Seattle can’t ignore the state constitution for a “wealth tax

In many respects, Washington is a good place to live. It’s one of the few states in the nation where residents pay zero state income tax, and the state constitution boasts strong protections for taxpayers.

But even constitutional protections haven’t stopped Seattle politicians’ seemingly incessant tax grabs. Brian Hodges tells us why Seattle’s strategy of simply ignoring the state constitution in order to pass a “wealth tax” is dangerous and short-sighted

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Good Morning San Diego covers public employees’ lawsuit over California’s union ‘Gag Rule’

On July 30, PLF clients Mike Jackson and Tory Smith filed a federal lawsuit challenging California’s “Gag Rule” statutes. The state law prohibits their employer, the University of California, San Diego, from talking to them about their right to choose whether or not to give money to their union.

Television station KUSI this week dedicated a lengthy segment to the lawsuit on Good Morning San Diego, interviewing former San Diego city attorney and San Diego Superior Court judge Jan Goldsmith. He broke down the case in great detail, concluding, “That’s not how you treat constitutional rights.”

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The Hill: New York taxi regulator tries to put the brakes on free speech

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have revolutionized local transportation and broken stagnant taxi monopolies. Ridesharing offers customers convenience and value, while providing drivers the opportunity to earn money on a flexible schedule.

But as Daniel Ortner writes in his op-ed for The Hill, a tech startup’s idea to install digital tablets to enhance rider experience—and drivers’ wallets—sparked an unexpected free speech battle with New York City taxi regulators

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