Washington’s CO2 tax: because nothing says “climate action” like burning cash on committees, consultants, and something called industrial symbiosis.

Paying More to Get Less: Democrats Turn Your Gas Tax into Bureaucratic Compost

Ever wonder where that extra 40 cents at the gas pump goes, thanks to Washington’s CO2 tax under the Climate Commitment Act? According to the Washington Policy Center’s Todd Myers, it’s not going to fix roads, cut emissions, or stop floods—it’s going to Olympia’s favorite pastime: growing government.

Myers told “The John Curley Show” that the newly adopted 2025–2027 budget is a masterclass in inefficiency. Take the $4 million earmarked for flood prevention in Whatcom County—none of it actually addresses flooding. It’s all for planning and staffing. As Curley put it, the money just “goes around” from pocket to pocket, with emissions still rising and government getting fatter.

And it gets better: while the state pushes hydrogen cars, it’s also spending $400,000 to study whether hydrogen is harmful. That’s the legislative version of arguing with yourself—and billing taxpayers for it.

Then there’s the $5 million for something called “industrial symbiosis,” which no one in government seems able to define. Even the Office of Financial Management admitted they don’t know what it is. But hey, sounds green and important, right?

Myers warned that when politicians spend other people’s money, they start mixing personal political goals with public ones—surprise! And despite Washington having the third-highest gas tax in the country, our roads rank 47th for quality and maintenance. In true Democratic fashion, we’re paying premium prices for potholes and planning memos. Read more at MyNorthwest.com.

Washington Policy Center’s Take on the 2025 Session: More Taxes, More Nanny-State Nonsense, and a Few Shreds of Sanity

The Washington Policy Center just dropped its review of the 2025 legislative session, and let’s just say—if you were hoping for fiscal sanity, limited government, or basic respect for parents, you’re probably not a Democrat.

Democratic lawmakers pumped out over 2,000 bills, with many aimed at inflating government, raising taxes, and signaling their virtue—while ignoring a balanced, no-new-taxes budget that never stood a chance. Apparently, living within our means is just too boring for Olympia.

Among the worst offenders? A race-based housing reparations bill that passed under the “equity” banner (because fixing the housing crisis with identity politics always works), and a bill (HB 1296) that strips parents of their right to know when schools are involved in their kids’ medical or mental health issues. Trust the state, parents—you’re just in the way.

Then there’s SB 5041, which allows striking workers to cash in on unemployment benefits—turning the UI fund into a union piggy bank. Even eight Democrats balked, but it passed anyway, because in Washington, union bosses > small businesses.

The good news? A few bipartisan wins, like reducing licensing barriers for respiratory therapists and cosmetologists, and a modest improvement to the deeply flawed WA Cares program. There’s also a helpful tweak for child care qualifications. But don’t get too excited—the progress is small, and the damage is deep.

Still looming: SB 5292, a failed (for now) attempt to jack up the payroll tax for Washington’s already broken Paid Family and Medical Leave program. It’ll be back—because when Democrats run out of ways to spend your money, they invent new ones.

So there you have it: another session of spend-now, justify-never policymaking. The Washington Policy Center’s message? Buckle up, taxpayers—the blue supermajority isn’t done with your wallet. Read more at the Washington Policy Center.

Pierce County Dems to ICE: “We’re With the Cartels—But in a Really Welcoming Way!”

The Pierce County Council just voted 4-3 to reaffirm its refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, proving once again that in Democrat-run Washington, political posturing trumps public safety. The move has infuriated Sheriff Keith Swank, who’s calling the resolution flat-out illegal and a dangerous stunt that undermines cooperation with federal authorities trying to keep violent criminals and cartel members off the streets.

The resolution—proudly sponsored by progressive councilmembers Jani Hitchen, Rosie Ayala, Robyn Denson, and Bryan Yambe—solidifies Pierce County’s stance under the state’s Keep Washington Working Act, which is essentially Olympia-speak for “tie the hands of law enforcement.”

Sheriff Swank didn’t mince words, warning the council that this resolution not only defies federal law but could jeopardize critical federal funding. He also reminded the Council that, inconveniently for them, the Sheriff’s Office isn’t their political puppet.

Meanwhile, Councilmember Paul Herrera was the adult in the room, pointing out that this resolution sends the wrong message—namely, that illegal immigrants can hang around with zero concern, even as ICE continues operations in the region.

But County Executive Ryan Mello insists this is all about trust and being “safe and welcoming,” even if it means flouting federal law and ignoring the sheriff who’s actually responsible for public safety. After all, what’s a little illegal obstruction between friends?

So while the sheriff is trying to uphold the law, Pierce County Democrats are busy making sure no one feels uncomfortable—even if it means criminal aliens get a free pass. Read more at Center Square.

Seattle’s New Plan for Public Drug Use: Diversion, Delay, and a Hopeful Wink

In a city where open-air drug markets seem more common than parking spots, Seattle is now offering public drug users a legal do-over. Under the newly rolled-out Drug Prosecution Alternative, anyone caught lighting up on the sidewalk can have charges dropped in just 60 days—so long as they behave, pee clean, and promise to get help. In theory.

City Attorney Ann Davison’s office says it’s a way to ease the court’s caseload and coax more users into treatment. That would be more comforting if Seattle hadn’t already spent years lowering penalties and watching public drug use skyrocket anyway. With 25 to 35 new cases a month and limited court resources, the city is now hoping accountability comes via paperwork and wishful thinking.

This softer touch follows the 2023 downgrade of drug possession to a misdemeanor, and the drama-filled journey it took just to get the Seattle City Council to pass its own enforcement law—after plenty of blowback from residents sick of stepping over needles.

Davison also touted the “SODA” zones, which ban repeat offenders from returning to specific drug hotspots, though critics claim it unfairly targets homeless people. Still, Davison insists Seattle’s threading the needle between treatment and public safety. The thread, however, might fray fast—especially with a $241.5 million revenue shortfall looming and no funding secured for drug treatment.

In Seattle’s latest balancing act, public safety takes a back seat while city leaders cross their fingers and hope for clean drug tests and compliant addicts… all on a budget that’s about to hit the wall. Read more at Center Square.

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