Washington in Focus

The Center Square
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The podcast bringing you the most important stories out of Washington from TheCenterSquare.com. Join us as we dive into the top headlines and provide insightful commentary and analysis.

  1. 3d ago

    Report: Income Tax Could Lead To Job Loss, Capital Flight + Dave Larson Challenges PAC Attack Ads

    Washington's new 9.9% income tax could cost thousands of jobs and billions in economic growth, according to a report highlighted by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). Meanwhile, union-backed attack mailers targeting Washington Supreme Court candidates are drawing criticism, and a major girls' sports rally is planned in Camas. In today's Washington In Focus Daily, The Center Square covers three major stories ahead of Washington's November 3, 2026 election. WASHINGTON SUPREME COURT ELECTION: Judge Dave Larson responds to attack mailers from a political action committee supported by SEIU 775 and the Washington Education Association. Larson challenges the political attacks targeting five judicial candidates, while Future 42 disputes allegations about its involvement in the races. WASHINGTON INCOME TAX REPEAL: NFIB Washington Director Patrick Connor warns that the state's new income tax could hurt small businesses, reduce job growth and discourage investment. Economic projections suggest up to $8.3 billion in reduced annual economic output by 2036. Supporters of the tax warn that Initiative 645 could jeopardize education, healthcare and childcare funding. CAMAS GIRLS' SPORTS RALLY: Tumwater student athlete Francis Scott speaks exclusively with The Center Square about the Camas High School cross-country protest and an upcoming rally supporting the runners. The controversy comes as Washington voters prepare to decide girls' sports Initiative 638. WASHINGTON ELECTION INFORMATION Washington's general election is November 3, 2026. Voters will decide statewide initiatives, legislative races and five Supreme Court positions. GET WASHINGTON NEWS SENT DIRECTLY TO YOUR PHONE Keeping up with Washington state news shouldn't feel like a second job. The Center Square sends important Washington government and policy updates approximately twice a week, explaining what happened, why it matters and what it could mean for you. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 or use the link in the description. Subscribe to Washington In Focus Daily for reporting on Washington politics, government transparency, elections, taxpayer accountability, business and public policy. #WashingtonNews #WashingtonIncomeTax #Initiative645 #WashingtonSupremeCourt #CamasHighSchool Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. 4d ago

    Supreme Court Candidates Debate Income Tax & Judicial Bias + School District Religious Freedom Fight

    Washington's girls' sports debate is intensifying after several Camas High School cross-country runners declined to compete in a race involving a transgender athlete. Superintendent Chris Reykdal is responding as voters prepare to decide a statewide girls' sports initiative. Meanwhile, Everett Public Schools has agreed to a $275,000 settlement and issued an apology following a religious freedom lawsuit involving LifeWise Academy. And Washington Supreme Court candidates Theo Angelis and Dave Larson are debating judicial independence, political contributions and Gov. Bob Ferguson's appointment process. In this October 19, 2026 edition of Washington In Focus Daily, The Center Square examines three major Washington stories involving education, elections, religious freedom and government accountability. STORY 1 — WASHINGTON SUPREME COURT ELECTION AND JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE Washington Supreme Court Position 5 candidates Justice Theo Angelis and Judge Dave Larson discuss judicial impartiality and the state's process for appointing judges. Angelis, who was appointed by Gov. Bob Ferguson, faces questions about previous campaign contributions and professional relationships involving Ferguson and state Sen. Jamie Pedersen. Pedersen sponsored Washington's income tax legislation, which raises questions about how the justice would approach a potential legal challenge to the tax. Angelis explains how he identifies potential personal biases when considering cases and why judicial independence is essential. Larson questions whether Washington's judicial appointment process creates an appearance of political bias and argues for a merit-based selection system. The debate comes as Washington voters prepare to elect five of the nine justices on the state's Supreme Court. The episode also briefly discusses a ballot printing error affecting more than 550,000 Snohomish County ballots. STORY 2 — CAMAS HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS' SPORTS CONTROVERSY Several Camas High School female cross-country runners declined to compete in a race involving a transgender girl who had previously competed in boys' races. The decision attracted widespread attention as Washington voters prepare to decide Initiative 638, a ballot measure concerning eligibility for girls' school sports. Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal responds to the controversy in an interview with KIRO Radio. Reykdal says students have a right to express disagreement while defending policies intended to include transgender athletes in school sports. Alliance Defending Freedom attorney Kate Anderson offers a different perspective, arguing that transgender participation in girls' athletics can affect competitive opportunities, recognition and college scholarships. The Center Square also discusses a separate ongoing lawsuit involving a Puyallup student wrestler who is seeking an accommodation when competing against transgender athletes. The case includes allegations of inappropriate physical contact during a wrestling match. Those allegations remain part of ongoing litigation. The broader debate centers on fairness, inclusion, Title IX, student rights and Washington's upcoming girls' sports vote. STORY 3 — EVERETT SCHOOL DISTRICT AGREES TO $275,000 RELIGIOUS FREEDOM SETTLEMENT Everett Public Schools has agreed to pay $275,000 and issue an apology following litigation involving LifeWise Academy, an organization offering off-campus religious instruction. The dispute involved district policies affecting students who left school for voluntary religious education with parental permission. The lawsuit also raised concerns about restrictions on students bringing LifeWise materials back to school. Everett School Board member Charles Adkins previously made critical comments about LifeWise Academy during a public meeting. First Liberty attorney Holly Randall discusses the settlement and the district's published apology. According to First Liberty, the $275,000 settlement will be paid from the school district's general fund. The case raises questions about religious freedom, students' First Amendment rights, school district liability and taxpayer-funded legal settlements. GET WASHINGTON NEWS SENT DIRECTLY TO YOUR PHONE Keeping up with Washington state news shouldn't feel like a second job. The Center Square sends important Washington government and policy updates approximately twice a week, explaining what happened, why it matters and what it could mean for you. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 or use the link in the description. Subscribe to Washington In Focus Daily for reporting on Washington elections, education, public policy, government accountability, religious freedom and taxpayer spending. #WashingtonNews #CamasHighSchool #GirlsSports #ChrisReykdal #EverettSchools #ReligiousFreedom #WashingtonSupremeCourt #WashingtonElections #TheCenterSquare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. Oct 16

    Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's $9 Billion Budget + WA Income Tax Voting Records Vanish From State Site

    Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's proposed $9.1 billion budget is drawing questions over government spending, future deficits and police funding. Meanwhile, Washington's historical income tax voting records disappeared from a state website before being restored ahead of a major income tax repeal vote. And Washington Supreme Court candidates debate the court's decision to strike down a voter-approved natural gas initiative. In the October 16, 2026 edition of Washington In Focus Daily, The Center Square examines Seattle's financial outlook, Washington's income tax history and the upcoming state Supreme Court elections. STORY 1 — SEATTLE'S $9.1 BILLION BUDGET Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is proposing a $9.1 billion budget for 2027 as the city works to address continuing financial shortfalls. The proposal avoids major new taxes but includes higher overall spending and some fee increases. It also eliminates mostly vacant positions, shifts expenses between funds and uses available balances to help close budget gaps. Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss praises the proposed investments in housing, while another councilmember voices support for Seattle Center funding and potential public-private partnerships. Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce CEO Joe Wynne argues that the city must examine spending priorities and create a stronger environment for business growth to avoid recurring budget deficits. Public safety is another major concern. Seattle Police Guild President Ken Liu questions how much of the proposed police funding increase would actually support additional officers, noting that much of the spending growth reflects previously negotiated labor obligations. The Seattle City Council will now review the proposed budget. STORY 2 — WASHINGTON INCOME TAX VOTING HISTORY DISAPPEARS As Washington voters prepare to decide whether to repeal the state's new 9.9% income tax on income above $1 million, a state government web page documenting Washington's income tax voting history temporarily disappeared. Jason Mercier of the Mountain States Policy Center compiled historical election results nearly a decade ago and worked with the Washington Secretary of State's office to make them publicly available. The records document six rejected constitutional amendments and four additional ballot measures involving income taxes. Mercier discovered the page was missing as he prepared to discuss Washington's income tax history ahead of the November election. The Secretary of State's office said the page was removed during a project to retire obsolete web servers. After questions were raised, the historical records were restored on a new state web page. Mercier welcomed the restoration and emphasized the importance of voters having access to Washington's income tax history. Washington voters will decide on November 3 whether to repeal or retain the state's new income tax. STORY 3 — WASHINGTON SUPREME COURT ELECTION AND NATURAL GAS RULING Washington Supreme Court candidates Deborah Stephens and Todd Bloom discuss the court's decision to strike down a voter-approved natural gas ballot initiative. The initiative sought to protect natural gas as an energy choice in Washington. Stephens explains the court's reasoning involving constitutional procedural requirements and the single-subject rule. Bloom questions whether portions of the measure could have been preserved and discusses concerns about how the decision affects public confidence in the initiative process. The exchange highlights the legal and political questions surrounding Washington's Supreme Court elections and the relationship between voter-approved laws and constitutional restrictions. GET WASHINGTON NEWS SENT DIRECTLY TO YOUR PHONE Keeping up with Washington state news shouldn't feel like a second job. The Center Square sends important Washington government and policy updates approximately twice a week, explaining what happened, why it matters and what it could mean for you. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 or use the link in the description. Subscribe to Washington In Focus Daily for reporting on Washington politics, Seattle government, taxes, public safety, elections, business and taxpayer accountability. #SeattleBudget #KatieWilson #WashingtonIncomeTax #SeattlePolitics #WashingtonNews #WashingtonSupremeCourt #TaxpayerAccountability #WashingtonElections Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. Oct 15

    WA Newspaper Rejects Initiative Opinion Piece + John Braun Breaks Silence on Controversial Perez Ad

    A Washington newspaper editor is facing questions about media bias after rejecting an opinion piece supporting a girls' sports ballot initiative. Meanwhile, a Washington lawmaker challenges Superintendent Chris Reykdal over a federal education scholarship tax credit program, and Republican congressional candidate John Braun responds to a controversial campaign ad from Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. In the October 15 edition of Washington In Focus Daily, The Center Square's Carleen Johnson examines government accountability, education funding, media bias, girls' sports and Washington's closely watched congressional elections. STORY 1 — WASHINGTON NEWSPAPER REJECTS GIRLS' SPORTS OPINION PIECE The Bainbridge Island Review declined to publish an opinion piece supporting a Washington ballot initiative concerning transgender participation in girls' school sports. Brian Anderson, Washington state coordinator for Democrats for an Informed Approach to Gender, submitted the article after the newspaper published an opposing opinion piece in September. Bainbridge Island Review editor Tyler Shuey explained in an email to The Center Square that a previous column criticizing transgender participation in sports had generated subscriber complaints and threats to cancel subscriptions. Shuey said he was unwilling to put the newspaper through a similar controversy again. The Center Square examines the exchange, Anderson's response and the debate over editorial discretion, media bias and viewpoint diversity in local journalism. STORY 2 — WASHINGTON EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT DISPUTE Washington Rep. Travis Couture is challenging Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal over the state's potential participation in a federal education scholarship tax credit program. Couture sent Reykdal an eight-page letter disputing his objections to the program, which would allow qualifying federal taxpayers to support scholarship-granting organizations. Supporters argue that participation could expand educational opportunities for Washington families, including tutoring, special education and other school programs. The episode discusses supporters' estimate that the program could direct at least $700 million annually toward Washington education. Reykdal has urged Gov. Bob Ferguson not to opt Washington into the program, citing concerns about implementation and oversight. Couture criticizes that position and questions whether the state should reject an opportunity for additional education funding. The Center Square also examines Reykdal's brief response to Couture's letter and the pending decision facing the governor. STORY 3 — JOHN BRAUN RESPONDS TO MARIE GLUESENKAMP PEREZ ATTACK AD Washington's 3rd Congressional District race is drawing attention after a campaign advertisement from Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez criticized Republican challenger John Braun over his response to a fatal workplace accident at Braun Northwest. The advertisement features Colton Keller, whose father died in a 2024 accident at the company. In an interview with The Center Square, Braun disputes the advertisement's portrayal of his actions following the tragedy. Braun says he spoke with Keller personally on the day of the accident and that the company provided paid leave, counseling, chaplain services and meals for those affected. Braun calls the campaign's characterization misleading and criticizes the use of the tragedy in a political advertisement. The Center Square also reports that the Perez campaign did not respond to its latest request for comment. GET WASHINGTON NEWS SENT DIRECTLY TO YOUR PHONE Important decisions in Washington state can be easy to miss. The Center Square delivers concise updates about what happened, why it matters and what it could mean for you. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 to receive Washington news updates approximately twice a week. Subscribe to Washington In Focus Daily for independent reporting on Washington politics, elections, public education, government transparency, media accountability and taxpayer issues. #WashingtonNews #GirlsSports #MediaBias #BainbridgeIslandReview #EducationTaxCredit #ChrisReykdal #JohnBraun #MarieGluesenkampPerez #WashingtonPolitics Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. Oct 14

    Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson PRESSED on Police Staffing + Debate Gets Personal Between Perez and Braun

    Washington's closely watched 3rd Congressional District race takes a personal turn as Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican challenger John Braun clash during a heated debate. Meanwhile, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson faces questions about public safety and police staffing, and the controversy surrounding LEAD co-founder Lisa Daugaard's fentanyl comments continues. In the October 14, 2026 edition of Washington In Focus Daily, The Center Square's Carleen Johnson covers three major developments involving Washington elections, Seattle crime, policing and drug recovery policies. STORY 1 — WA-03 DEBATE GETS PERSONAL Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican state Sen. John Braun exchanged sharp criticism during a debate in Washington's 3rd Congressional District race. The confrontation centered on a campaign advertisement referencing a fatal 2024 workplace accident at Braun Northwest, a company operated by Braun. The advertisement features Colten Keller, whose father died in the accident, and criticizes Braun's response to the tragedy. During the debate, Braun strongly disputed the characterization, saying he spoke with Keller in person on the day of the accident and continued offering support to the family. The exchange highlights the increasingly contentious WA-03 congressional race, a closely watched contest in southwest Washington. STORY 2 — KATIE WILSON PRESSED ON SEATTLE PUBLIC SAFETY Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson faced questions from The Center Square's Tim Clouser about violent crime, police staffing and the city's public safety budget. Clouser questioned Wilson about survey findings indicating widespread concern over Seattle's public safety strategy, including respondents who expressed doubts about the city's ability to address crime. Wilson defended her administration's approach, emphasizing neighborhood-based public safety strategies, efforts to address longstanding problems and plans to increase the number of Seattle police officers. The mayor said Seattle has hired more than 100 officers this year and is working to resolve training bottlenecks. She also affirmed that Seattle would have more police officers in two years than it does today. STORY 3 — FENTANYL CONTROVERSY CONTINUES AS ART DOLAN RESPONDS The debate over Seattle's Housing First and Recovery First approaches continues following a controversial exchange at a We Heart Seattle fundraising event. Battlefield Addiction co-founder Art Dolan is disputing LEAD co-founder Lisa Daugaard's description of his question about how a parent should respond to fentanyl use inside the family home. Dolan says he never asked whether Daugaard would approve of fentanyl use or evict her child. Instead, he says his question focused on whether parents should prohibit fentanyl use inside their homes. The Center Square presents the original exchange and Dolan's response as the discussion continues over addiction treatment, parental boundaries, harm reduction and taxpayer-funded housing programs. CHAPTERS 00:00 — Washington In Focus Daily: October 14 01:30 — WA-03 Congressional Debate Gets Personal 03:09 — Fatal Workplace Accident and Campaign Ad 05:01 — John Braun Confronts Marie Gluesenkamp Perez 07:13 — Katie Wilson Pressed on Seattle Public Safety 08:35 — Seattle Mayor Responds to Public Safety Survey 10:07 — Katie Wilson Questioned About Police Hiring 12:03 — Seattle Fentanyl Controversy Continues 13:49 — Original Fentanyl Question and Response 15:53 — Art Dolan Challenges Lisa Daugaard's Account 19:14 — Housing First vs. Recovery First Debate 20:55 — Closing and Washington News Updates Get Washington news sent directly to your phone. The Center Square delivers concise updates about important developments in Washington state, why they matter and what they could mean for you. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 for Washington news updates approximately twice a week. Subscribe to Washington In Focus Daily for reporting on Washington politics, elections, taxpayer accountability, public safety and government transparency. #WA03 #MarieGluesenkampPerez #JohnBraun #KatieWilson #SeattleCrime #SeattlePolice #LisaDaugaard #WashingtonPolitics #WashingtonInFocus #TheCenterSquare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. Oct 13

    Senator Blasts DCYF Over Hidden Daycare Names + WA Superintendent Opposes Education Tax Credit

    Washington's Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) is facing renewed scrutiny after redacting the names of daycare providers receiving taxpayer-funded grants. Meanwhile, Seattle's LEAD drug diversion controversy continues as co-founder Lisa Daugaard responds to criticism over her comments about fentanyl addiction, and Washington education officials clash over a federal scholarship tax credit program. In the October 13, 2026 edition of Washington In Focus Daily, The Center Square's Carleen Johnson reports on three major developments involving taxpayer accountability, public safety, government transparency and education funding. STORY 1 — WASHINGTON DCYF REDACTS MORE DAYCARE PROVIDER NAMES Washington DCYF and Gov. Bob Ferguson announced 42 sites receiving funding to expand Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) capacity. However, three provider names were redacted from the published list, prompting concerns from Republican state Sen. Leonard Christian. DCYF says Washington Initiative 1501 requires the agency to protect certain information about family child care providers. Critics question whether withholding provider names prevents taxpayers and journalists from determining who receives public funding. The controversy follows previous reporting on potential daycare subsidy fraud and an earlier dispute involving the Washington Department of Commerce's disclosure of daycare grant recipients. STORY 2 — SEATTLE LEAD CO-FOUNDER RESPONDS TO FENTANYL CONTROVERSY Seattle's Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program is facing additional questions over its approach to drug addiction, homelessness, harm reduction and public safety. Following a panel discussion at a We Heart Seattle fundraiser, LEAD co-founder Lisa Daugaard responded to criticism about how she would handle fentanyl addiction involving her own child. Daugaard says she would neither approve of fentanyl use nor evict her child, rejecting what she describes as a false choice. She also argues that some harm reduction and Housing First practices need to change, while cautioning against making addiction treatment an absolute condition of housing. The discussion comes amid criticism from Washington Policy Center concerning LEAD's reported performance metrics. STORY 3 — WASHINGTON EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM SPARKS DISPUTE Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal is urging Gov. Bob Ferguson not to opt Washington into a federal education tax credit scholarship program. Reykdal's office argues participation would create administrative costs and compliance responsibilities for the state without corresponding federal administrative funding. Washington Policy Center education director Vicki Murray disputes those concerns, arguing the program could generate substantial scholarship support for Washington students. The debate centers on federal education tax credits, school choice, public and private school funding, and whether Washington families could benefit from participation. CHAPTERS 00:00 — Washington In Focus Daily: October 13 01:35 — DCYF Redacts Daycare Provider Names 04:57 — Sen. Leonard Christian Questions Daycare Transparency 07:26 — DCYF and Attorney General's Office Respond 10:34 — Seattle LEAD Program Controversy Continues 14:02 — Lisa Daugaard Discusses Harm Reduction and Housing First 16:49 — Daugaard Responds to Fentanyl Question 18:34 — Washington Education Tax Credit Scholarship Debate 22:02 — Washington Policy Center Responds to Reykdal 24:56 — Closing Remarks Subscribe to Washington In Focus Daily from The Center Square for independent reporting on Washington state government, taxpayer spending, public safety, education, elections and government accountability. #WashingtonState #DCYF #DaycareFunding #Seattle #LEADProgram #FentanylCrisis #ChrisReykdal #EducationFunding #TaxpayerAccountability #WashingtonInFocus Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. Oct 12

    Report Warns of Income Tax's Business Impact + Seattle Drug Crisis Sparks Debate Over State Policy

    Seattle's drug diversion policies are facing renewed scrutiny after a tense exchange involving LEAD program creator Lisa Daugaard at a public panel discussion. Meanwhile, a new study warns Washington's 9.9% income tax could reduce economic growth, and journalist Brandi Kruse scores a major public records victory against the City of Seattle. SEATTLE LEAD PROGRAM / FENTANYL POLICY DEBATE At a We Heart Seattle event, LEAD program creator Lisa Daugaard faced tough questions about fentanyl addiction, treatment and accountability. Battlefield Addiction founder Art Dolan asked how Daugaard would respond if her own child were using fentanyl at home. Her answer sparked audible frustration from some audience members. We Heart Seattle founder Andrea Suarez and Washington Policy Center's Eric Zimmerman criticized her response and raised broader concerns about the LEAD diversion program's approach to addiction and recovery. The debate comes amid continuing questions about the program's reported success metrics and whether Seattle should place greater emphasis on treatment and accountability. WASHINGTON INCOME TAX / INITIATIVE 645 A new analysis from Washington Policy Center and the Buckeye Institute estimates that Washington's millionaire's income tax could reduce economic output by up to $2.50 for every $1 in tax revenue collected. Washington Policy Center tax and budget policy director Ryan Frost discusses the report's projections for jobs, business investment and economic growth. The findings come ahead of the November 3 vote on Initiative 645, which asks Washington voters whether to repeal the state's new 9.9% income tax on taxable income above $1 million. Supporters of keeping the tax argue that repealing it would eliminate an estimated $13 billion in future revenue for state priorities, including education and health care. Opponents question those projections and warn about the tax's potential economic consequences. BRANDI KRUSE PUBLIC RECORDS VICTORY Journalist and unDivided host Brandi Kruse has secured a major victory in her years-long public records dispute with the City of Seattle. The Washington Supreme Court unanimously declined to review Seattle's appeal, leaving intact an appellate court ruling in Kruse's favor. The case involves records requested after former Seattle City Councilmember Andrew Lewis changed his position on a 2023 drug enforcement vote. Citizens Action Defense Fund, which represented Kruse, says the case underscores the public's right to timely access to government records. Further proceedings are expected regarding attorney's fees and potential penalties. Subscribe to The Center Square for Washington politics, public safety, government spending, income tax coverage and investigative reporting. #Seattle #FentanylCrisis #LEADProgram #HarmReduction #WashingtonIncomeTax #Initiative645 #MillionairesTax #BrandiKruse #PublicRecords #SeattlePolitics #WashingtonPolitics #GovernmentAccountability #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. Oct 9

    Income Tax Debate Heats Up Ahead of Repeal Vote + WA Mayors Press Ferguson Over State Drug Policies

    Washington's 9.9% income tax faces a major repeal vote as supporters and opponents clash over Initiative 645. Meanwhile, Washington Supreme Court candidates answer questions about voter initiatives, and 13 mayors urge Gov. Bob Ferguson to rethink the state's approach to fentanyl addiction. WASHINGTON INCOME TAX / INITIATIVE 645 At the Bellevue Chamber's Eastside Leadership Conference, Sen. Manka Dhingra, Dr. Soleil Boyd, House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary and Let's Go Washington founder Brian Heywood debated Washington's millionaire's tax. Supporters argued it would make the tax system fairer, while opponents criticized state spending and warned about possible future tax expansion. Voters decide I-645 on November 3. WASHINGTON SUPREME COURT DEBATE Judges Sean O'Donnell and Ian Birk faced questions about Washington's Supreme Court overturning voter-approved Initiative 2066, the natural gas measure. Both discussed the importance of protecting the initiative process while declining to directly criticize the ruling. 13 MAYORS PRESS FERGUSON ON FENTANYL At a Kent forum organized by Battlefield Addiction, 13 mayors called for changes to Washington's drug policies. Kent Mayor Dana Ralph and Normandy Park Mayor Eric Zimmerman discussed addiction, treatment and accountability. Representatives from Ferguson's office attended, and an advocate reported encouraging conversations afterward. Follow The Center Square for Washington elections, income tax news, public safety and government accountability reporting. Get Washington news by text: Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016. Want the next important update by text? Get the Washington state government and policy developments worth your attention sent straight to your phone. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 or sign up here: https://joinsubtext.com/c/thecentersquarewa Msg & data rates may apply. #WashingtonIncomeTax #Initiative645 #I645 #MillionairesTax #WashingtonSupremeCourt #Initiative2066 #WashingtonElection #BobFerguson #FentanylCrisis #WashingtonDrugPolicy #PublicSafety #WashingtonState #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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4.2
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About

The podcast bringing you the most important stories out of Washington from TheCenterSquare.com. Join us as we dive into the top headlines and provide insightful commentary and analysis.

Information

  • Creator
    The Center Square
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    577
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Center Square
  • Show Website
    Washington in Focus

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