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 […]
Clash in WA Legislature over proposal to add rules for initiative signers
OLYMPIA—A push by Democratic state senators for greater scrutiny of those circulating and signing initiative petitions advanced in the Washington Legislature on Tuesday over the objections of Republicans and the secretary of state. Opponents of the legislation argue it would impede voters’ ability to engage in the initiative process, which allows citizens to propose changes […]
Lynnwood Times Political Maverick of the Year goes to Brian Heywood
The Lynnwood Times Political Maverick of the Year for 2024 goes to Brian Heywood, CEO of Taiyo Pacific Partners and founder of Let’s Go Washington, for introducing a record-breaking six citizen initiatives during the 2024 legislative session—three of which were approved by both legislative chambers (the most citizen initiatives ever approved by law makers in […]
Bob Ferguson is officially the governor of Washington state
Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, took the oath of office for governor on Wednesday in front of family, friends and lawmakers in a crowded House of Representatives chamber. The 59-year-old Seattleite began his new role after 12 years as the state’s attorney general. He is Washington’s 24th governor. In his inaugural address, Ferguson mapped out his priorities: […]
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 […]
