Turns out, saving the planet is harder when your policies burn cash faster than they cut carbon.

Washington’s Climate ‘Leadership’: Spending Billions to Go Backward

Washington’s so-called “climate leadership” is all smoke and mirrors, as the latest CO2 emissions data reveals a decade of failure under Governor Inslee’s watch. Despite billions spent on politically favored projects, emissions rose nearly 5% between 2012 and 2021, and the state is now 6% over its 2020 target—making the 2030 goal laughably unrealistic. Meeting those targets would require more than three COVID-sized shutdowns by 2030, a solution no one’s signing up for. Adding insult to injury, the Department of Ecology is years late in reporting emissions data, leaving policymakers flying blind while the EPA and even Microsoft manage to keep up. Washington’s CO2 tax, touted as a game-changer, is just another piggy bank for wasteful spending with no measurable results. Instead of chasing political pet projects, it’s time to shift focus to outcomes-driven strategies and let innovators and families lead the charge. Maybe then, Washington can actually call itself a climate leader without fudging the numbers. Read more at the Washington Policy Center.

Funding Kids, Not Broken Systems: New Bill Filed

Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, is shaking up the education status quo with House Bill 1140, a proposal to create Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for low-income students, special needs families, and those stuck in failing schools. The bill would give parents state-issued debit cards to spend on tuition, tutoring, therapies, and more— after all, parents know their kids better than the bureaucracy does. While OSPI brags about “strong public schools,” its own data shows barely half of students meet English standards and less than 40% pass math. Couture’s plan even lets businesses redirect B&O taxes to fund ESAs, giving families the freedom wealthy parents already enjoy. With public school enrollment tanking and polling showing 73% support for ESAs, it’s clear Washington families want options—whether the Legislature delivers or not. Read more at Center Square.

Lisa Brown’s First Year: Lots of Bullet Points, Not Much Progress

Democrat Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown is celebrating her first year in office, but her so-called “accomplishments” are heavy on buzzwords and light on actual results. While she boasts of bridging a $25 million budget deficit, passing a sales tax increase, and transitioning to a scattered-site homeless shelter model, the results tell a different story. Downtown Spokane remains in decline, public safety concerns are mounting, and critics like Councilmember Michael Cathcart call her claims of progress misleading—especially her so-called “full audit” of the city’s shelter system, which skipped key financial details. Crime reports may be down, but slow police response times and a deteriorating quality of life aren’t winning over residents. Brown’s long list of 90 bullet points looks more like a campaign ad than a report card, with plenty of activity but little accountability or measurable success. In the end, it’s a classic case of talking big and delivering small, leaving Spokane stuck with more questions than solutions. Read more at Center Square.

Mike Kreidler’s Legacy: Higher Premiums, Lower Standards

After six terms and 24 years as Washington’s insurance commissioner, Mike Kreidler is riding off into retirement, leaving behind a legacy of soaring premiums and a battered reputation. While Kreidler touts his consumer protection work and his role in implementing the Affordable Care Act, Washington residents have endured skyrocketing auto, home, and health insurance costs on his watch. Under his leadership, insurance companies got more sophisticated with their filings, while residents faced rate hikes and declining affordability. Meanwhile, Kreidler’s final term was marred by allegations of bullying, racist remarks, and calls for his resignation—all of which he shrugged off with a half-hearted apology. As Kreidler hands the reins to Patty Kuderer, we are all left wondering if the next insurance commissioner will actually tackle the rampant cost increases or just keep spinning the same tired excuses. Read more at the Washington State Standard.

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