Trial date set for WSDOT whistleblower who refused to lie about Cap-and-Trade scheme
OLYMPIA—A trial date has been set in the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) whistleblower lawsuit, brought by the Citizen Action Defense Fund (CADF) on behalf client Scott Smith. The trial has been scheduled for August 18, 2025, in Thurston County Superior Court. The parties are proceeding with discovery, which according to the scheduling order, […]
What’s the cost if WA voters reject capital gains tax, end cap-and-trade?
A pair of new reports outline financial consequences if voters approve ballot measures this fall repealing Washington’s capital gains tax and scrapping its cap-and-trade program. Passing the initiatives will dry up significant streams of revenue the state government is counting on for programs ranging from child care and early learning to electric vehicles and clean […]
Whistleblower who refused to lie about Cap-and-Trade scheme, files lawsuit
OLYMPIA—The Citizen Action Defense Fund (CADF) filed a lawsuit on Tuesday, March 5, on behalf of whistleblower Scott Smith, who earlier last year was pressured by the Governor’s Office of Financial Management and the Washington State Department of Transportation to change the numbers in his reports that indicated that the cap-and-trade scheme was significantly impacting […]
John Braun commentary: Vote Republican, say ‘no’ to Democrats’ dream of supermajority
Now that the August 6 primary is behind us, voters across our state know who will be on the general-election ballot. While knowing the names of the finalists is important, knowing what all is at stake in this election is even more important. That’s because Washington State Democrats are dreaming of seizing a supermajority in […]
Voters will see budget effects of initiatives on Washington ballots
OLYMPIA—Legal wrangling ended in the state’s high court August 9 over the four initiatives that Washington voters will decide this November. Washington’s Supreme Court ruled that information about how three of them could affect the state budget will appear alongside the measures on the ballot. In a two-page ruling, justices affirmed a lower court’s decision […]
Complaints by progressive groups against Let’s Go Washington won’t be sent to AG’s office
OLYMPIA—The state Public Disclosure Commission decided Thursday, July 25, to retain jurisdiction on a complaint alleging Let’s Go Washington and its founder Brian Heywood violated campaign finance laws in the course of gathering signatures for six initiatives last year. An alliance of progressive groups, which filed the complaint a year ago and is now opposing three of […]
See you in court! CADF wins battle in whistleblower suit
OLYMPIA—The Citizen Action Defense Fund (CADF) won its legal battle on Friday, June 21, against the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Office of Financial Management’s attempt to dismiss cap-and-trade scheme whistleblower Scott Smith’s lawsuit. “This isn’t just about me – it’s about state employees everywhere,” said Scott Smith. “I look forward to […]
After public backlash, Democrat lawmakers will hear 3 of 6 citizen initiatives
OLYMPIA—Washington State House and Senate leaders agree to hold joint public hearings on initiatives I- 2113 (police pursuits), I-2111 (state income tax) and I-2081 (parental rights) on February 27 and 28. Exact times will be confirmed later this week and the hearings will be televised live on the TVW website. “The fact Democrats in the legislature have scheduled three hearings […]
Inslee to sign hefty $59 billion biennium state budget
As the end of the mostly virtual legislative session drew near April 25, lawmakers passed a hefty $59 billion biennium budget for 2021-23, an 8.3% increase to last period, that will funnel millions into childcare, public health, rental assistance and addressing the economic impact of a yearlong global pandemic. The budget includes a controversial capital […]
Washington state Senate passes statewide cap on carbon bill 25-24
By Sydney Brown | Washington State Journal Opponents say it will hurt consumers, businesses Supporters claim it will bring in money, curb emissions The Act is expected to generate $933,496,483 in revenue and $29.6 million in program costs over the next four years. Olympia, Wash., April 9, 2021 – A controversial statewide cap on carbon […]
