John Braun commentary: To get our state back on the right track, the choice is clear
It has been a privilege to have this space week after week to alert readers about important public-policy issues facing our beautiful state and how the Republican members of our state Senate are responding to them. Now that I have filed as a candidate for public office, this is my last commentary before the November […]
As Washington gets an income tax, the fight to overturn it begins
[OLYMPIA | JERRY CORNFIELD]—Come Monday, Washington is expected to have a state income tax on the books for the first time in nearly a century. Then what? A legal challenge certainly, maybe two. A ballot battle as well, its timing less certain. Opponents of the much-debated 9.9% tax on households with incomes above $1 million a […]
John Braun commentary: Olympia’s concern for affordability continues to be one-sided
Republicans still seem to be alone at the state Capitol when it comes to knowing what “affordability” truly means. The proof is in the nearly 70 bills proposed or reintroduced by majority Democrats over the past several weeks that would make living in our state even more expensive. This long list of legislation would increase […]
John Braun commentary: A state income tax is illegal, but don’t expect that to stop Democrats
Our state’s Democratic legislators have a long list of tax dreams. It’s safe to say a state income tax is at the top of their list, even though Washington voters have repeatedly said no to one over the past 90 years. Even so, according to recent news reports, an income tax is a hot topic […]
Forbes recognizes Inslee for his commitment to climate action, new workforce initiative launched
OLYMPIA—Governor Jay Inslee recently attended Climate Week NYC and was recognized as one of 50 honorees to Forbes Magazine’s inaugural Sustainability Leaders List. “Humility is often a virtue, but I’ve never been humble when sharing the incredible work of legislators, Tribes, labor, businesses, community groups and so many others who have made Washington a leading […]
Approve I-2124 to get a pay raise, end government’s monopoly on long-term care coverage
All four of the citizen initiatives on the upcoming general election ballot would let people keep more of their own money. That alone is a good reason to support each. Initiative 2124 stands out among those measures, as it literally offers a fast track to a larger paycheck. The passage of I-2124 would give many […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
