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Democrats won’t make criminals work, but they have no problem making you pay for it.
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Washington Democrats: Soft on Crime, Hard on Common Sense
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House Democrats just passed a bill that makes prison work programs optional—because apparently, even basic rehabilitation is too much to ask. They ditched the original name, the “Ending Forced Labor Act,” but the bill still allows inmates to refuse work without consequences, as if responsibility and discipline aren’t part of rehabilitation. Republicans tried to introduce some common sense—like allowing reduced early release for refusing to work—but Democrats rejected it, arguing that making criminals contribute in any way is a violation of their “dignity.” Democrat Rep. Tarra Simmons, a former inmate herself, complained about earning 42 cents an hour in prison, but conveniently ignored the fact that taxpayers already foot the bill for housing, food, and healthcare. Meanwhile, GOP Rep. Michelle Caldier pointed out the obvious: if inmates don’t work, taxpayers will have to fund private contractors to do the
job instead. With a looming multibillion-dollar budget shortfall, this is just another example of Democrats making life easier for criminals while making life more expensive for everyone else. Not a single Republican supported this nonsense, and for good reason—Washington families shouldn’t have to pay more just because Democrats think even prisoners deserve a free ride. Read more at Center Square.
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Another Democrat “Accountability” Plan That Dodges Real Accountability
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Democrats in Olympia just passed a bill to increase school funding for materials and operations—but, as usual, they refused to include real safeguards to ensure the money isn’t squandered. Republicans tried to pass an amendment that would’ve required the funding to actually go toward what it’s supposed to—rather than getting funneled into union negotiations—but Democrats shot it down in favor of “local control” (aka, letting school districts do whatever they want). GOP Sen. John Braun rightfully pointed out that Olympia’s policies have already driven up operating costs, and now they’re throwing more taxpayer money at the problem without ensuring it’s spent responsibly. GOP Sen. Paul Harris reminded everyone that similar funding in the past was supposed to be protected—but surprise, surprise—it got bargained away instead. In typical Democrat fashion, they offered a feel-good amendment that reports where
the money goes but does nothing to stop it from being misused. This is what passes for “accountability” for Democrats: throwing more money at problems without fixing the underlying mismanagement. Read more at Center Square.
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Seattle’s Sanctuary Status Comes Back to Bite—Again
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Seattle’s insistence on defying federal immigration law is now costing it an SBA regional office, as the agency pulls out of sanctuary cities that prioritize illegal immigrants over law-abiding businesses. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler made it clear that under Trump, taxpayer-funded programs will no longer bankroll Biden’s border crisis, cutting off loans to illegal aliens and ensuring funds go to legal, eligible applicants. Instead of rewarding criminal behavior, the SBA is shifting its focus to cities that actually care about secure borders and public safety—something Seattle’s leadership refuses to do. Maybe if Seattle followed federal law instead of pandering to open-border activists, it wouldn’t keep losing federal support. Read more at MyNorthwest.com.
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Seattle’s War on Businesses Continues
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In a move that only makes sense in Seattle, the city is punishing a Safeway store for trying to stop shoplifters. As KTTH’s Jason Rantz points out, instead of addressing the city’s crime epidemic—where Washington ranks #1 in retail theft—Seattle’s bureaucrats slapped the store with a violation for closing one of its two entrances to deter thieves. Apparently, protecting customers and employees isn’t as important as keeping both doors open for the convenience of criminals. Meanwhile, businesses across the city are shutting down thanks to relentless theft, but the city would rather nitpick operating agreements than deal with the root problem. If Safeway can’t protect its products, it’ll have to raise prices or shut down—just like Goodwill, Target, and Bartell Drugs have already done. Seattle Democrats seem more committed to defending criminals than supporting businesses that actually serve the community. If
city leaders spent half as much effort cracking down on theft as they do hassling businesses, maybe Seattle wouldn’t be bleeding jobs and retailers. Read more at KTTH.
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More Time for Democrats to Pass Bad Ideas? Fantastic.
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Washington Democrats are already preparing for a special session—not to fix their disastrous $6 billion budget shortfall, but to panic over potential Medicaid cuts they haven’t even seen yet or know for sure will even happen. House Speaker Laurie Jinkins is acting like Washington has no choice but to throw more taxpayer dollars a problem that may never even surface. Meanwhile, Gov. Bob Ferguson and his allies are scrambling to plug their massive financial hole, which—surprise—wasn’t caused by Republicans but by their own reckless spending. If Medicaid cuts do happen, it’ll just be another excuse for Democrats to demand higher taxes while whining about “uncharted territory,” even though the only thing they ever
chart is a path to bigger government and more debt. Read more at the Washington State Standard.
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