Weekly Olympia Watch

House Democrats' hostile action on charter schools

The Democrat controlled state House Education Committee appears to be preparing a hostile move against charter school families this legislative session. During a recent work session, Democrats committee members referred to charter schools as a “pilot project”. Democrat Committee chair Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos even falsely blamed the closure of Ashe Preparatory Academy on the state Charter School Commission. The Washington State charter school statute is up for re-authorization this year. With Democrats in the hands of the powerful, charter school hating WEA union, the future of our state’s charter school law is precarious.

Olympia Democrat policies continue to devastate rural and coastal Washington

Unemployment stats for November showed Grays Harbor County remained the fourth highest for jobless workers in the state. At a rate of 7.1%, only Ferry, Pend Orielle, and Pacific have higher rates. Democrats continue to create an environment that prevents job creation in rural Washington. We hope the majority will take up policies like Sen. O’Ban’s job tax credit bill which help encourage job growth outside of Puget Sound.

WA residents push for recall of Attorney General Ferguson 

Two Washington state residents are one step closer to obtaining a recall vote for Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson. Chief Justice of the Washington Supreme Court gave the go-ahead for a hearing that could lead for a statewide recall vote. Ultimately, King County Superior Court Judge Bill Bowman will determine whether or not the charges brought against Ferguson are sufficient for a ballot recall initiative. The charges brought against Ferguson pertain to questionable conflict of interest actions.

Advocates for dam destruction manipulate data

In a recent blog post, the Washington Policy Center’s Todd Myers exposes how advocates for the destruction of the Snake River dams manipulate data to support claims the dams impact salmon and steelhead negatively. Advocates for dam destruction allege declines in salmon and steelhead returns, blaming the Snake River dams. Myers – through the use of data – explains how the declines are a long term regional problem, and not a sudden onset.