Over 400,000 signatures submitted for initiative to repeal cap-and-invest scheme

KENT, Wash., November 21, 2023—Citizens action group, Let’s Go Washington, announced on November 21, that it has surpassed the signature threshold to submit Initiative 2117, that if enacted into law, will prohibit carbon tax credit trading, also known as “cap-and-invest,” and repeal provisions of the Washington Climate Commitment Act passed by the legislature on April […]
John Braun commentary: Clarity on climate policy cost comes too late for our state

I have spoken many times about the importance of giving people a second chance to get on a better path. It usually comes up when the topic is our state’s management of juvenile offenders. I never had a reason to consider whether that should also extend to billionaires. Then in late October, Bill Gates — […]
Liias leads on jobs, energy, and transportation for 2025 Legislative session

OLYMPIA—Senator Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) expanded his leadership roles in the Washington State Senate, following a vote among Senate Democrats on Thursday, November 21. Liias will continue to chair the Senate Transportation Committee, where he has been focused on expanding sustainable transportation options that help fuel a growing economy and serve the needs of Washington families. […]
WSDOT awards Port of Everett a $4.3 million CCA grant to electrify South Terminal

EVERETT—The Port of Everett was one of 11 recipients awarded a capital grant, funded with Climate Commitment Act (CCA) funds, by the Washington Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) Port Electrification Program. The Port of Everett was awarded the $4.3 million competitive grant in August to be used to help fund a $5.8 million project to construct […]
Reichert and Ferguson square off in heated gubernatorial debate

SEATTLE—Shortly after the U.S. Presidential debate concluded on Tuesday, Washington state gubernatorial candidates Dave Reichert and Bob Ferguson squared off, tackling issues such as public safety, budgets, abortion, and climate change for the first time in-person. The event was sponsored by the Seattle Times and media partners King 5, Krem2 News, and El Sol de […]
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 […]
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 […]
Hundreds of thousands of households eligible for $200 credit on electric bills

OLYMPIA—State officials rolled out a program on Monday, July 29, providing a one-time $200 credit on electric bills for up to 675,000 low- and moderate-income households in Washington. Funded with proceeds from the state’s auction of pollution credits, it’s the most visible investment yet from the Climate Commitment Act, a 2021 law that critics say is driving […]
Inslee visits Port of Everett, discusses electrifying WA’s maritime industry

EVERETT—Washington State Governor Jay Inslee visited the Port of Everett’s Pier 3, Wednesday, January 17, where officials are electrifying key infrastructure to reduce carbon pollution and improve overall air quality at the working waterfront. The port recently received a $5 million investment from the Climate Commitment Act funds to electrify its Pier 3 to serve […]
‘Legal Dream Team’ file lawsuit challenging Washington state income tax

OLYMPIA—The Citizen Action Defense Fund (CADF), former Attorney General Rob McKenna, and former Supreme Court Justice and State Senator Phil Talmadge officially filed a lawsuit against the state of Washington, the Department of Revenue and Acting Director John Ryser challenging the newly enacted income tax on Thursday, April 9. The suit filed in Klickitat County […]