Olympia post election report

Washington at risk of losing more businesses (read: employers)  (Herald Net)

Boeing’s decision to move assembly of the 787 Dreamliner from Everett to South Carolina may only be the last company to leave if Democrats fail to reform their tax and regulation policies. The Democrat state legislature continually push tax increases that heavily impact businesses. Hikes in business and operation (B&O) taxes, unemployment insurance taxes, and payroll taxes make it more difficult for businesses to make ends meet. Importantly, these taxes also make Washington less competitive for businesses to locate or start-up. Next year, Democrats will push a state capital gains income tax – yet another policy that discourages businesses. It’s time for Democrats to stop their punitive policies before it’s too late.
       
Wyman re-elected as WA Secretary of State (My Northwest)

With many races still uncalled in Washington, we do know Republican Kim Wyman has been re-elected as Washington’s Secretary of State. By Friday, Wyman led Democrat opponent Gael Tarleton with 53% of the vote.

Serving as the state’s chief election officer, Wyman has run over 120 elections across the state. She also oversees registration of corporations and nonprofits, state archives, the address confidentiality program, and manages the state library.

King County passes “defund the police” measures (My Northwest)

King County voters passed two measures aimed at “defunding” the King County Sheriff’s Office. King County will be the only county in Washington State to not vote for their Sheriff.

All power will be in the hands of the Seattle-controlled King County Council. It’s important to understand Seattle voters got to vote on the charter measures despite the fact that the Sheriff’s office does not answer 911 calls in Seattle. In other words, Seattle received disproportionate influence on an issue that does not impact them.

Former King County Sheriff John Urquhart joined KIRO Radio’s Dori Monson to speak about the decision. He said, “If you like the Capitol Hill’s CHOP, you’re going to love an appointed sheriff.”
        
Voters approve Referendum 90 largely along red vs. blue county lines (Washington Policy Center)

Voters approved Referendum 90, the controversial sex education bill that teaches sexual variation to children and takes authority away from parents and local school districts.

The vote was split largely along traditionally red vs. blue county lines.  During the 2020 legislative session, majority Democrats introduced the bill and passed it without allowing public input or amendments.

Only one Democrat joined all Republicans in rejecting the bill. Sen. Brad Hawkins (R-East Wenatchee) had stated that Republicans “have significant concerns about the state mandating sex education across all 295 of our school districts. We feel that is a significant erosion of local control and that those closest to an issue like this are usually in the best position to make decisions.”