Trump Shreds Social Safety Net, Creating Perfect Storm for Homelessness
Trump actions are set to deepen the homelessness crisis, while kids face ICE deportation without any legal defense. County and City of Seattle leaders are scrambling to respond.
Union Leader Jamie Fackler Enters D2 Seattle Council Race
Seattle City Council's District 2 race just got a little more crowded, as Protec17 union steward Jamie Fackler announced his candidacy today. Fackler brings the strongest union ties to the race, and he also is the most unabashed proponent of social housing.
Op-Ed: Washington Legislature Must Break Boeing’s Corporate Handout Addiction
Boeing has taken in billions in tax breaks from Washington State, but still lays off workers all the same. Nonetheless, state lawmakers are pushing to include a loophole to a new tax to shield Boeing yet again.
State Bill Could Unleash Potential of Streets, Making Space for People
New legislation in Olympia could help us rethink and reclaim the street as a true public easement. If passed and its provisions delivered, we can look forward to streets that are not only more welcoming of public life, but a lot less deadly to all users.
Op-Ed: The Next Seattle City Attorney Should Prioritize Wage Theft Prosecutions
Workers at Baja Concrete and Newway Forming contend their bosses stole millions in wages, but Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison has been slow to press their case, Rory O'Sullivan writes. Wage theft prosecutions are down under her administration.
Rob Saka Takes Victory Lap on Cancelled Greenway Safety Upgrades
In 2020, Rob Saka advocated against proposed safety infrastructure along a critical greenway in West Seattle. This week, the issue resurfaced, and Saka, now a city councilmember and chair of the transportation committee, again railed against traffic diverters.
Ferguson Ignites Revenue Battle with State Democrats, Threatening Veto
Governor Bob Ferguson’s reticence to approve new taxes represents a major obstacle to closing a big budget hole without deep cuts to social services. In fact, Ferguson announced Tuesday he would veto any budget that included a wealth tax, which could tie state lawmakers’ hands.
Elevator Reform Falls Short at Washington Legislature
Despite considerable momentum behind SB 5156 coming from the state Senate, the idea of reforming Washington's strict elevator codes met resistance from firefighter groups and the powerful elevator constructor's union.