Olympia review this week

King County commercial landlords seek property tax relief  

King County commercial landlords may see property tax relief as many have experienced dropping values due to closed tenant businesses. Empty hotels and closed gyms, restaurants, and other retailers cannot pay rent. The problem exists across the nation.

According to MyNorthwest, “nearly 60% of commercial rents across the country did not pay their rent in May.” Landlords must still pay property taxes and mortgage payments, but do not have rent revenue to pay. King County Assessor John Wilson asked the state Legislature to grant commercial owners relief by changing current law.

It is doubtful any property tax relief is coming.  The legislature sucks up an excise tax even on leases.

Future of new sex ed law may rest in the hands of voters

A highly controversial bill that would mandate sex ed starting in kindergarten may have to be approved by the people if Referendum 90 collects enough signatures.  The bill was sponsored by Sen. Claire Wilson of Federal Way and rammed through the legislature by Democrat majorities.

By the time Gov. Inslee signed it, his office had received 9,850 messages opposed to the measure and 59 in support. If you still have signatures to turn in, Pony Express stations all over the state for petition drop-offs in the next couple days can be found here.

Estimates of money lost in unemployment fraud: $550 - $650 million

The exact amount lost by Washington State officials to the Nigerian unemployment fraud remains unknown. However, the Employment Security Department (ESD) estimates the money lost is between $550 and $650 million.

The amount recovered with the help of the federal government remains about $333 million. As the Washington Policy Center’s Mark Harmsworth points out, the COVID-19 crisis “did not create the problems in the Unemployment Security Department systems, it just made them worse.” Incompetence and mismanagement plague the department, reform is needed.

UW infectious disease experts issue contrary statement on protests

After months of calling for strict quarantine measures and social distancing measures, infectious disease experts at the University of Washington released a statement supporting the mass protests. They wrote that, despite the pandemic, the protests are “vital to the national public health and to the threatened health specifically of Black people in the United States.”

Meanwhile, counties across the state have faced a restrictive reopening process – impacting the livelihoods of businesses and the mental health of individuals across the state for months.

14 additional counties approved to advance reopening efforts

King County will move on to a “modified Phase 1” approach, allowing businesses to reopen with limited capacity. Non-essential stores can reopen at 15% capacity, while salons and barbers can open at 25% capacity. Outside gatherings with five or fewer people outside of your household are allowed – that restrictions, apparently, does not apply to protesters. Counties approved for Phase 2 include Clark, Okanogan, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom.

Olympia weekly report

Thirteen counties will not enter Phase 2 on June 1

Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order ends on Sunday, May 31. As the reopening process begins, each county must adhere to the guidelines outlined in their respective phases. Counties must apply to the Secretary of Health for permission to move on to the next phase. Applications will be evaluated on based on how the county’s “data compare to these targets and the county’s ability to respond to things like new outbreaks, increased deaths, and health system capacity.” Thirteen counties will not be moving on to Phase 2 beginning June 1, including King, Snohomish, Pierce, Skagit, and Whatcom counties.

Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order has meta-morphed into a complicated 4 phase reopening plan called "Safe Start."    The official  state plan is posted at https://coronavirus.wa.gov/what-you-need-know/safe-start
       
April unemployment rates by county released

The unemployment rate by county are now available for the month of April. Snohomish County is experiencing the highest individual unemployment rate at a whopping 20.2%, followed by Grays Harbor county at 19.4%, Skagit county at 19.1%, Clallam county at 18.9%, and Pierce County at 18.2%. Of the top five highest employment rate counties, only Grays Harbor and Clallam counties will be allowed to enter Phase 2 of reopening on June 1.
       
Feds recover $300 million for Washington

Employment Security Department Commissioner Suzi LeVine has not revealed the full amount stolen from unemployment security funds as a result of fraudulent claims. But, given the size of a recent recovery, the amount is substantial. With the help of federal law enforcement and financial institutions across the country, Washington state is set to recover $300 million in fraudulent unemployment claims. Our state saw a significant decrease in unemployment claims last week due to “extra anti-fraud efforts taken in recent weeks” – something state officials, apparently, did not bother to do previously.
       
National Guard activated after Seattle protests turn violent

Jay Inslee activated the National Guard following violent protests in downtown Seattle that forced the closure of Interstate 5. Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan announced a city-wide curfew from 5pm – 5am on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday started with largely peaceful protests to the killing of George Floyd. By early evening, “several police cars were set on fire and destroyed and several officers were injured.”

Olympia weekly report

Washington State scammed out of hundreds of millions

Fraudulent unemployment claims have cost Washington State hundreds of millions of dollars in stolen funds. Out-of-state scammers used the stolen personal information of tens of thousands of Washingtonians to submit unemployment claims. Unemployment benefit claims rose from 369,000 to more than 1.6 million last week. The surge is attributed – in part – to the fraudulent claims. Scammers obtained the stolen information from previous data breaches, not from a state breach.

Inslee says many counties cannot begin Phase 2 on June 1

Jay Inslee announced that some counties will be prohibited from entering into “Phase 2” of reopening, set to begin by June 1 under his ambiguous four-part layout. That means small businesses – from barbershops and hair salons to restaurants – cannot reopen. Though Phase 2 is days away, Inslee failed to confirm which counties are impacted. Fourteen of Washington’s thirty-nine counties have received permission to begin Phase 2 of reopening. These counties are: Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Garfield, Grays Harbor, Lincoln, Lewis, Ferry, Pend Oreille, Skamania, Spokane, Stevens, Wahkiakum, and Whitman. According to statements made, it is unlikely Inslee will permit further reopening in King and Snohomish counties — and others — on June 1.

State official bet millions of taxpayer dollars on failed Chinese automotive company

Inslee appointees ordered $227.5 million worth of personal protective equipment (mostly masks) from a large Chinese automotive conglomerate that claimed it built the world’s largest face-mask factory. The order accounted for more than half of all the state’s orders of COVID-19 emergency supplies. Of course, given the Chinese company is a failed automotive producer making big promises, three-quarters of the state’s orders are behind schedule. According to the Seattle Times, the more than a million masks (N95s) that have been delivered have been denied initial approval by a federal worker safety agency. Will their be any accountability for these Democrat bureaucrat failures?

Republican lawmakers call on Inslee to convene a special session

State Republican lawmakers have asked Jay Inslee to “convene a special session of the legislature to address the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing financial crisis in the public and private sector that has resulted.” Republicans are calling for the special session to begin – with social distancing measures – shortly after the next economic forecast scheduled for June 17. Given the impending financial crisis, budget cuts must be made before new spending begins on July 1. Republican state Senator John Braun said, “When you’ve got a $7 billion potential deficit over that time period, stopping an extra billion dollars in spending (is) a big step forward.”

The shutdown is victimizing people.

Rep Dan Newhouse expressed concern for the victim of the shutdown

"I recognize that we aren’t going to return to normal operations overnight, but we must trust our citizens to do the right thing – maintaining healthy workplaces, continuing with social distance measures, and taking precautions to keep our communities safe. It is truly heartbreaking to hear of from these people who are losing their livelihoods due to no fault of their own. While Congress is working to provide a bridge for them, the only way to really provide relief to these business owners is to allow them to reopen and continue serving their communities.

"I recognize that Central Washington still has “hot spots” of COVID-19, and we cannot ignore the need for increased personal protective equipment or testing capabilities. But we also can’t let our fear hinder our ability to function as a community. With domestic violence, suicide, and crime rates on the rise, we have to take action forward and reopen our society. I continue to urge Governor Inslee to realize the true impacts this state-wide shutdown is having, not only on our economy but on the well-being of our citizens."

-- US Rep. Dan Newhouse, (WA-4th district) 

Inslee's economic shutdown is not healthy

Doctors wrote to warn The Coronavirus Shutdown will lead to “exponentially growing heath consequences”

Beer leads to power abuse?

The doctors' letter outlines a variety of consequences that the doctors have observed resulting from the coronavirus shutdown.
Consequences include patients missing routine checkups that could detect things like heart problems or cancer, increases in substance and alcohol abuse, and increases in financial instability that could lead to “[p]overty and financial uncertainty,” which “is closely linked to poor health.”
“We are alarmed at what appears to be the lack of consideration for the future health of our patients,” the doctors say in their letter. “The downstream health effects … are being massively under-estimated and under-reported. This is an order of magnitude error.”

Olympia weekly report

The first three items are about Gub Inslee's edicts.  The underlying question is why we are letting him make edicts as if they are law?  Do we really have no regard for their own freedom?

Inslee retracts controversial reopening requirement for restaurants

Jay Inslee retracted his highly controversial requirement that restaurants log the name, address, and phone number of all their customers when they reopen. He is now asking customers to provide personal information voluntarily. Inslee received national attention for his shocking invasion of Washingtonians’ privacy. The widespread pushback against this invasion of basic rights led him to rethink this rule.

Inslee: Phase 2 starting on June 1 not likely

Governor Inslee’s reopening strategy remains ambiguous weeks after first announcing a phased approach. Based on a projected three-week buffer between each phase, Washington state would enter into Phase 2 on June 1. Phase 2 would allow “expanded outdoor recreation, additional construction, manufacturing, domestic services, limited in-store retail shopping, real estate sales, professional services, nail salons, barbers, pet grooming, and restaurants” to reopen. According to Inslee, that will not likely happen. Inslee said, “It cannot be set in stone, and the reason is the virus is the one that will ultimately determine when it’s safe for us to move to Phase 2.” The harm to small businesses and our economy as a whole continues.

Inslee’s decision to stop elective surgeries result in medical staff furloughs

Major hospitals in the Seattle area must furlough employees due to large financial hits brought about by Jay Inslee’s COVID-19 policies. The Tacoma-based medical system, MultiCare, will furlough approximately 6,000 employees for 17 days. Overlake Medical Center had to furlough 150 employees. UW Medicine announced a “projected $500 million financial loss over the next few months.” Major losses in revenue are due to Inslee’s decision to stop elective surgeries (resulting in a 30-40% reduction in revenue at Overlake Medical Center). And, losses brought about by medically necessary missed visits, scans, tests, and operations that never occurred.

Superintendent Reykdal denies funding to 780 families

Washington state superintendent of schools Chris Reykdal will cut off state funding for families who are dealing with school closures by sending their children to public, state-approved, and fully accredited online schools. Reykdal’s decision will impact 780 children across the state who enrolled in online schools since the COVID-19 shutdowns occurred. According to the Washington Policy Center, state law provides “students who transfer to a public online school will not lose their state funding.” Yet, Reykdal indicated transfer students will not receive funding. Instead, their funding will be sent to their old school districts.

Olympia Weakly Report

Judge rules Democrats’ bank tax unconstitutional

In 2019, Democrat state lawmakers passed a bank tax increase. Democrats rushed the tax to the floor on the last day of session. Despite warnings from Republicans—and a handful of Democrats—Jay Inslee signed the bill into law. Republican Sen. Braun warned of the lack of meaningful public vetting and legal analysis as the bill never received any while in committee. On Friday, a King County Superior Court Judge ruled the tax increase unconstitutional. The judge ruled that the tax violates the “dormant commerce clause as it was discriminatory in its effects on the specified financial institutions.”
       
State refuses transparency on unemployment fund

State officials remain evasive about the amount left in the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. As the Washington Policy Center’s Mark Harmsworth points out, record payouts resulting in the highest jobless rate since the Depression for the leaves no doubt that the unemployment fund is being rapidly depleted. Yet, the state refuses to be transparent. The ongoing shutdown adds up to a “multibillion-dollar problem for the state.” Harmsworth writes, “Legislators and the public need accurate information so they can start addressing the fix.”
       
Inslee’s reopening plan remains largely ambiguous

The rules will allow retail stores to resume very limited operations during Jay Inslee’s “Phase 1” of reopening our state’s economy. The new rules “allows employees to return to work but doesn’t let customers in the stores to shop.” Customers will be able to order products online or over the phone and pick-up via the curbside. Inslee is also allowing landscapers and dog walkers to resume working. Details of Inslee’s reopening plan—e.g. indications of when other small businesses can resume operations—remain largely unknown.
       
New lawsuit alleges PDC ignored union’s violations of campaign finance laws

The Freedom Foundation is once again suing the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) in Thurston County Superior Court over its “failure to hold labor unions accountable for breaking state election laws.” The lawsuit comes after the PDC dismissed a December 2018 complaint filed by the Freedom Foundation “alleging the Amalgamated Transit Union Legislative Council of Washington (ATULC) failed to register with the PDC as a political committee and disclose its political expenditures.” The Freedom Foundation seeks to prove that the unfounded dismissal is just another action—in a long list of actions—that provides evidence of PDC staff willing letting unions off despite serious violations to campaign finance laws.

Olympia weekly report

 Inslee lifts some restrictions on private construction work

Jay Inslee will lift some restrictions on construction work amid the COVID-19 lockdown. Provided job sites meet safety standards as outlined in a detailed 30-point safety plan, construction projects may resume.

The lift comes after developers and lawmakers mounted pressure on Inslee to label private construction as essential projects. Republican lawmakers warned of the consequences of stopping private construction, including losing loans or bearing the burden of extra rent or mortgage fees if unable to move when planned.

Look at Jay Inslee's record:   Inslee picked "essential" winners and "non-essential" losers during the Jay Inslee lockdown.  Its about politics, not science.

State government construction is okay, private construction projects are not.
Boeing is okay.  Hairdressers are not.
Wal-Mart is allowed.  Gun stores are not.
Debt collectors are juist fine.  But restaurant workers are not.

If your business gave money to him, you were okay. If your group hadn't given money to him, you were not.

State Supreme Court rejects lawsuit seeking early prison release

The Washington State Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit seeking to force the release of thousands of prison inmates amid COVID-19. The court ruled – in a 5-4 decision – that an emergency petition did not prove the state is “failing in its duties to incarcerated people.”

The decision will not impact the early release of 1,100 prisoners, as authorized by Jay Inslee. All members of the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus joined together to demand Inslee reverse his earlier decision to release felons and asked that he consider alternate options.
       
Inslee looks to resume elective surgeries

If the data for COVID-19 continues to look favorable, elective surgeries and some outdoor recreation could resume – according to Jay Inslee.

The statement comes after Republican State Sen. Randi Becker (Eatonville) requested Inslee to clarify his order halting non-urgent medical and dental procedures during COVID-19. Inslee stated that some restrictions will likely to stay in place longer than May 4.
       
Reykdal eliminates failing grades in new guidelines

High school and middle school students cannot receive “F” grades according to new grading guidelines released by Washington State Superintendent Chris Reykdal this week. The new guidelines are supposed to reflect “what students know” rather than homework and worksheets, according to Reykdal.

The new grading systems state that “districts may choose to adopt an A-D, A-C, A-B, or even A-only system with an incomplete option, but there will be no failing grades.”

Olympia weekly report 20200419

GOP leaders propose a plan to reopen state economy

Washington state Republican lawmakers are leading the way for reopening Washington’s economy amid COVID-19 with a new plan, released on Friday. In the more immediate term, Republicans call for the reopening of low-risk industries – including private construction, auto dealers and solo landscapers. The 16-point plan focuses on helping small businesses reopen, including cutting Business & Occupation (B&O) taxes, implementing a sales-tax holiday for retail stores, and postponing inflation-adjusted minimum-wage hikes scheduled for 2021.

Inslee must produce a plan to reopen state economy

The Washington Policy Center’s Paul Guppy argues Jay Inslee must inform the public of a plan for re-opening Washington State’s economy so that families and business owners prepare for the future. As the reported new cases continue to moderate and public officials revise the number of predicted COVID-19 deaths downward, now is the time to “start planning gradual steps to let people go back to work, consistent with standards of public health.” A first key step should be allowing construction work to progress – Inslee continues to deny recognition of private-sector construction as an “essential service.”

Thousands protest Inslee's shutdown.  KIRO news item 
       
Republicans demand alternatives to early release of prison inmates

Jay Inslee plans to release over 1,100 inmates in the state prison system early due to COVID-19. In response, all members of the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus are demanding reconsideration. Republicans expressed concerns over Inslee suspending all notification of victim requirements. Republicans also noted that alternative measures could be taken for the safety of inmates and Department of Corrections employees, including placing inmates on work release or moving them to less-crowded facilities.
       
Inslee must clarify ban on non-urgent medical procedure orders

Republican State Sen. Randi Becker (Eatonville) is asking Jay Inslee to clarify his order halting non-urgent medical and dental procedures during COVID-19. Becker points out that many primary care and dental clinics have shut down, interpreting the order as a ban on conducting routine appointments. Becker argues the unclear order places people in danger – suspicious lumps or moles must be examined by a doctor in a timely manner.

Olympia weekly report 20200407

State Supreme Court refuses Seattle tax case

The Washington State Supreme Court declined to hear arguments in Seattle’s income tax case. The Court’s decision kills Seattle’s attempt to levy a 2.25% tax on incomes over $250,000.

However, due to a shocking appeals court decision, it also means any city in Washington can levy a flat tax – uniform across all income brackets. That reality makes it more important than ever for cities to pass local bans on income taxes. 

Senate Democrats have continuously pushed schemes like this as tools to get the courts to reconsider their ban on general income taxes on all of us.

Inslee issues budget cuts, doesn’t go far enough

Gov. Jay Inslee cut approximately $235 million in state spending over the next 15 months. He also issued various cuts to programs from the 2019-21 Supplemental Operating Budget, amounting to about $210 million for the next two-year budget (if programs are not re-instated during the next legislative session). 

The cuts come after Democrat-orgy passed unprecedented spending during the 2020 legislative session.

Republican State Senator John Braun urged Inslee to do more, pointing out the prudence of vetoing all new spending passed by Democrats that does not support COVID-19 response to prepare for future recovery costs.

Some property taxpayers to receive extension

King, Pierce and Snohomish County extended property tax deadlines to June 1st, 2020. Spokane County extended the due date to June 15. The extensions impact homeowners who property taxes directly, not as part of the regular monthly mortgage payment – there is no relief for the latter.

The relief for some – but not all – homeowners comes as the burden of property taxes has increased after Senate Democrats increased them to please union bosses to get more of your money to them.

State Supreme Court to decide on $30-tab injunction

The Washington State Supreme Court will take up the issue of whether or not to lift an emergency injunction on I-976 – the $30 car-tab – at the end of April. Multiple Democrat legal actions against the initiative have resulted in the voter-approved measure not yet taking effect.

In particular, Senate Democrats have colluded with Sound Transit to burden King, Pierce, and Snohomish County drivers with out-of-control car-tab fees.  Whether or not they will feel relief lies in the hands of the state Supreme Court.
 

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Parents for Safe Schools needs your help to get Referendum 90 on the ballot! Because of our current social distancing measures, collecting signatures at events has become impossible. It's more important than ever that we all do our part to collect signatures in our neighborhoods. Click here to request signature collection forms and to make a contribution.