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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
First three Let’s Go Washington initiatives pass the legislature and now law
OLYMPIA—Three of six Let’s Go Washington landmark initiatives to the legislature passed both chambers of the Washington State Senate and House on Monday, March 4, and will become law in 90 days after the Legislature adjourns on March 7—no signature by Governor Jay Inslee is needed. The three initiatives that did not receive public hearings […]
Legislature holds hearing on initiative concerning personal income tax
OLYMPIA—The Senate Ways and Means Committee and the House Finance Committee held a joint public hearing to discuss a citizen initiative, I-2111, concerning personal income tax, in the John L. O’Brien building in Olympia Tuesday, February 27. The joint meeting was chaired by Representative April Berg (D-Mill Creek). There was a total of 181 testifiers […]
The People vs Washington State, hearing schedules released for 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) for Tuesday, February 27 and Wednesday. February 28. Democratic leadership has confirmed that I-2117, a repeal of the Climate Commitment Act, I-2109, a repeal of the capital gains tax and I-2124, an opt-out of Washington’s long-term care retirement program will […]
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 […]
