins for Accountability, Improved Government Efficiency & Transparency in Whatcom County

When we shared our comprehensive voters guide to the 12 Charter amendments in October, our goal was to make it easier to understand what was on your ballot and why these once-a-decade proposals matter. Thanks to strong voter engagement, Whatcom County saw clear and encouraging results. Every one of the seven amendments we took a position on...

Snohomish County Delivered: 60+ New Leaders Elected & $1,000 Tax Hike Defeated!

2025 SNOHOMISH COUNTY ELECTION RESULTS Future 42 Snohomish County, in conjunction with League of Our Own WA, recruited and/or trained 90+ male and female candidates for local office in Snohomish County this year. If current results hold, at least 60 of those candidates will have won their General Election race. A recap is below. In the...

Edmonds City Council to Vote on Raising Sales Tax to Highest Rate in the State

Update: Since the time of this post, the vote on the sales tax increase has twice been delayed. At their public meeting this Wednesday, November 12th at 6:00pm, the Edmonds City Council will be holding a vote on a proposal to increase the city’s sales tax rate for “cultural access” to the arts. This will be...