The Center Square Washington

Has too much money already been spent on the Interstate Bridge project without a final plan? Rep. John Ley wanted a full audit. Gov. Ferguson says light rail is happening no going back. We unpack the debate on Washington in Focus Daily.

WATCH: Backlash grows over proposed Thurston Co. home seller energy checks thecentersquare.com/issues/energy/…

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On Washington in Focus Daily: Gov. Ferguson signs a bill prohibiting ICE officers in Washington from covering their faces. Supporters cite transparency. Critics raise safety concerns and question whether the law will withstand federal pushback.

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Will new housing mandates make homes harder to afford? Critics warn the added requirements could burden sellers and buyers alike while one commissioner raised concerns about potential legal challenges. Full discussion on Washington in Focus Daily.

WA drivers suffering gas prices up nearly $1 per gallon in one month thecentersquare.com/washington/art… Photo: engin akyurt / Unsplash

New energy score requirements could add upfront costs for Washington homeowners. Jessie Simmons with Olympia Master Builders says sellers may now have to pay for inspections and post energy scores before listing a burden some families can’t afford.

“We shouldn’t have to spend it all on gas just to get around.” Washington drivers say rising fuel prices are squeezing already tight household budgets.

A new report from charter school advocates says Washington charter graduates are earning higher incomes and achieving higher homeownership rates than peers from traditional public schools though the sample size is small. Supporters say the findings show charters are delivering long-term results, even as lawmakers recently cut a key funding source. Full story: thecentersquare.com/national/artic…

Washington Policy Center Education Director Vicki Murray says charter schools are delivering strong returns citing data showing $6.50 in return for every $1 invested, compared to roughly $3 for traditional public schools. She argues it’s time to study what’s working.

WATCH:Legal challenges certain as WA Gov. Ferguson prepares to sign new income tax thecentersquare.com/washington/art…

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Could Washington’s new income tax impact the return of the NBA? After behind-the-scenes conversations with league leadership, questions are swirling about whether a high-earner tax could affect where players and potentially teams choose to land. Sen. Gildon weighs in on Washington in Focus Daily.

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Will Gov. Ferguson stand by his earlier tax relief demands or sign the bill anyway? The “millionaires tax” is on his desk, and the final version doesn’t include the level of relief he previously called necessary. We’re watching what happens next on Washington in Focus Daily.

Light Rail expansion divides Sound Transit Board thecentersquare.com/washington/art…

Watch the full episode here: youtu.be/_nA4yoV3qus

On Washington in Focus Daily: A new report shows 47% of Washington charter school alumni own homes compared to just 18% of district school graduates. We dig into the data and speak with Washington Policy Center’s Vicki Murray about why charter schools continue to face resistance in the state.

Will Washington’s income tax impact more than just “millionaires”? Sen. Shelly Short says LLCs and S Corps could see business revenue taxed as personal income dollars often used to build the next home or expand operations.

Could Spokane Valley taxpayers pay more for police services? Officials say costs could rise if the city ends its contract with the county sheriff’s office. Read more: thecentersquare.com/washington/art…