State Watch

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Supplemental Budget Proposals Include an Income Tax, a Pension Raid, and More Spending

By Ryan FrostOn Sunday, House Appropriations Committee Chair Timm Ormsby (D-Spokane) and Senate Ways & Means Committee Chair June Robinson (D-Everett) released their respective 2026 supplemental opera...

2026-02-23

Pacific Legal Foundation California 8/10 ?

SEC strikes again, targeting a municipal securities advisor through unconstitutional agency hearings

This week, Matthias O'Meara and Choice Advisors, LLC filed an appeal with the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, seeking restoration of their right to be heard by an independent judge and jury.O'Meara fo...

2026-02-17

Oregon Firearms Federation Oregon 8/10 ?

4145 Passes Out Of Committee

4145 Passes Out Of Committee   02.16.2026 To almost no one’s surprise, HB 4145 passed out of the House Judiciary Committee on a party-line vote. The bill now includes the –3 amendments, which actually...

2026-02-17

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Lawmakers Want to Raid Police & Firefighters Pensions to Cover Spending

By Ryan FrostFor the second year in a row, the legislative majority in Olympia is treating Washington's pension funds like a piggy bank to paper over their spending problems.

2026-02-19

Pacific Legal Foundation California 8/10 ?

A full and perfect equivalent: Just compensation and the Fifth Amendment

In the autumn of 2025, the Supreme Court granted certiorari in the first case since the 1980s to address the amount of "just compensation" the government is required by the Constitution to provide whe...

2026-02-17

Oregon Firearms Federation Oregon 8/10 ?

HB 4145 Alive and Kicking…You

HB 4145 Alive and Kicking…YOU. 02.14.2026 HB 4145, the Democrat’s latest attack on gun rights, is scheduled for a “work session” on Monday. Feb. 16th at 3pm. Rumors that the bill is dead are… prematur...

2026-02-15

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Are you a public employee with a pension? The income tax is coming for you too

By Mark HarmsworthWashington state's push for a new income tax under Senate Bill 6346 (SB 6346) represents a dangerous shift in fiscal policy, one that not only introduces a 9.9% tax on high earners b...

2026-02-18

Pacific Legal Foundation California 8/10 ?

Increased access to Certified Nurse Midwives improves maternal and prenatal health

For Hope Lindstrom, the question of where and how to give birth is deeply personal.As a devout Christian and licensed pastor, she views childbirth as a sacred experience—one that centers her as an act...

2026-02-12

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Senate Bill 5496 - When governments tell you what you can buy and sell

By Mark HarmsworthWashington state's housing crisis is real. High home prices, limited supply, and families squeezed out of homeownership. But the legislature's response in Senate Bill 5496 (E2SSB 549...

2026-02-18

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Senate shenanigans: Income tax debate, double-standards

By Elizabeth NewWatchSenate floor debateover the as-of-yet unconstitutional income tax that Washington state lawmakers have proposed inSenate Bill 6346. Spoiler alert: The Democratic-led Senate ended ...

2026-02-18

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

State lawmakers considering a bill to make health care less affordable

By Elizabeth NewMaking it difficult or unlikely that health care workers get paid for their services does not make health care more affordable in our state. It shifts some people’s costs onto others, ...

2026-02-18

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

SB 5838 would add tribal members to the State Board of Natural Resources, decoupling accountability from stewardship of state lands

By Todd MyersSenate Bill 5838 would add two tribal members to the Washington State Board of Natural Resources, diluting accountability for the stewardship of state trust lands.

2026-02-17

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Democrats signal retreat on the death tax as exodus fears mount

By Mark HarmsworthRecent articles from the Seattle Times, one on the wealth tax, the other on the Seattle head tax, underscore a growing reckoning in Washington state. Now it seems even the most arden...

2026-02-16

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson thinks the residents she represents are Filthy Rich'

By Mark HarmsworthMayor Katie Wilson's blunt assessment suggests progressive taxes on high earners are sustainable and lucrative. While highlighting revenue surprises, Seattle Times reporter, Danny We...

2026-02-16

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

From Hate Free' to Anti-Immigrant: The Shift in Jayapal's Farmworker Policy

By Pam LewisonWhen OneAmerica, originally called Hate Free Zone, was formed by U.S. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, prior to her current role, it was “in response to anti-immigrant hate,” according to ...

2026-02-14

Pacific Legal Foundation California 8/10 ?

Mr. Beast v. the bald eagle

During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show, YouTube legend Mr. Beast told host Jimmy Fallon about the time a bald eagle derailed the filming of one of his videos. The majestic bird did not disrupt...

2026-02-12

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

If It's "Only Millionaires," Why Not Bet on It?

By Todd MyersThe legislature says the proposed state income tax will only impact millionaires.Anyone who has been paying attention knows that isn’t true. And I’m willing to put my money on the line to...

2026-02-11

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

The soda tax proposal is back and it's still a tax grab

By Elizabeth NewAn old idea for a statewide tax on sweetened beverages is back on repeat.House Bill 2734was filed Feb. 6, 2026, and it’s sitting in the House Finance Committee. It’s late in the season...

2026-02-11

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

SB 5292: PFML tax bill looks like a trap

By Elizabeth NewMost people want their savings and investments to work for them. But majority lawmakers in Washington state want your savings and investments to work for other people — funding paid ti...

2026-02-11

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Allowing longer-term debt won't solve Sound Transit's light rail problems

By Charles PrestrudThe legislature is considering a bill that would allow Sound Transit to issue bonds with 75-year maturities. If approved this will fundamentally change the plan voters approved in 2...

2026-02-10