WPC, Lawmakers Sue State Agencies for Failing to Release Climate Data
Washington Policy Center is again taking the state to court to force the Washington Department of Ecology to publish and provide required emissions reports on time and with complete data. Partnering with Citizen Action Defense Fund and State Senator Nikki Torres and State Representative Mary Dye, WPC is seeking to force the state to provide up-to date data on essential in determining the effectiveness of state climate policy. Ecology has failed to provide timely and relevant data despite the law requiring them to do so.
RESULTS ARE IN:
WA State Plastic Bag Ban Does Not Work
A study commissioned by the state to measure its plastic bag ban shows the harm it has caused. So the state is trying to discredit it. READ MORE
NEED TO KNOW
OSPI Scrubs Website of Key Data By Todd Myers Are Washington state students on track to meet the state’s own goals for achievement and graduation? It is impossible to tell because Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) Chris Reykdal scrubbed the web page of the data after we requested updated information. READ MORE
Governor's executive order will increase costs of public construction projects By Mark Harmsworth Gov. Ferguson (D) issued Executive Order 25-07, mandating Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) for state-funded construction projects exceeding $35 million requiring independent contractors to adhere to union work rules.... READ MORE
WA Cares needs all the help it can get, including an assist from SJR 8201 on Nov. ballot By Elizabeth New
An additional one or two percentage points of annual return could mean an extra $67 billion to $113 billion for the fund over 50 years — money that could help protect taxpayers from future payroll-tax hikes and sustain overpromised benefits. . . . READ MORE
After a year of high minimum wages, a new report shows the impacts By Mark Harmsworth
The consequences of an aggressive $20-per-hour minimum wage for fast-food workers are now painfully clear: an estimated 18,000 fewer jobs in the fast-food sector alone, a direct fallout from the policy's impact. . READ MORE
“The Champion of Freedom award recognizes an outstanding individual or organization that advances the cause of freedom – either through a single action or a dedicated career. This year’s recipient is the Building Industry Association of Washington for 75 years of leadership typified by their remarkable efforts in the last year to prevent the state’s costly and unnecessary ban on natural gas. Congratulations to BIAW for their tireless commitment to freedom and affordability for all Washingtonians.” - WPC President and CEO Steven Hatting
The Champion of Freedom Award was presented to BIAW Executive Vice President Greg Lane and his team at our Annual Policy Dinner in Spokane on October 10th.
FEATURED EVENTS
SPOKANE, OCTOBER 22
Join The Woman Panel on October 22nd from 5-8 PM in Spokane, WA as our featured speakers in banking and government share their thoughts, ideas and concerns on key issues for Eastern Washington. There are a limited number of tickets left, so please get your tickets today.
Join Washington Policy Center and PacTrans for discussion and analysis on the future of public transportation in Washington. You'll hear from Washington's top transportation experts including former Secretary of Transportation Doug MacDonald, former senior planner for King County Metro Jack Whisner, and WPC's Coles Center for Transportation Director Charles Prestrude. The event is FREE but seats are limited, so register today!
A HISTORIC VICTORY COULD BE JUST A FEW SIGNATURES AWAY...
TAKE ACTION NOW!
At no cost the current public school system, new federal tax credits could make education scholarships for private or public education opportunities a reality in Washington state, but only if our governor opts us into the federal program! Join us in sending a message to Governor Ferguson to allow Washington to participate in the federal program that helps maximize student opportunities. Take action here!
Invest in WPC's Work to build a better Washington.
By embracing free-market principles in our research and initiatives, WPC provides the knowledge and tools you need to actively shape positive outcomes in our state. Together, let's pave the way towards a prosperous future for all Washingtonians.
