Taxes & Cost of Living

You can help repeal Washington’s capital gains tax

You can help repeal Washington’s capital gains tax

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...

State leaders are hiding the truth on climate policy

State leaders are hiding the truth on climate policy

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...

[un]Divided: Jeff Bezos’ move to Florida should be a wake-up call for state lawmakers

[un]Divided: Jeff Bezos’ move to Florida should be a wake-up call for state lawmakers

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...

By Brandi Kruse

[un]Divided: Seattle voters asked to triple housing levy

[un]Divided: Seattle voters asked to triple housing levy

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.

WSJ: Washington state’s new capital-gains tax falls afoul of federal law

WSJ: Washington state’s new capital-gains tax falls afoul of federal law

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...

Analysis: Initiatives 1 & 2 on Bellingham voters’ ballots

Analysis: Initiatives 1 & 2 on Bellingham voters’ ballots

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...

Center Square WA: Washington officials remove heat pump mandate, maintains natural gas ban

Center Square WA: Washington officials remove heat pump mandate, maintains natural gas ban

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...

Washington Policy Center: WA Dept. of Ecology contradicts previous claims on climate tax

Washington Policy Center: WA Dept. of Ecology contradicts previous claims on climate tax

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...

Why we fight for lower gas prices

Why we fight for lower gas prices

On Wednesday, Sept. 13, Future 42, in partnership with Americans for Prosperity-Washington, rolled back the price of gasoline to $3.82, the national average for a gallon of gas, at Jackson’s Shell station in Kent. Just before the event, the price of gas was $5.17. People were waiting in line for an hour before the event...