WPC Center for Government Reform

24/06/2022

I'm going to try to simplify my social media and head back to my original page for updates (https://www.facebook.com/jason.mercier.54). If you are on Twitter, I'll also post updates here .

24/06/2022

Listening to an agency update about technology needs. The presentation keeps getting interrupted because the presenter's computer is trying to restart without her approval. I feel her pain. Seems computers mischievously want to update right before a zoom meeting.

24/06/2022

"There always are worthy programs that can benefit from increased spending. But there also are good reasons to return some of the money to taxpayers — the people who generate that revenue. Property tax relief, a sales tax reduction, and a reduction in the business and occupation tax all should be on the table."

In February, as lawmakers were updating the state budget for the current biennium, The Columbian editorially offered a gentle reminder: “Just because you have money, that doesn’t mean you have to spen

24/06/2022

Reading reports on Washington state’s energy policy over the last two weeks, there is a consistent theme that emerges: policymakers think there is a lot of free money laying around.

23/06/2022

https://apnews.com/de5ff5fcc4a944b657ec0c0b32bd3ebc

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — A former employee of Washington state’s Employment Security Department pleaded guilty to three federal felonies for exploiting his employment for personal enrichment and fraudulently distributing at least $360,000 in pandemic-related unemployment benefits, prosecutors said.

23/06/2022

(The Center Square) – Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kriedler has refused to leave his post despite calls for his resignation by leaders from both parties. He could now face additional

23/06/2022

.: "An analysis from the Retail Industry Leaders Association estimates Washington retailers lost $2.7 billion to organized retail crime in 2021."

23/06/2022

CBO: "Managing forests can reduce the risk and severity of wildfires, according to research. Techniques to do so include setting prescribed fires, managing wildfires in remote areas, and mechanically thinning forests"

At a Glance The average annual acreage burned by wildfires in the United States has increased over the past 30 years, affecting both federal and nonfederal lands. In this report, the Congressional Budget Office analyzes trends in wildfire activity; considers the effects of wildfires on the federal b...

23/06/2022

Some have said that taxes can't be reduced because of uncertainties in the revenue forecast. If the revenue forecast can't be relied on to reduce taxes, why should it be gospel for spending increases?

23/06/2022

"The International Energy Agency says it expects global nuclear power capacity will have to double by 2050 for the world to reach so-called net zero"

Western countries are making big bets on nuclear energy to help tackle climate change and reduce dependence on Russian oil and gas, but are short on experience in building the plants after shunning them for years.

23/06/2022

As noted by Minnesota’s Democratic Governor, it is “absolutely unconscionable” not to provide tax relief to help families deal with crushing inflation, especially when government officials are sitting on even more taxpayer money than was expected when adopting the budget.

There are options to help Washingtonians deal with record inflation such as reducing the state’s sales or property tax.

23/06/2022

"Gov. Tim Walz called on Republicans to return to the Capitol to sign off on sending $1,000 checks to Minnesotans as the rising price of gas, food and everything else eats away at people’s paychecks.

'It is absolutely unconscionable not to do this,' Walz said during a Wednesday news conference.

The state is sitting on about a $7 billion budget surplus. Under Walz’s proposal, the state would rebate about $4 billion of the budget surplus to taxpayers."

Gov. Tim Walz called on Republicans to return to the Capitol to sign off on sending $1,000 checks to Minnesotans as the rising price of gas, food and everything else eats away at people’s paychecks. “It is absolutely unconscionable not to do this,” Walz said during a Wednesday news conference....

23/06/2022

Separations of powers primer - The Judicial Branch doesn't make laws, only interprets legal viability within the constitutional framework. There is no court ruling the Legislative Branch can't address by following the process to change the rule book (constitution).

23/06/2022

"The president called on states to enact some form of temporary, across-the-board tax relief as a new revenue forecast was released by Washington’s chief economist predicting tax collections by the state will be $1.46 billion higher"

Gov. Jay Inslee and Democratic legislators say suspending the state’s 49-cent tax will only enrich oil companies.

23/06/2022

"At 49 cents a gallon, Washington’s tax is behind only California’s and Pennsylvania’s rate and almost triple the federal government’s 18 cents."

President Joe Biden has called on states to cease collecting the tax for three months, but that's unlikely in Washington.

23/06/2022

The Governor says he doesn't support Biden's call for gas tax relief because he believes it would just benefit oil companies. The gas tax is in the news but there are other options to help Washingtonians deal with record inflation such as reducing sales or property tax.

23/06/2022

My interview with on Seattle getting the legal green light for its employer compensation tax

The Lars Larson Show covers the latest news across this great land of ours. Lars believes the only way to improve our community, state, and union is through honest discussion. Sometimes that means peo

23/06/2022

(The Center Square) – It looks like there will be no state gas tax holiday for Washingtonians despite President Joe Biden’s endorsement of the idea as part of his Wednesday

23/06/2022

(The Center Square) – Anti-tax activist Tim Eyman, the most prolific sponsor of Washington ballot measures in state history, has succeeded in stopping five proposed ballot initiatives that would raise

22/06/2022

"To make electrification cost effective and to incentivize market transformation, other sources of funds are needed in addition to ratepayer funds."

22/06/2022

President Biden on Wednesday announced he was calling on Congress to suspend the federal gas and diesel tax for a period of 3 months.

22/06/2022

“It’s ridiculous for the Legislature to be sitting on a growing mountain of cash while families across our state are struggling to afford the basics and watching their buying power shrink because of inflation,” Senate Republican Leader John Braun said in a statement.

OLYMPIA — Revenue projections for Washington state increased by about $1.46 billion more than expected through the current two-year budget period.

22/06/2022

Analysis of 2022 Snake River Spring Chinook returns.

22/06/2022

"The threat of a deliberate 'slowdown' has caused Seattle-based freight companies to divert cargo away from the Port of Seattle, according to Peter Ku, Seattle-based branch manager at OEC Group, a global freight forwarder.

The 22,000 West Coast dock workers who load and unload most of the region’s cargo ships are not likely to reach an agreement with their employers by July 1— the expiration date for their current contract.

22/06/2022

(The Center Square) – The transit system that serves the Seattle region continues to see expenses rise as it moves forward with more than 55 expansion projects, despite fare revenue

22/06/2022

https://twitter.com/aidachavez/status/1539609795094888448

“Sen. Elizabeth Warren asks Fed Chair Jerome Powell if he expects interest rate hikes will bring down gas and grocery prices. “I wouldn’t say so, no,” Powell said.”

22/06/2022

https://twitter.com/WA_OFM/status/1539660153154260993

“Prices increased in May at their fastest pace since 1981 ”

22/06/2022

"But we can also cut gas prices even more in another way. That’s why the second action I’m taking is calling on states to either suspend the state gas tax as well or find other ways to deliver some relief,” he added.

President Biden on Wednesday officially backed the suspension of both federal and state taxes on gasoline amid soaring fuel prices. “Today, I’m calling on Congress to suspend the federal gas tax fo…

22/06/2022

"Colorado taxpayers will see a $750 refund this summer, an increase from initial projections of $400, according to a legislative economic forecast released Tuesday."

An unexpected surge in income tax collections led to a 21.8% increase in discretionary revenue available in the state budget.

22/06/2022

State officials now have an additional $1.5 billion to finally prioritize tax relief to help Washingtonians mitigate some of the impacts of record inflation. Failing to do so will make it clear that taxpayers are merely viewed as an ATM for the politicians' spending agendas, rather than being deemed worthy by their public servants of keeping more of their own money to meet their needs in the face of rapidly rising prices.

Other public officials across the country, from the President of the United States to Governors and lawmakers in other states, have seen the need to prioritize tax relief. It is past time for Washington state officials to do the same.