Friends,

 

Gas prices are soaring – and Jay Inslee is not exactly telling the truth about why. But, as always, we have you covered on what’s going on in your own backyard. Read on…

Amidst soaring summer gas prices, Governor Jay Inslee's administration is still struggling to disassociate the state's cap-and-tax law, designed to elevate gas prices, from the high prices everyone now faces. While the governor is busy attempting to avoid tying the high prices to his terrible climate schemes, Washington state's rapid surpassing of price limits in two carbon tax auctions led to an unprecedented emergency auction. Put in perspective, not even California has had to resort to such an emergency measure in 10 years of its cap-and-tax program – a reality that raises serious doubts about Washington’s program sustainability. Read this story and more.

 

Sound Transit's persistent mismanagement and poor decision-making have provided ample material for Shift to critique over the last decade. The most recent revelation, highlighted by the Seattle Times, underscores a recurring pattern of inadequate planning, funding, and execution at the agency. The imminent disruption caused by sinking tracks near Seattle's stadiums shows how the complete disregard for critical issues by Sound Transit bureaucrats years ago continues to negatively impact daily commuters and travelers. Read this story and more.

 

In case you missed it…
It’s no surprise that dark Democrat blue states like Hawaii, California and New Jersey top the list of most expensive states. And, thanks to Governor Jay Inslee’s really high-cost energy policies, Washington is moving up the list (led, of course, by King County). The DoxoINSIGHTS study found that Washington “residents spend about 37% of their income on household expenses, including rent, utilities and insurance.” Read this story and more.

 

Take a moment to enjoy the beautiful photography of Cannon Beach in Oregon at sunset, courtesy of former U.S. Congressman Rod Chandler.