Last summer, Washingtonians were hit with a new payroll tax that left employees with no option but to have money taken out of their paychecks. This new tax will supposedly cover a deeply unpopular long-term care program that is unlikely to provide the care it is supposed to subsidize. Now, the state is taking 58...
A whistleblower claims he resigned from his job with the state rather than lie about the impact Governor Jay Inslee’s carbon tax would have on gas prices. On the unDivided Podcast, Brandi Kruse argues that there is mounting evidence of government misconduct around implementation of the climate program.
We’ve been talking about the problems with Washington’s cap-and-trade program for months and it’s impact on gas prices. Now, former state economist Scott Smith — the person primarily responsible for forecasting gas prices for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) — is speaking out. When his analysis caused him to believe prices would significantly...
In Washington state, some politicians are trying to weaken a key protection for every taxpayer. But voters now have a window of opportunity to stop them in their tracks. Here’s how their scheme works – and simple steps voters can take to protect Washington family businesses. How lawmakers skirted Washington’s taxpayer protections The Washington Constitution...
An initiative to repeal Washington’s carbon tax, which has sent gas prices skyrocketing, appears to be headed to lawmakers. Brian Heywood with Let’s Go Washington joined Brandi Kruse on the unDivided Podcast to discuss next steps.
Here in Washington, the are some major themes we see over and over again with our climate policy. One is that it’s extremely expensive. Another is that we keep failing to meet our goals. And, finally, there is a distinct lack of transparency and accountability among our state’s leaders like Gov. Jay Inslee and Attorney...
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos announced he will leave Seattle for Miami, dealing a blow to Washington state lawmakers who hoped Bezos would be handing over billions in new revenue through a tax on capital gains. Rather than act surprised that Bezos is leaving the state where he built his business, Democrats in Olympia should see it as a learning...
In Tuesday’s election, Seattle voters will weigh Proposition 1. It would replace an expiring levy to help pay for more affordable housing. On the unDivided Podcast, Brandi Kruse questions why the city isn’t instead focused on the root cause of homelessness.
In Washington state, there’s been a controversial move regarding taxation. The state constitution caps income tax at 1%. However, aiming to circumvent this restriction, the Democratic leadership, including Gov. Jay Inslee, introduced a 7% tax on capital gains over $250,000 from specific asset sales, even those out of state. Rather than labeling it as an...
If you are a Bellingham resident, Initiatives 1 and 2 will be on your ballot this year (ballots are hitting mailboxes this week). Unsure how you will vote? We’re here to help! Analysts at Washington Policy Center have written detailed reports, as well as producing key findings, on both initiatives. (Click here for the full report and...
The Washington Energy Code Council has revised its mandate on the inclusion of heat pumps in new residential constructions, but has maintained regulations which some believe effectively bans the use of natural gas. The Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) expressed concerns that the new codes unnecessarily restrict access to natural gas, resulting in increased...
The Inslee Administration and Washington Department of Ecology staff are being criticized for changing narratives and sharing alleged misinformation regarding the impact of Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA) on gas and natural gas prices. While originally denying there would be significant price hikes, they later attributed rises to global events and other factors, distancing the...
One lawmaker is trying blame price gouging at the pump instead.
We want to hear what skyrocketing fuel and home heating prices have meant to you.