State Watch

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 ...

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, ...

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.

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Common-Sense Fixes to the Income Tax Bill Rejected in Committee

By Ryan FrostSenate Democrats on the Ways & Means Committee voted down every Republican amendment to the proposed 9.9% income tax, refusing even modest improvements that would have protected taxpayers...

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Washington Parental Rights Battle Goes National: What's at Stake in 2026

By Vicki MurrayWashington's parental rights initiative heads to 2026 ballot after legislators refuse hearings. National implications for education policy.

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Fact Checking Pro-Income Tax Claims

By Ryan FrostWhen a policy idea is sound, the facts speak for themselves. But when a policy idea is bad, it has to be sold, often using tactics and messaging designed to obscure the truth.

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Another favor for unions at the expense of taxpayers, workers

By Elizabeth NewThis disappointing bill may receive a floor vote.House Bill 2091is a favor to unions at the expense of workers and taxpayers. It violates employee privacy and makes it easier to keep p...

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

SB 6045 transfers power from farmworkers to unions

By Pam LewisonFarmworkers are a valued part of the food production community in Washington state. Farmworkers are the beating heart of our state’s specialty crops – tree fruit, berries, dairies – rely...

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

There's Nothing Short About a Short Session Anymore

By Edmund O. Schweitzer IIIThere is also a taxpayer cost to this flood of legislation. In Washington, the average cost to draft and introduce a bill is estimated conservatively at $5,000 per bill. Mul...

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Dr. Edmund O. Schweitzer III, Entrepreneur, Inventor Who Revolutionized the Energy Industry, Named WPC 2026 Visiting Fellow

By David BozeDr. Edmund O. Schweitzer III, founder and Chairman of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, has been named Washington Policy Center’s (WPC’s) 2026 Visiting Fellow. Dr. Schweitzer will prov...

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

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