When flooding hits, Democrats blame climate change—then spend the money on everything except flood prevention.

Floods Happen, Money Vanishes: Washington’s Climate Cash Goes for a Bike Ride

As Western Washington deals with record flooding, political leaders were quick to point to climate change as proof the state needs to keep pouring money into climate programs. But according to Washington Policy Center Vice President for Research Todd Myers, the state’s own spending data tells a very different—and far more embarrassing—story.

Myers points to the state’s recent report on the first two years of Washington’s CO₂ tax, which shows more than $1.5 billion has already been spent on climate programs. Of that, just one-half of one percent went toward projects that actually reduce flood risk statewide.

In fact, Myers notes that lawmakers spent more money on bicycle education for elementary and middle school students than on flood prevention across all of Washington. While rivers overflowed, climate dollars flowed to planning documents, staffing costs, and politically favored programs.

Of the roughly $7.1 million categorized as flood-related spending, much of it went to administration and planning—like $1.5 million for floodplain planning in Whatcom County and nearly $900,000 for staff to run a transboundary flooding grant program. Actual, on-the-ground flood control projects received comparatively modest sums.

Myers acknowledges that some future climate spending—such as funding for Floodplains by Design or salmon habitat restoration—could eventually help reduce flood impacts. But even accounting for that, flood mitigation remains a tiny fraction of overall climate expenditures, dwarfed by funding for bike programs, agency personnel, ferry electrification, HVAC upgrades, and even a hydrogen hub Congress later canceled.

The contradiction, Myers argues, is glaring: floods are cited as justification for Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, yet very little of the money raised under that law is being used to address flooding at all. The statute itself calls for climate spending to be prioritized based on measurable environmental outcomes—an approach Myers says the Legislature and governor have largely ignored.

The result? Even as flooding is used as rhetorical fuel for expanding climate taxes, the spending priorities tell a different story—one where politics comes first, and real flood protection comes last. Read more at the Washington Policy Center.

Coming January 1: Democrats Roll Out a Fresh Batch of Rules for You

A new slate of Democrat-passed laws will take effect January 1, reminding Washingtonians that no New Year is complete without more regulations, mandates, and government micromanagement.

The laws set to kick in will touch nearly every corner of daily life—housing, labor rules, public safety, education, and consumer regulations—because in Olympia’s worldview, there’s no problem so small it can’t be regulated from the Capitol. Supporters will call it progress; most residents will feel it as higher costs, more paperwork, and fewer choices.

Workers and employers will face new labor requirements. Property owners will see additional restrictions layered on. Schools and state agencies will be handed fresh directives. And, of course, enforcement and oversight will expand—because Democrats rarely pass a law without assuming more government is needed to police it.

Lawmakers will insist these changes will make Washington fairer and safer. Skeptics will note that after years of nonstop legislating, the state will still be struggling with housing affordability, public safety concerns, and a looming budget deficit—yet the solution remains the same: pass more laws.

So as January 1 approaches, Washingtonians can look forward to another round of “help” from Olympia. Same party, same philosophy—new year, same results. Read more at Fox 13.

“Quietly Talking” About a 9.9% Income Tax: Olympia’s Favorite Hobby Returns

Washington State Democratic senators are (for now) quietly floating a 9.9% income tax on “millionaires” as their latest fix for the multi-billion-dollar budget shortfall they’re expecting in 2026. No bill text yet—just the familiar trial balloon: leak it, normalize it, then act surprised when people notice.

Here’s the pitch: anyone with Adjusted Gross Income over $1 million would pay 9.9% on that income, with a credit for what they already paid under Washington’s capital gains tax. Democrats claim it would raise about $3 billion and hit roughly 20,000 households, framed (as always) as making “tech titans” finally “pay their fair share.”

The awkward part: even Gov. Bob Ferguson isn’t exactly sprinting to the microphone to cheer this on. He’s telling reporters he doesn’t plan to “balance the budget with revenue”—which is hilarious, considering how often that line tends to magically evaporate when the final budget shows up with… historic tax hikes anyway.

Republicans are calling it what it is: a job killer and a backdoor state income tax. Senate Minority Leader John Braun warns it wouldn’t just hit the stereotypical yacht-and-caviar crowd—it could scoop up a lot of LLCs and S-corps, meaning businesses that reinvest profits to survive, grow, and pay workers could get whacked too.

And then there’s the reality check Democrats never enjoy: Washington voters have rejected income taxes repeatedly, and even if something like this passed, it likely wouldn’t generate cash fast enough to plug the 2026–27 gaps—meaning Democrats will probably go hunting for other, immediate taxes anyway.

So yes, get ready for the 2026 session storyline: Democrats will insist this is a narrow “millionaire tax,” critics will point out it’s the camel’s nose under the tent, and Olympia will once again try to solve a spending problem with a bigger tax problem. Read more at Seattle Red.

Historic Flooding Prompts Emergency Declaration in Washington State

Severe flooding across Washington has prompted Gov. Bob Ferguson to declare a state of emergency, as heavy rainfall and rapidly rising rivers continue to impact communities statewide.

A prolonged atmospheric river has brought intense rain, leading to flooded roads, mudslides, evacuations, and infrastructure damage in multiple counties. Several rivers are nearing or exceeding flood stage, and emergency officials warn conditions could worsen as runoff continues.

The emergency declaration allows the state to mobilize resources more quickly, coordinate response efforts across agencies, and request federal assistance if needed. The Washington National Guard has been authorized to support evacuation, transportation, and recovery operations.

Residents in affected areas are urged to avoid flooded roadways, monitor local emergency alerts, and follow guidance from first responders as crews work to stabilize conditions and begin recovery efforts.

Officials say damage assessments are ongoing, and it may take time for impacted communities—particularly rural and low-lying areas—to return to normal. Read more at the Washington State Standard.

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