Olympia news this week

Taxes are high. Remember to vote  (Washington Policy Center)

Democrats will be more emboldened to enact a state capital gains income tax during the 2021 legislative session.  A capital gains tax is only a precursor to a general income tax.  WashingtonsState does not have one of those, yet....

Talks about a state income tax continue to intensify – Jay Inslee is expected to include a state capital gains income tax as part of his 2021-23 budget proposal in December. 

Given the stakes, it has never been more important to vote. Election Day is a mere one week away. Remember to vote and, once you mail your ballot, check its status by visiting votewa.gov, entering your name and birthdate, and clicking on the Ballot Status button.

Just a handful of votes can mean the difference between tax-control Republicans holding a state Senate seat or losing a seat. Losing state Senate seats will have severe consequences for the future of our state. Washington.
        
Inslee insists on new taxes in exchange for affordable car tabs (Washington Policy Center)

The Washington State Supreme Court struck down voter-approved Initiative 976, meaning the $30 car tab will not stand.  Jay Inslee – a fierce opponent of the voter-approved measure – celebrated the decision. 

However, Inslee did say he is “open to reforming the car tab system.” There is an important catch – Inslee would only consider reforms “in combination with a way to replace funds that would otherwise make it impossible for us to keep our bridges from falling in the rivers and potholes taking over I-5 and keeping our buses ready.” 

In other words, Inslee will insist on spending whatever he wishes on whatever he wants, meanwhile holding highway maintenance hostage.  In Inslee's world, affordable car tabs can be offset only with new taxes on hardworking Washingtonians.  Does Governor Inslee care?
        
Kim Wyman reassured public of electoral security  (My Northwest)

Washington State Secretary of State Kim Wyman confirmed that 25% of state voters already returned their ballots for the upcoming general election as of Wednesday. 

Following an announcement by Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe, Wyman also released a statement warning of “foreign adversaries” who are “working around the clock to interfere in U.S. elections and undermine confidence in the electoral process.” 

Secretary Wyman's office is working with the Federal Department of Homeland Security and the FBI to monitor threats and ensure electoral security. 

Check your own voting status at the VoteWA website. 
        
Record number of Seattle police officers quit (My Northwest)

Seattle Democrats’ blatant hostility toward police officers has resulted in severe consequences to public safety. 

Seattle police officers are demoralized and harassed, and leaving their jobs in record numbers. Nearly 40 police officers left the Seattle Police Department in September – the average is usually 5 to 7 exits.  The number of exits is expected to increase significantly by the end of the year. 

Many officers cited the “total lack of respect and support” from Seattle Democrats as the reason for their departure. 

With crime skyrocketing and police officers leaving, residents and business owners are “begging city leaders for help.”  

Unfortunately, given Seattle Democrats’ disregard for basic public safety, that does not appear likely to happen.