Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
This week, Mariya Frost from the Washington Policy Center joins Chairman Heimlich to discuss WSDOT staffing issues and the impact of Governor Inslee’s vaccine mandate on mountain pass closures, right as Holiday season travel ramps up.
https://soundcloud.com/user-450836972/wagop-report-wpcs-mariya-frost-on-wsdot-staff-shortages-and-pass-closures
The pressure is mounting on Democrats over the widely unpopular Long-Term Care Tax. Democrats are now trying to delay implementation but this onerous tax needs to be made completely optional, like what I-1436 calls for.
https://www.nwnewsnetwork.org/2021-12-02/inslee-offers-support-for-temporary-delay-in-new-payroll-tax-for-long-term-care-program
Redistricting complete. Thanks to Republican Commissioners @paulgraveswa and @justjoefain for their hard work this year. Now it’s off to the races for 2022. https://twitter.com/jim_brunner/status/1466815498029449218
BREAKING: WA Supreme Court declines to redraw redistricting maps — will accept the maps submitted late by the commission. https://www.courts.wa.gov/content/publicUpload/Redistricting/Order%2025700B676.pdf
Read some of the personal stories highlighting how deeply flawed the Long-Term Care Tax is. This legislation directly takes of advantage of couples nearing retirement age and those that work in Washington but live out-of-state.
https://src.wastateleg.org/public-feedback-long-term-care-act/
Looking for a great stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift this year? Inslee window clings are back and they make for great gifts or a conversation piece at family gatherings!
Get your Inslee clings here: https://secure.anedot.com/wsrp/inslee-sticker
For months conservatives have criticized WA Gov Inslee’s handling of the pandemic. But now even some Democrats are exasperated at the pace of reopening. As are some local officials. Here’s our story: https://www.nwnewsnetwork.org/post/inslee-defends-reopening-plan-face-growing-frustration-including-fellow-democrats #COVID19 #wagov #waleg
Today’s Capitol Buzz: Inslee, Democrats discuss delaying WA Cares long-term care payroll tax; Business owners worry about losing insurance coverage after repeat break-ins; Study: No intentional racial bias in WSP traffic stops. Read and subscribe: http://ow.ly/ohUk30s2Rvx #waleg
From @nwNewsNetwork: “…the Washington Supreme Court declined to take on the job of drafting new congressional and legislative maps. Instead, the court declared that the state’s Redistricting Commission had finished its work on time last month.” https://www.nwnewsnetwork.org/2021-12-03/washington-supreme-court-says-redistricting-commission-met-its-deadline-declines-to-redo-maps
Senate Democrats are requesting that the new long-term care payroll tax be delayed until 2023. House Republicans are calling for its repeal. #waleg https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/inslee-washington-state-democrats-discuss-delaying-wa-cares-long-term-care-payroll-tax/
Today’s Capitol Buzz: Get ready to pay more for WA state workers’ comp insurance in 2022; Study: 6,100 nurses needed to fill vacancies in WA; Highway traffic has almost returned to pre-pandemic levels, but transit still way down. Read and subscribe: http://ow.ly/sUzy30s2J2s #waleg
Local elected officials are speaking out against bills passed by Democrats in 2021. Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell: We will not sit by while criminals take advantage of weakened drug laws, lack of prosecutions & unnecessary restrictions. Story: http://ow.ly/jTUi30s2t0q #waleg