Inside: All that and the seven things you need to know about the governor's budget proposal!
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this is your weekly update on the latest news from Washington state. Make sure to forward this to someone you think should be informed!
ACCOUNTABILITY
State CO2 Report Shows 86% of Washington’s Claimed Climate Benefits are Probably Fake
When the Department of Ecology released their report in November detailing the results of the Climate Commitment Act funded projects, they initially claimed 9 million metric tons of carbon emissions were removed from Washington's environment. Todd Myers read the report and found errors that wildly inflated these numbers and pointed it out. Even though the Department of Ecology acknowledged the error, they failed to make corrections or announce the mistake until WPC published Todd's findings. The Seattle Times published the department's correction, but failed to report on WPC's role in the exposure.
What Happens When You Build a State Budget on the Most Volatile Tax Sources?
Not only is the proposed income tax unconstitutional, it's also unreliable. Attempting to balance the state's spending addiction with an income tax is a fool's errand, with income taxes being one of the most volatile revenue sources a state can have.
Seven Things
You Need to Know About the Governor's Budget Proposal
#4 - It proposes a $1 billion withdrawal from the rainy day fund
The governor's budget pulls about $1 billion from the state's Budget Stabilization Account (rainy day fund.) Of that, only $165 million is due to federal "cost shifts to Washington's budget." With the agency spending cuts included, most of the budget shortfall comes from decisions in Washington state, not Washington D.C.
The Real Cost of Coexistence: How Wolf Policies Are Failing Western Ranchers: Ranch income is negatively impacted by the presence of wolves exponentially. A 2 percent calf loss equates to a 4 percent income loss, or about $5,000, while a 14 percent calf loss equates to a 34 percent income loss for a ranch, or about $42,000.
OPPORTUNITY
SPEAK OUT:
USE WPC'S NEW TOOL TO TELL LAWMAKERS AND THE GOVERNOR TO OPPOSE NEW TAXES
Automatically email a "No New Taxes" message to the governor, your state senator and your state representatives using the form on WPC's TAKE ACTION page. Fill out the form and your state legislative delegation is automatically identified for you. Edit the draft email to reflect your voice and point of view, then click send and your message will be delivered to your legislators and the governor.
With Governor Ferguson announcing his support for an income tax, your voice is more important than ever before. In 2025, lawmakers passed the biggest tax increase in state history, but lawmakers are already talking about adding more. Meanwhile, Washington state’s business tax climate has deteriorated significantly, falling from 6th best in 2014 to 5th worst in 2025. And with taxpayers leaving the state at a rate of one every 30 minutes, we can't afford to keep the pattern of reckless spending going! Visit the Take Action page today and urge your friends to do the same!
Our legislative preview event yesterday was a comprehensive overview of what to expect this legislative session. From business taxes to education, each of our research experts gave analysis on what is likely to be debated and how they're working to hold government accountable and stop the constant attacks on your wallet.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
How Legislators Are Driving Up Food Costs By Pam Lewison Food isn't political, but that doesn't mean policy doesn't impact food. WATCH HERE
Washington's $900 Million Road Problem | Charles Prestrud By Charles Prestrud The backlog of road maintenance needed presents the legislature with tough decisions ahead. WATCH HERE
Washington Policy on the Go:
Mark Harmsworth & Ryan Frost
Legislators have officially gathered in Olympia for the 60 day legislative session. Join us live as we talk with Small Business Director Mark Harmsworth and Tax & Budget Director Ryan Frost about what proposals we can expect to see move forward, including taxes, business regulations, and permitting reform.
How many people you know would guess that Washington ranks 45th -- near the bottom -- for business taxes? Or that our state operating budget increased almost 49 percent (AFTER adjusting for inflation and population control) since the 2012-2015 budget? The legislative session is coming up quickly. To make informed decisions about how to best govern our state, we must acknowledge where we are. WPC's Report Card for Washington's Future gives you the data you need to cut through rhetoric and see where our state needs course correction.
