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After three terms of taxing, spending, and blaming others, Inslee’s legacy is a budget black hole wrapped in green platitudes.
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Inslee’s Grand Farewell: Progress in Fantasy, Debt in Reality
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Jay Inslee’s farewell State of the State address was a masterclass in self-congratulation, conveniently glossing over the wreckage left behind after his three terms as governor. Despite presiding over record tax increases and an avalanche of spending, the state is staring down a staggering $10-12 billion budget shortfall—an ironic legacy for someone touting “progress.” His solution? A shiny new wealth tax, because nothing says fiscal responsibility like doubling down on policies that drive businesses and high earners to friendlier states.
Inslee’s signature “achievements,” like the Climate Commitment Act, have saddled Washingtonians with skyrocketing energy costs while barely moving the needle on emissions. Meanwhile, his social justice platitudes and resistance to federal “overreach” sound hollow in the face of worsening homelessness, rising crime, and crumbling infrastructure. He touted a 40% reduction in youth homelessness, conveniently omitting the broader housing crisis under his watch.
As for his “beacon of progress” narrative, Inslee framed every challenge as someone else’s fault—inequities from the “regressive tax system” or the looming budget shortfall blamed on anything but his own policies. Even his climate agenda, a cornerstone of his tenure, has been an expensive exercise in virtue signaling, with the costs hitting working families hardest.
Inslee’s parting gift? A soaring wealth tax proposal and a warning against budget cuts—because apparently, Washington’s taxpayers haven’t suffered enough. He claims to leave the state in a position of strength, but for many residents, his legacy is one of high costs, unmet promises, and a state budget that reflects ambition over actual governance. Read more at the Spokesman Review.
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Washington’s Latest “Hate Crime” Bill: Moving the Goalposts, One Inch at a Time
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Washington Democrats are back at it, expanding hate crime laws so that even a fraction of “bias” can now land you in hot water. House Bill 1052 shifts the standard from clear intent to the vaguest whiff of motivation, effectively blurring the line between criminal acts and free speech. Republicans raised legitimate concerns—like whether flag burning or political dissent would qualify—but were met with shrugs and dodgy answers. The bill’s Democrat sponsors argue it’s about accountability, but it’s really a slippery slope toward weaponized prosecutions and speech policing. Once again, when you give an inch, Democrats take a mile, leaving Washingtonians to wonder where the line will be drawn next—or if there’s even a line left at all. Read more at MyNorthwest.com.
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Washington's Rent Control Disaster: Solving Nothing, Hurting Everyone
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Democrats kicked off the legislative session with a brilliant idea: rent control—because nothing says “solving a housing crisis” like choking off supply and driving up demand. Rep. Emily Alvarado’s House Bill 1217 caps rent hikes at 7% annually but conveniently ignores how such policies scare off developers and landlords, ensuring fewer housing options for everyone. Even before debate started, dozens of opponents flooded the Capitol, warning that this feel-good measure will do nothing but make Washington’s housing shortage permanent.
Experts like Sean Flynn from the Rental Housing Association slammed the bill, pointing out that investors can simply pack their bags and take their money to Idaho or Texas, where they’re not punished for building housing. But Democrats seem determined to double down on policies that sound compassionate while making the problem worse. Pair this with their endless push for higher taxes, and it’s clear the real message is: “Washington isn’t open for business.” Renters, brace yourselves—your rent-controlled future will come with fewer choices and longer waitlists. Read more at Center Square.
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Kicking the Habit or Kicking the Economy? Federal Nicotine Rule Could Spark Black Markets and Taxpayer Losses
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The federal government is considering a rule to limit nicotine in cigarettes, a move that could slash $30 billion from the economy and cost 154,000 jobs annually. Critics warn it will fuel black markets and counterfeit sales, undermining public safety and tax revenues while encouraging people to smoke more to achieve the same effect. Despite record-low smoking rates of 11%, experts predict the policy could reverse progress as demand shifts to high-nicotine products, similar to what happens with smuggling caused by high tobacco taxes. States like New York, already seeing over half its cigarettes smuggled due to steep taxes, could face even greater challenges. In the end, taxpayers lose as federal and local revenues drop, while smugglers and counterfeiters reap the rewards. Read more at Center Square.
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