Nothing terrifies Washington Democrats more than voters actually having a say in how they’re governed.

Democrats: Crushing Citizen Initiatives One Signature at a Time

Nothing says “democracy” like Democrats rigging the rules to silence the voters who disagree with them. Senate Bill 5382, championed by Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, seeks to pile on unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for citizen initiatives—just in time to squash future challenges to Democrat policies. The bill, passed along party lines, would force signature gatherers to sign declarations under penalty of perjury and require more address verification nonsense, all under the guise of “accountability.” Republicans see it for what it is: a blatant attempt to make it harder for Washingtonians to challenge Democratic rule.

Even Democrat Secretary of State Steve Hobbs thinks it’s a bad idea, calling it an unnecessary barrier to voter engagement. But Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, smugly insists it won’t disenfranchise anyone—just like his party swears every tax hike and regulation is good for you. Meanwhile, the state Supreme Court already rejected a left-wing attempt to disqualify last year’s initiatives, but that’s not stopping Democrats from trying again through legislation. Oh, and this power grab will cost taxpayers $1.2 million—because of course it will. But with a looming $6 billion budget shortfall (thanks, Democrats!), this bill may not make the final cut. Guess we’ll see if their obsession with control outweighs their love of reckless spending. Read more at Washington State Standard.

Democrats: Expanding ‘Hate Crimes’ to Criminalize Thought

Washington House Democrats are at it again, pushing legislation that could turn speech and personal beliefs into criminal offenses. HB 1052, sponsored by Rep. Cindy Ryu, D-Shoreline, expands the definition of a hate crime so that bias doesn’t even have to be the sole motive—just one of many “substantial factors.” Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, warned that this could violate the state constitution’s guarantee of “absolute freedom of conscience,” but when have Democrats ever let constitutional rights get in their way? The bill now heads to the Senate, where Democrats will likely keep chipping away at free speech under the guise of justice. Because nothing says “equal protection” like selectively criminalizing thoughts and motives. Read more at Center Square.

Washington Democrats: $7 Million for ‘Racist Bicycles’

In yet another brilliant use of taxpayer money, Washington Democrats have handed over $7 million to the Cascade Bicycle Club, who claims “systemic racism” can’t be solved without tackling it in cycling. Apparently, bicycles are now racist, and if you’re white, you’d better self-educate on being anti-racist, according to the group’s website. Who knew pedaling around could reveal so much about your internal biases? Meanwhile, millions of dollars are being flushed down the drain to solve a non-existent problem instead of, you know, actual issues like crime or infrastructure. But hey, at least Washington’s leadership is committed to tackling “racism” one overpriced bike ride at a time. See the evidence on X.

Sound Transit’s Secret CEO Search: More Taxpayer-Funded Shenanigans

Sound Transit, an agency drowning in delays and budget overruns, is now hiding details about its CEO search—because nothing says “accountability” like secrecy. The only name revealed? Dow Constantine, the career politician who helped push through the $54 billion Sound Transit 3 boondoggle and now wants to cash in. Transit advocates are demanding transparency, but Sound Transit claims anonymity is needed to attract candidates—because apparently, taxpayers don’t deserve to know who’s vying for control of their billions. Meanwhile, the agency continues to mismanage light rail expansions, leaving riders stuck with unreliable service and skyrocketing costs. If history is any guide, expect more backroom deals and zero consequences for failure. Read more at Center Square.

Seattle’s Senior Citizens Get a Front-Row Seat to the ‘Compassion’ of Democrat Policies

Seattle’s grand social experiment of subsidized housing for the chronically homeless is going just as disastrously as expected. Residents of a senior living community in South Lake Union say their neighborhood has become a war zone thanks to the Downtown Emergency Service Center’s (DESC) low-barrier housing projects. Knife fights, open drug use, and “zombies” wandering the streets have become the new normal. Some seniors don’t even feel safe entering their own building—so much for aging with dignity. One resident, Bob Nale, says his community has spent $20,000 on security just to keep drug dealers out, yet the crime and chaos continue.

Meanwhile, a recent murder involving a DESC resident has only heightened fears, but city officials, including Councilmember Bob Kettle, have been conveniently silent. The real kicker? These taxpayer-funded housing programs don’t require residents to get treatment for their mental illness or addiction, because “Housing First” means handouts without accountability. Seniors who spent their lives building Seattle now get to live in terror, while Democrats shrug and pat themselves on the back for their “compassionate” policies. Maybe when enough voters demand better, the city will stop enabling the destruction of its own communities—but don’t hold your breath. Read more at MyNorthwest.com.

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