Washington in Focus

Washington's 9.9% income tax faces a major repeal vote as supporters and opponents clash over Initiative 645. Meanwhile, Washington Supreme Court candidates answer questions about voter initiatives, and 13 mayors urge Gov. Bob Ferguson to rethink the state's approach to fentanyl addiction.

WASHINGTON INCOME TAX / INITIATIVE 645

At the Bellevue Chamber's Eastside Leadership Conference, Sen. Manka Dhingra, Dr. Soleil Boyd, House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary and Let's Go Washington founder Brian Heywood debated Washington's millionaire's tax. Supporters argued it would make the tax system fairer, while opponents criticized state spending and warned about possible future tax expansion. Voters decide I-645 on November 3.

WASHINGTON SUPREME COURT DEBATE

Judges Sean O'Donnell and Ian Birk faced questions about Washington's Supreme Court overturning voter-approved Initiative 2066, the natural gas measure. Both discussed the importance of protecting the initiative process while declining to directly criticize the ruling.

13 MAYORS PRESS FERGUSON ON FENTANYL

At a Kent forum organized by Battlefield Addiction, 13 mayors called for changes to Washington's drug policies. Kent Mayor Dana Ralph and Normandy Park Mayor Eric Zimmerman discussed addiction, treatment and accountability. Representatives from Ferguson's office attended, and an advocate reported encouraging conversations afterward.

Follow The Center Square for Washington elections, income tax news, public safety and government accountability reporting.

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#WashingtonIncomeTax #Initiative645 #I645 #MillionairesTax #WashingtonSupremeCourt #Initiative2066 #WashingtonElection #BobFerguson #FentanylCrisis #WashingtonDrugPolicy #PublicSafety #WashingtonState #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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Vice President JD Vance is targeting Microsoft over alleged H-1B visa abuse and American worker layoffs, announcing a suspension of the company's PERM labor-certification processing amid a federal investigation. Microsoft is pushing back against the administration's claims.

JD VANCE TARGETS MICROSOFT OVER H-1B VISAS

Vance accused Microsoft of laying off thousands of American workers while relying on foreign employees through the H-1B visa system. Microsoft responded that approximately 80% of its recent H-1B filings involved existing employees, not new hires, and disputed the administration's characterization of its hiring practices.

WASHINGTON CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE HEATS UP

Democratic Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican challenger John Braun faced off in a debate for Washington's 3rd Congressional District. The candidates clashed over the Iran war, rising gas prices, affordability and federal policy, while also addressing Washington's income tax and the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program ahead of the November 3 election.

WASHINGTON'S $537 MILLION LAWSUIT PAYOUTS

Washington state paid approximately $537 million in lawsuit verdicts and payouts during the last fiscal year. As a tort reform advisory committee finalizes recommendations, critics argue the process has overlooked survivors and focused too heavily on limiting payouts rather than preventing abuse and neglect of vulnerable people under state supervision.

Follow The Center Square for Washington state news, Microsoft and technology industry developments, elections, taxpayer accountability and government investigations.

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Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson is still deciding whether to join a new federal education tax credit program that supporters estimate could bring more than $700 million annually to Washington students. Meanwhile, Washington's 9.9% income tax faces new questions, and the Tacoma Urban League confirms its CEO has been terminated following months of scrutiny.

FEDERAL EDUCATION TAX CREDIT

Former Obama Education Secretary Arne Duncan is urging Gov. Bob Ferguson to opt into the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program. The program offers taxpayers up to $1,700 in federal tax credits for qualifying scholarship donations. With new Treasury guidance released, Ferguson's office says it is reviewing the rules before making a decision.

WASHINGTON'S 9.9% INCOME TAX

Washington's new millionaire's tax is raising concerns over compliance, potential loopholes and implementation. Lawmakers and tax experts are examining how the 9.9% tax on income exceeding $1 million will work. Meanwhile, voters will decide Initiative 645 on November 3, which would repeal the income tax before it takes effect.

TACOMA URBAN LEAGUE CEO TERMINATED

The Center Square has confirmed that Tacoma Urban League CEO Desiree Wilkins Finch has been terminated after nearly a year on paid administrative leave. Her departure follows months of scrutiny involving allegations of potential self-dealing with taxpayer-funded Community Reinvestment Program grants. Whistleblower Cory Orvold discusses the allegations and her push for greater oversight. The organization has not disclosed the reason for the termination.

Follow The Center Square for Washington state news, government accountability, taxes, education and investigative reporting.

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A Washington high-school wrestler is asking the U.S. Supreme Court for emergency relief in a major girls sports and Title IX case, while Seattle business leaders are sounding the alarm over the city's growing tax burden and the Freedom Foundation is suing New York over a new union-related communications law.

Washington wrestler Kallie Keeler and her mother have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in their ongoing legal fight involving Washington's rules for girls high-school sports.

Attorneys with Alliance Defending Freedom filed an emergency application seeking relief before the upcoming wrestling season.

Keeler alleges she was sexually assaulted during a December 2025 wrestling match against a transgender athlete. Prosecutors declined to file charges against the opposing athlete.

Keeler and her attorneys are now asking for protections that would allow her to participate in girls wrestling without being required to compete against male athletes, while also raising Title IX and parental-notification claims.

Attorney Hal Frampton says Keeler already lost an entire wrestling season during the dispute and argues expedited relief is necessary because high-school athletic careers are limited.

Also in today's Washington In Focus Daily, Seattle business leaders are raising new concerns about the city's tax structure.

A new analysis commissioned by the Downtown Seattle Association and Seattle Metro Chamber found Seattle tax collections increased 172% between 2013 and 2025, substantially outpacing growth in population and employment.

Businesses are estimated to account for roughly 68% of Seattle city tax collections in 2026, or approximately $1.65 billion.

Seattle's overall tax collections have grown from roughly $900 million in 2013 to a projected $2.8 billion in 2026.

Downtown Seattle Association President and CEO Jon Scholes says Seattle's tax system has become increasingly reliant on a relatively small number of companies and argues the city must become more competitive with neighboring communities for jobs and investment.

The tax analysis comes amid continued concerns over Seattle employment losses and businesses relocating jobs elsewhere in the region.

The Freedom Foundation is also suing the state of New York over a newly enacted law governing communications that purport to come from or be authorized by labor organizations.

The Freedom Foundation argues the law violates the First Amendment and could interfere with its efforts to inform public employees of their rights regarding union membership and dues following the U.S. Supreme Court's 2018 Janus v. AFSCME decision.

New York describes the legislation as a protection against fraudulent or deceptive communications involving labor organizations. The Freedom Foundation argues its communications are clearly identified and that the law could chill constitutionally protected speech.

The organization is seeking a preliminary injunction in federal court.

Finally, new polling released by Let's Go Washington shows support for two initiatives appearing on Washington's November 3 ballot.

According to the sponsor's adjusted polling results presented by Let's Go Washington, Initiative 001 has 51% support with 32% undecided, while Initiative 638 has 56% support, 24% opposition and 22% undecided.

I-638 concerns participation in girls K-12 sports, while I-001 concerns Washington's parental-rights policies.

Today's Washington In Focus Daily examines the U.S. Supreme Court, Kallie Keeler, girls sports, Title IX, Initiative 638, Seattle business taxes, Seattle job losses, the Freedom Foundation, New York union law, public employee union rights, Initiative 001 and the November 2026 Washington election.

Follow The Center Square for continuing coverage of Washington state government, Seattle's economy, taxes, elections, education policy, the courts and public-sector unions.

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Former Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is taking aim at the oil and gas industry as the U.S. Supreme Court hears a major climate-change case that could affect lawsuits against fossil-fuel companies across the country.

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Monday in Suncor Energy v. Boulder County, a case involving ExxonMobil, Suncor Energy and local governments in Colorado seeking damages for alleged climate-change impacts.

At issue is whether federal law prevents state-law claims against fossil-fuel companies for alleged harms tied to greenhouse-gas emissions and climate change.

Similar climate lawsuits have been filed around the country, making the Supreme Court's eventual decision potentially significant for states, cities, counties and the energy industry.

Former Washington Gov. Jay Inslee appeared outside the U.S. Supreme Court as arguments began.

Inslee accused the oil and gas industry of decades of deception about climate change, calling it the “biggest lie in American history,” and argued that local governments should have access to the courts to pursue their claims.

ExxonMobil and Suncor dispute the allegations and argue that state and local governments cannot use state law to address what they describe as a global emissions issue governed by federal law.

Also in today's Washington In Focus Daily, the debate over Initiative 638 is intensifying ahead of Washington's November 3 election.

I-638 concerns participation in K-12 athletics and would require policies prohibiting students the initiative defines as biologically male from competing against female students in certain girls-only athletic competitions.

The initiative would also require students seeking to participate in those competitions to provide a signed statement from a health-care provider verifying biological sex.

Supporters of I-638 gathered in Vancouver, Washington, over the weekend for a rally featuring female athletes and former U.S. national gymnastics champion Jennifer Sey.

Supporters argue the initiative is necessary to protect fairness and opportunities in girls sports.

Opponents argue the proposal discriminates against transgender students and have raised concerns about its medical verification requirements.

Washington voters will decide I-638 in the November 3 general election.

Finally, Washington sheriffs and other challengers have won a major court ruling against Senate Bill 5974.

Thurston County Superior Court Judge Christine Schaller ruled key provisions of Washington's new sheriff standards law unconstitutional.

The law established new eligibility and enforcement requirements affecting candidates for county sheriff and elected sheriffs.

Challengers argued the legislation went beyond the Washington Legislature's constitutional authority and improperly threatened elected officials' speech, associations and ability to remain in office.

Kitsap County sheriff candidate Rick Kuss called the decision a “huge victory” and argued that voters should have the right to choose their sheriff.

The Washington Attorney General's Office plans to appeal the ruling, meaning the legal battle over Senate Bill 5974 is not over.

Today's Washington In Focus Daily examines Jay Inslee, the U.S. Supreme Court, ExxonMobil, Suncor Energy, climate-change lawsuits, Initiative 638, Washington girls sports, transgender athletes, Senate Bill 5974, Washington sheriffs, free speech and state government.

Follow The Center Square for continuing coverage of Washington state government, the courts, elections, public safety, energy policy and the November 2026 election.

#JayInslee #SupremeCourt #ExxonMobil #BigOil #ClimateChange #WashingtonState #Initiative638 #GirlsSports #WashingtonElection #Sheriffs #FreeSpeech #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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Puget Sound Energy customers are pushing back against a proposed three-year rate plan that could significantly increase electric and natural gas bills across Washington.

PSE is asking the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission to approve electric rate increases of 15.15% in 2027, 3.74% in 2028 and 8.70% in 2029. The Washington Attorney General's Office characterizes the proposal as an approximately 29% electric rate increase over the three-year period.

Natural gas rates would also increase under PSE's proposal.

More than 100 Puget Sound Energy customers attended a public hearing in Lacey, according to Washington in Focus, where ratepayers urged state regulators to reject or reduce the proposed increases.

Customers raised concerns about affordability, shareholder returns and how much Washington families are already paying for electricity and natural gas.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown is also challenging PSE's proposal. His office argues the requested increases are excessive and says PSE's plan would collect an additional $3.396 billion from customers over three years.

The Attorney General's Office has also highlighted PSE's shareholder dividends, saying the company paid $175.9 million in dividends in 2024 and $62.9 million in 2025.

Puget Sound Energy says its three-year rate plan is needed to maintain safe and reliable service, meet growing electricity demand, modernize infrastructure and comply with Washington's clean-energy requirements.

PSE says it expects to invest more than $3.2 billion in its gas and electric systems over the next three years.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission will determine what rate changes, if any, ultimately take effect.

Also in today's Washington in Focus, a decades-long water-rights fight involving Fodé Farms and the Washington Department of Ecology is heading to the Washington Supreme Court.

Ron and Robin Fodé argue Ecology failed to provide required assistance before taking enforcement action and improperly relied on an unpublished deadline involving seasonal water-right transfers. Ecology disputes those arguments and says lower courts have found that its actions followed the law.

The Washington Supreme Court is hearing arguments in the case as the Fodés challenge the limits of state agency authority and water-rights enforcement.

Finally, Washington's 2026 Supreme Court election is putting judicial independence and political relationships in the spotlight.

Justice Theo Angelis, who was appointed to the Washington Supreme Court by Gov. Bob Ferguson in March, faces challenger Dave Larson.

Larson has criticized Angelis' previous political donations and relationships and argues they raise concerns about judicial independence. Angelis says his past donations and associations would not influence how he decides cases and that judges must leave those considerations outside the courthouse.

Today's Washington in Focus examines Puget Sound Energy's proposed rate increases, rising Washington utility bills, PSE shareholder returns, the Fodé Farms water-rights case, the Washington Department of Ecology and the Angelis-Larson Washington Supreme Court race.

Follow The Center Square for continuing coverage of Puget Sound Energy, Washington utility rates, the UTC, Washington energy policy, Fodé Farms, water rights, the Department of Ecology, the Washington Supreme Court and state government.

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Washington voters will soon decide whether to repeal the state's newly enacted 9.9% income tax, and a new analysis examines what Initiative 645 would actually do to the rest of Washington's tax package.

The Washington Research Council has released a policy brief examining I-645 and the state's new income tax established under Senate Bill 6346.

If voters approve Initiative 645, the income-tax provisions would be repealed while several other tax-relief provisions included in SB 6346 would remain in law.

Those provisions include an expansion of the Working Families Tax Credit and other sales-tax and business-tax relief included in the legislation.

Washington Research Council Senior Research Analyst Emily Makings says the income tax itself does not solve Washington's underlying state budget problems. The Research Council argues lawmakers have increased spending beyond expected ongoing revenues and will still have significant budget work ahead regardless of whether the income tax remains in place.

The Research Council also points to uncertainty surrounding the income tax, including potential constitutional challenges and the volatility of relying on income from a relatively small group of high-income taxpayers.

Washington voters will decide the fate of Initiative 645 in the November 3 election.

Also in today's Washington in Focus, a North Carolina detransitioner is asking an appeals court to allow her lawsuit against medical providers to move forward.

The woman says she began testosterone at age 17 and underwent a double mastectomy at 18. She is challenging the earlier dismissal of her lawsuit and argues that changes enacted by North Carolina lawmakers should allow her claims to proceed despite the time limits that previously barred the case. Her allegations against the medical providers remain the subject of ongoing litigation.

And Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson is asking President Donald Trump to approve a federal Major Disaster Declaration following devastating wildfires across Eastern Washington.

A state and federal preliminary damage assessment found that the fires destroyed 649 primary residences, damaged another 2,542 homes and burned nearly 369,000 acres.

Washington is seeking federal Individual Assistance for residents in Benton, Okanogan, Spokane and Stevens counties and the Spokane Tribe of Indians. The state estimates the request could unlock approximately $11.2 million in assistance for individuals and another $117.7 million for debris cleanup and emergency costs.

Today's Washington in Focus examines Initiative 645 and Washington's income-tax repeal, the state's continuing budget challenges, the North Carolina detransitioner lawsuit and Washington's request for federal wildfire disaster assistance.

Follow The Center Square for continuing coverage of Washington's income tax, I-645, SB 6346, Washington taxes and spending, Washington wildfires, FEMA disaster assistance, Gov. Bob Ferguson, state government and public policy.

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A Washington Supreme Court ruling striking down voter-approved Initiative 2066 is raising new questions about whether the court's single-subject reasoning could have consequences for other Washington laws—including the state's newly enacted 9.9% income tax.

The Washington Supreme Court struck down Initiative 2066 in a 6-3 decision, ruling that the voter-approved natural gas measure violated Washington's constitutional single-subject requirement.

I-2066 was approved by Washington voters in 2024 and addressed several policies involving natural gas, utilities, building codes and energy regulations. The Supreme Court majority concluded those provisions represented constitutionally distinct subjects that could not be combined into a single initiative.

Now critics of Washington's new income tax are asking whether the same constitutional reasoning could create problems for Senate Bill 6346.

Washington Policy Center argues SB 6346 contains more than simply a 9.9% income tax on taxable income above the state's $1 million standard deduction. The legislation also includes changes involving the business and occupation tax, sales taxes, the Working Families Tax Credit and funding for early learning.

The Washington Policy Center argues those provisions could create a new single-subject challenge under the reasoning used by the Supreme Court in the I-2066 decision. The Washington Supreme Court has not ruled that SB 6346 violates the single-subject requirement, and the argument remains a legal interpretation advanced by critics of the income tax.

Building Industry Association of Washington Vice President Greg Lane is also warning that the I-2066 decision could have broader implications for laws passed by the Washington Legislature. Lane argues that if the court has established a stricter single-subject standard, that standard must also apply to legislation coming out of Olympia.

The ruling is also raising questions about Initiative 645, the measure asking Washington voters whether they want to repeal the state's newly enacted income tax. Washington Republican Party Chair Jim Walsh says he is concerned the I-2066 precedent could eventually affect how courts review other voter initiatives, including the income tax repeal measure. That is Walsh's concern about the precedent; the Supreme Court has not indicated that it would invalidate I-645.

Also in today's Washington in Focus, the legal battle over Washington's new sheriff qualification law is approaching another major court decision.

Senate Bill 5974 establishes new eligibility and professional requirements affecting Washington sheriffs and other law enforcement executives. Opponents have challenged portions of the law on constitutional grounds.

Kitsap County sheriff candidate Rick Kuss is among the plaintiffs challenging the law. After recent court arguments, Kuss raised concerns about free speech, candidate eligibility and provisions involving associations with organizations characterized as extremist.

Another challenge brought by sitting Washington sheriffs is also moving forward, with the court expected to address the litigation after arguments in both cases.

Today's Washington in Focus examines the Washington Supreme Court's I-2066 ruling, the single-subject requirement, possible implications for Washington's new income tax and Initiative 645, and the continuing constitutional fight over SB 5974 and Washington's sheriff qualification requirements.

Follow The Center Square for continuing coverage of the Washington Supreme Court, Initiative 2066, Washington's income tax, Initiative 645, SB 6346, Washington taxes, SB 5974, elected sheriffs, Washington courts and state government.

#WashingtonState #IncomeTax #WashingtonSupremeCourt #I2066 #Initiative2066 #I645 #Taxes #SB6346 #Sheriff #SB5974 #WashingtonPolitics #GovernmentAccountability #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's new gun violence prevention plan is facing questions over coordination, the role of police and how much advance notice key public safety officials received before the strategy was announced.

Mayor Wilson unveiled Seattle's new gun violence strategy following a series of high-profile shootings and continuing concerns about public safety in downtown Seattle. The plan puts the Community Assisted Response and Engagement Department, known as CARE, in a major coordinating role while moving community violence intervention programs under the department.

The mayor's plan also includes Seattle Police Department resources, increased bike patrols, focused deterrence, youth programs, mental health services and additional coordination between city departments and community organizations.

But Seattle City Councilmember Bob Kettle, who chairs the Public Safety Committee, says he did not receive advance notice of the mayor's plan and believes Seattle's gun violence strategy needs to maintain a strong role for SPD alongside community intervention programs.

Questions are also being raised about coordination with the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and how much of the complete plan prosecutors saw before the mayor's announcement.

The disagreement comes as Seattle continues debating how to respond to gun violence, downtown public safety concerns and demands from businesses and residents for action.

Also in today's Washington in Focus, Let's Go Washington has filed a new initiative focused on judicial transparency and Washington's Public Records Act.

The initiative seeks to expand public records requirements to Washington's judicial branch. Let's Go Washington founder Brian Heywood argues that elected judges should face transparency and public accountability requirements comparable to other branches of state government.

The proposal is an initiative to the Legislature and is still at an early stage of the process. The Washington Attorney General's Office says it has not yet received the initiative for preparation of a ballot title because the proposal is still undergoing review by the Code Reviser.

If supporters eventually collect enough valid signatures, the judicial transparency initiative could go before Washington lawmakers during the 2027 legislative session.

And the legal battle over Washington's new sheriff qualification law is continuing in Thurston County Superior Court.

Senate Bill 5974 establishes additional eligibility requirements for people seeking to serve as sheriff, including a requirement for at least five years of uninterrupted full-time law enforcement employment.

Supporters of the law argue Washington needs consistent professional standards and stronger accountability requirements for sheriffs and other law enforcement executives. Opponents argue the restrictions raise constitutional concerns and could prevent voters from choosing otherwise eligible candidates for sheriff.

A judge previously put key provisions of the law on hold while litigation continues. The dispute has affected the race for Kitsap County sheriff, where candidate Rick Kuss was able to remain on the ballot while the challenged provisions are blocked.

Today's Washington in Focus covers Katie Wilson's Seattle gun violence prevention plan, Bob Kettle's concerns about the role of SPD, Seattle public safety, Let's Go Washington's new judicial transparency initiative, the Washington Public Records Act and the continuing court fight over SB 5974 and Washington's sheriff qualification requirements.

Follow The Center Square for continuing coverage of Seattle public safety, Katie Wilson, Washington courts, government transparency, the Washington Supreme Court, elected sheriffs, SB 5974, Washington politics and state government.

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A potential Boeing strike could put Washington state's new unemployment benefits law for striking workers to one of its biggest tests yet.

Approximately 17,000 Boeing employees represented by the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, or SPEEA, are voting on a new four-year contract agreement. Union members previously authorized a strike if they reject Boeing's contract offer.

Under a Washington law that took effect in 2026, eligible workers involved in a strike can receive up to six weeks of unemployment benefits. Washington's Employment Security Department says benefits are not available until the second Sunday after a strike begins, and eligible workers must also serve the standard unpaid waiting week.

Washington Policy Center's Elizabeth New discusses what a large Boeing strike could mean for Washington's unemployment insurance system and argues that thousands of striking Boeing employees collecting benefits could put additional pressure on the fund.

The Boeing contract vote comes as Washington continues debating the costs and consequences of allowing striking workers to receive unemployment benefits.

Also in today's Washington in Focus, the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission has closed a campaign finance complaint involving Let's Go Washington and podcaster Brandi Kruse.

The complaint alleged that Kruse's promotion of Let's Go Washington initiatives amounted to reportable in-kind political contributions. According to the PDC findings quoted in this episode, investigators found no evidence that Let's Go Washington purchased Kruse's services and were unable to establish that her promotion of the initiatives or participation in events constituted in-kind contributions.

Kruse and Let's Go Washington are responding to the decision and argue that the complaint was politically motivated. That characterization is their position and was not a finding by the Public Disclosure Commission.

And Washington's state employee contract negotiations are renewing a debate over government transparency and taxpayer accountability.

The Washington Federation of State Employees has reached a tentative 2027-29 agreement covering tens of thousands of general government workers. WFSE says the agreement contains no additional compensation in the first year while providing a reopener for compensation negotiations in the second year.

WFSE also says approximately $348.5 million in new funding is required to maintain the current health-care cost share.

Critics of Washington's collective bargaining system argue taxpayers should have greater visibility into negotiations between public employee unions and the governor's representatives. Supporters of collective bargaining have argued that the current process allows unions and the state to negotiate employment terms before agreements move through the legally required funding process.

Today's Washington in Focus covers Boeing's union contract vote, Washington unemployment benefits for striking workers, the PDC complaint involving Let's Go Washington and Brandi Kruse, and the debate over transparency in Washington state employee contract negotiations.

Follow The Center Square and Washington in Focus for continuing coverage of Boeing, Washington labor policy, unemployment insurance, state worker contracts, taxpayer spending, elections and government accountability.

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