Hacks & Wonks
@hacksandwonks.bsky.social
Political Hacks and Policy Wonks talk about state and local politics and policy in Washington state
Reposted by Hacks & Wonks
Mo’ money, less problems
What happens when you trust low-income families with no-strings-attached cash?
Tacoma's $500/month guaranteed income experiment shattered myths about poverty and public assistance.
#gbi #ubi #basicincome
Tacoma's $500/month guaranteed income experiment shattered myths about poverty and public assistance.
#gbi #ubi #basicincome
Tacoma's Guaranteed Income Pilot Yields Positive Results
Tacoma's guaranteed income pilot that gave 110 families $500 monthly improved employment, savings, and well-being, challenging myths about poverty. Recipients increased full-time work and showed bette...
www.officialhacksandwonks.com
October 21, 2025 at 5:40 AM
Mo’ money, less problems
From Consumer Protection to Constitutional Defense: Nick Brown's First Year as Attorney General
From Consumer Protection to Constitutional Defense: Nick Brown's First Year as AG
Washington AG Nick Brown confronts federal overreach by filing 49 lawsuits, protecting $15 billion in state funding while focusing on consumer protection, workers' rights, and defending state sovereig...
www.officialhacksandwonks.com
January 14, 2026 at 9:12 PM
From Consumer Protection to Constitutional Defense: Nick Brown's First Year as Attorney General
Reposted by Hacks & Wonks
Seattle's creative economy drives 18% of city GDP but artists can't afford to live here.
Randy Engstrom, co-leading Mayor-Elect Wilson's arts transition team, argues culture must be central to solving housing, education, and economic challenges - not treated as expendable when budgets get tight.
Randy Engstrom, co-leading Mayor-Elect Wilson's arts transition team, argues culture must be central to solving housing, education, and economic challenges - not treated as expendable when budgets get tight.
Seattle's Creative Economy at a Crossroads
Seattle's creative economy drives 18% of city GDP but artists can't afford to live here. Randy Engstrom, co-leading Mayor-Elect Wilson's arts transition team, argues culture must be central to solving...
www.officialhacksandwonks.com
December 9, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Seattle's creative economy drives 18% of city GDP but artists can't afford to live here.
Randy Engstrom, co-leading Mayor-Elect Wilson's arts transition team, argues culture must be central to solving housing, education, and economic challenges - not treated as expendable when budgets get tight.
Randy Engstrom, co-leading Mayor-Elect Wilson's arts transition team, argues culture must be central to solving housing, education, and economic challenges - not treated as expendable when budgets get tight.
On this week-in-review, @finchfrii.bsky.social and @robertcruickshank.com discuss:
😡 WA still providing driver data to ICE
🌱 New Seattle electeds inaugurated
🤨 SPOG misleads on Wilson’s drug policy
🪓 Gov Ferguson proposes huge austerity
💸 Inslee criticizes Ferguson’s raid on climate funding
😡 WA still providing driver data to ICE
🌱 New Seattle electeds inaugurated
🤨 SPOG misleads on Wilson’s drug policy
🪓 Gov Ferguson proposes huge austerity
💸 Inslee criticizes Ferguson’s raid on climate funding
Week in Review: January 9, 2026 - with Robert Cruickshank
Washington state continues sharing driver data with ICE despite officials claiming they stopped. Governor Ferguson's austerity budget and climate faces criticism from former Gov. Inslee and Democrats....
officialhacksandwonks.com
January 10, 2026 at 1:05 AM
On this week-in-review, @finchfrii.bsky.social and @robertcruickshank.com discuss:
😡 WA still providing driver data to ICE
🌱 New Seattle electeds inaugurated
🤨 SPOG misleads on Wilson’s drug policy
🪓 Gov Ferguson proposes huge austerity
💸 Inslee criticizes Ferguson’s raid on climate funding
😡 WA still providing driver data to ICE
🌱 New Seattle electeds inaugurated
🤨 SPOG misleads on Wilson’s drug policy
🪓 Gov Ferguson proposes huge austerity
💸 Inslee criticizes Ferguson’s raid on climate funding
Reposted by Hacks & Wonks
Rep. Scott’s proposed progressive corporate tax — the Well Washington Fund — could prevent steep cuts to housing, health care and higher education in WA’s budget
As Washington state braces for devastating federal budget cuts, Rep. Shaun Scott (@organizewithshaun.bsky.social) is leading a progressive revenue effort he says could protect critical services from austerity measures contained in the proposed WA budget.
#waleg
#waleg
Rep. Shaun Scott Pushes Revenue Plan to Counter Austerity
Representative Scott introduces the Well Washington Fund corporate tax proposal aimed at protecting housing, healthcare, and education funding
www.officialhacksandwonks.com
December 31, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Rep. Scott’s proposed progressive corporate tax — the Well Washington Fund — could prevent steep cuts to housing, health care and higher education in WA’s budget
As Washington state braces for devastating federal budget cuts, Rep. Shaun Scott (@organizewithshaun.bsky.social) is leading a progressive revenue effort he says could protect critical services from austerity measures contained in the proposed WA budget.
#waleg
#waleg
Rep. Shaun Scott Pushes Revenue Plan to Counter Austerity
Representative Scott introduces the Well Washington Fund corporate tax proposal aimed at protecting housing, healthcare, and education funding
www.officialhacksandwonks.com
December 31, 2025 at 11:10 PM
As Washington state braces for devastating federal budget cuts, Rep. Shaun Scott (@organizewithshaun.bsky.social) is leading a progressive revenue effort he says could protect critical services from austerity measures contained in the proposed WA budget.
#waleg
#waleg
Rep. Chipalo Street talks about his ambitious agenda that includes fixing structural problems in juvenile rehabilitation, reforming the state's regressive tax system, and protecting residents from federal overreach. #waleg
Rep. Chipalo Street on Tax Reform, Budget Deficits, and Federal Threats to Washington
Washington State Representative Chipalo Street is entering the upcoming 2026 legislative session with an ambitious agenda that includes fixing structural problems in juvenile rehabilitation, reforming...
www.officialhacksandwonks.com
December 24, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Rep. Chipalo Street talks about his ambitious agenda that includes fixing structural problems in juvenile rehabilitation, reforming the state's regressive tax system, and protecting residents from federal overreach. #waleg
Reposted by Hacks & Wonks
This is the episode I was eagerly waiting for and should, hopefully, excite Seattle-ites
Transit Riders Union has built power for working people across King County for over a decade.
With Katie Wilson headed to City Hall, Wes Mills (@oowm.org), TRU's new General Secretary, discussed how the organization is adapting and what comes next.
With Katie Wilson headed to City Hall, Wes Mills (@oowm.org), TRU's new General Secretary, discussed how the organization is adapting and what comes next.
Transit Riders Union Charts New Course After Katie Wilson’s Election
Transit Riders Union restructures leadership as Katie Wilson becomes Seattle mayor. New General Secretary Wes Mills outlines priorities including bus lanes, transit funding renewal, and progressive re...
www.officialhacksandwonks.com
December 17, 2025 at 12:16 AM
This is the episode I was eagerly waiting for and should, hopefully, excite Seattle-ites
Transit Riders Union has built power for working people across King County for over a decade.
With Katie Wilson headed to City Hall, Wes Mills (@oowm.org), TRU's new General Secretary, discussed how the organization is adapting and what comes next.
With Katie Wilson headed to City Hall, Wes Mills (@oowm.org), TRU's new General Secretary, discussed how the organization is adapting and what comes next.
Transit Riders Union Charts New Course After Katie Wilson’s Election
Transit Riders Union restructures leadership as Katie Wilson becomes Seattle mayor. New General Secretary Wes Mills outlines priorities including bus lanes, transit funding renewal, and progressive re...
www.officialhacksandwonks.com
December 16, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Transit Riders Union has built power for working people across King County for over a decade.
With Katie Wilson headed to City Hall, Wes Mills (@oowm.org), TRU's new General Secretary, discussed how the organization is adapting and what comes next.
With Katie Wilson headed to City Hall, Wes Mills (@oowm.org), TRU's new General Secretary, discussed how the organization is adapting and what comes next.
Reposted by Hacks & Wonks
Great convo with Shauna!
On this week-in-review, @finchfrii.bsky.social and @ssowersby.bsky.social discuss:
🌊 Historic flooding across WA
🛡️ Protecting workers from immigration raids
⚔️ Legislature’s public records fight continues
📉 County plans for Trump homelessness changes
💸 Council approves flawed SPOG contract
🌊 Historic flooding across WA
🛡️ Protecting workers from immigration raids
⚔️ Legislature’s public records fight continues
📉 County plans for Trump homelessness changes
💸 Council approves flawed SPOG contract
Week in Review: December 12, 2025 - with Shauna Sowersby
Atmospheric River Brings Historic Flooding, New Legislation Would Protect Workers from Immigration Raids, Public Records Battle Continues in Olympia, Federal Threats to King County Homelessness Fundin...
officialhacksandwonks.com
December 12, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Great convo with Shauna!
Reposted by Hacks & Wonks
I've been subscribed to H&W for a year or so; this is one of the best conversations I can remember, and not for lack of competition. Listening to Randy got me fired up in a way I did not expect.
Seattle's creative economy drives 18% of city GDP but artists can't afford to live here.
Randy Engstrom, co-leading Mayor-Elect Wilson's arts transition team, argues culture must be central to solving housing, education, and economic challenges - not treated as expendable when budgets get tight.
Randy Engstrom, co-leading Mayor-Elect Wilson's arts transition team, argues culture must be central to solving housing, education, and economic challenges - not treated as expendable when budgets get tight.
Seattle's Creative Economy at a Crossroads
Seattle's creative economy drives 18% of city GDP but artists can't afford to live here. Randy Engstrom, co-leading Mayor-Elect Wilson's arts transition team, argues culture must be central to solving...
www.officialhacksandwonks.com
December 11, 2025 at 6:02 PM
I've been subscribed to H&W for a year or so; this is one of the best conversations I can remember, and not for lack of competition. Listening to Randy got me fired up in a way I did not expect.
On this week-in-review, @finchfrii.bsky.social and @ssowersby.bsky.social discuss:
🌊 Historic flooding across WA
🛡️ Protecting workers from immigration raids
⚔️ Legislature’s public records fight continues
📉 County plans for Trump homelessness changes
💸 Council approves flawed SPOG contract
🌊 Historic flooding across WA
🛡️ Protecting workers from immigration raids
⚔️ Legislature’s public records fight continues
📉 County plans for Trump homelessness changes
💸 Council approves flawed SPOG contract
Week in Review: December 12, 2025 - with Shauna Sowersby
Atmospheric River Brings Historic Flooding, New Legislation Would Protect Workers from Immigration Raids, Public Records Battle Continues in Olympia, Federal Threats to King County Homelessness Fundin...
officialhacksandwonks.com
December 12, 2025 at 7:36 PM
On this week-in-review, @finchfrii.bsky.social and @ssowersby.bsky.social discuss:
🌊 Historic flooding across WA
🛡️ Protecting workers from immigration raids
⚔️ Legislature’s public records fight continues
📉 County plans for Trump homelessness changes
💸 Council approves flawed SPOG contract
🌊 Historic flooding across WA
🛡️ Protecting workers from immigration raids
⚔️ Legislature’s public records fight continues
📉 County plans for Trump homelessness changes
💸 Council approves flawed SPOG contract
Reposted by Hacks & Wonks
Anyways, read or listen to @finchfrii.bsky.social ‘s convo with Randy Engstrom here: bsky.app/profile/hack...
This is absolutely the sort of convo that the city should be paying attention to
This is absolutely the sort of convo that the city should be paying attention to
Seattle's creative economy drives 18% of city GDP but artists can't afford to live here.
Randy Engstrom, co-leading Mayor-Elect Wilson's arts transition team, argues culture must be central to solving housing, education, and economic challenges - not treated as expendable when budgets get tight.
Randy Engstrom, co-leading Mayor-Elect Wilson's arts transition team, argues culture must be central to solving housing, education, and economic challenges - not treated as expendable when budgets get tight.
Seattle's Creative Economy at a Crossroads
Seattle's creative economy drives 18% of city GDP but artists can't afford to live here. Randy Engstrom, co-leading Mayor-Elect Wilson's arts transition team, argues culture must be central to solving...
www.officialhacksandwonks.com
December 10, 2025 at 2:58 AM
Anyways, read or listen to @finchfrii.bsky.social ‘s convo with Randy Engstrom here: bsky.app/profile/hack...
This is absolutely the sort of convo that the city should be paying attention to
This is absolutely the sort of convo that the city should be paying attention to
Reposted by Hacks & Wonks
Hacks and Wonks Q&As prove the most valuable election reporting every damn time
I also went back and looked at Joy Hollingsworth’s answers to Hacks & Wonks Lightning Round questions about what she would or wouldn’t support in a SPOG contract:
![[00:05:58] Crystal Fincher: Do you oppose a SPOG contract that doesn't give the Office of Police Accountability and the Office of the Inspector General subpoena power?
[00:06:08] Joy Hollingsworth: Yes.
[00:06:10] Crystal Fincher: Do you oppose a SPOG contract that doesn't remove limitations as to how many of OPA's investigators must be sworn versus civilian?
[00:06:19] Joy Hollingsworth: Yes.
[00:06:20] Crystal Fincher: Do you oppose a SPOG contract that impedes the ability of the City to move police funding to public safety alternatives?
[00:06:29] Joy Hollingsworth: Maybe.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cf7f6n5ypoqzsxofbti645r6/bafkreif5g7hlgajxpe3elhbeayhlwukeuhczd2wnklhbyukvcbkjo4fszi@jpeg)
December 9, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Hacks and Wonks Q&As prove the most valuable election reporting every damn time
Seattle's creative economy drives 18% of city GDP but artists can't afford to live here.
Randy Engstrom, co-leading Mayor-Elect Wilson's arts transition team, argues culture must be central to solving housing, education, and economic challenges - not treated as expendable when budgets get tight.
Randy Engstrom, co-leading Mayor-Elect Wilson's arts transition team, argues culture must be central to solving housing, education, and economic challenges - not treated as expendable when budgets get tight.
Seattle's Creative Economy at a Crossroads
Seattle's creative economy drives 18% of city GDP but artists can't afford to live here. Randy Engstrom, co-leading Mayor-Elect Wilson's arts transition team, argues culture must be central to solving...
www.officialhacksandwonks.com
December 9, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Seattle's creative economy drives 18% of city GDP but artists can't afford to live here.
Randy Engstrom, co-leading Mayor-Elect Wilson's arts transition team, argues culture must be central to solving housing, education, and economic challenges - not treated as expendable when budgets get tight.
Randy Engstrom, co-leading Mayor-Elect Wilson's arts transition team, argues culture must be central to solving housing, education, and economic challenges - not treated as expendable when budgets get tight.
Reposted by Hacks & Wonks
It’s time to turn our focus to the state level for our short session!
What bills are you watching? Which legislators are you watching?
👀
What bills are you watching? Which legislators are you watching?
👀
Senator Rebecca Saldaña (@rebeccasaldana1.bsky.social) outlined her priorities for the 2026 legislative session, including protecting healthcare access, defending immigrants, and reforming Washington's regressive tax system with a payroll tax on high earners
#waleg
#waleg
Senator Rebecca Saldaña Maps Out 2026 Priorities
Senator Rebecca Saldaña outlined her 2026 legislative priorities, including protecting healthcare access, defending immigrants, and reforming Washington's regressive tax system with a payroll tax on h...
www.officialhacksandwonks.com
December 3, 2025 at 1:25 AM
It’s time to turn our focus to the state level for our short session!
What bills are you watching? Which legislators are you watching?
👀
What bills are you watching? Which legislators are you watching?
👀
On this week-in-review, @finchfrii.bsky.social and @kromandavid.bsky.social discuss:
✂️ Gov. Ferguson’s budget cuts-only budget
🧑⚖️ Trump sues WA
🏢 Affordable housing bailout
🔮 Significance of Wilson hires
✋ Eddie Lin sworn into Council
🚈 Light rail arrives in South King Co!
#waleg
✂️ Gov. Ferguson’s budget cuts-only budget
🧑⚖️ Trump sues WA
🏢 Affordable housing bailout
🔮 Significance of Wilson hires
✋ Eddie Lin sworn into Council
🚈 Light rail arrives in South King Co!
#waleg
Week in Review: December 5, 2025 - with David Kroman
Governor Ferguson's all-cuts budget vs. progressive taxation, Trump Team targets Washington voter data, Seattle doubles down on affordable housing support, Wilson announces first hires and Lin sworn i...
www.officialhacksandwonks.com
December 5, 2025 at 9:07 PM
On this week-in-review, @finchfrii.bsky.social and @kromandavid.bsky.social discuss:
✂️ Gov. Ferguson’s budget cuts-only budget
🧑⚖️ Trump sues WA
🏢 Affordable housing bailout
🔮 Significance of Wilson hires
✋ Eddie Lin sworn into Council
🚈 Light rail arrives in South King Co!
#waleg
✂️ Gov. Ferguson’s budget cuts-only budget
🧑⚖️ Trump sues WA
🏢 Affordable housing bailout
🔮 Significance of Wilson hires
✋ Eddie Lin sworn into Council
🚈 Light rail arrives in South King Co!
#waleg
Senator Rebecca Saldaña (@rebeccasaldana1.bsky.social) outlined her priorities for the 2026 legislative session, including protecting healthcare access, defending immigrants, and reforming Washington's regressive tax system with a payroll tax on high earners
#waleg
#waleg
Senator Rebecca Saldaña Maps Out 2026 Priorities
Senator Rebecca Saldaña outlined her 2026 legislative priorities, including protecting healthcare access, defending immigrants, and reforming Washington's regressive tax system with a payroll tax on h...
www.officialhacksandwonks.com
December 2, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Senator Rebecca Saldaña (@rebeccasaldana1.bsky.social) outlined her priorities for the 2026 legislative session, including protecting healthcare access, defending immigrants, and reforming Washington's regressive tax system with a payroll tax on high earners
#waleg
#waleg
Reposted by Hacks & Wonks
Good convo with Erica!
This week-in-review, @finchfrii.bsky.social and @ericacbarnett.bsky.social discuss:
▶️ Mayor-elect Katie Wilson's transition
▶️ KC Exec Zahilay's staff review
▶️ Council hands a budget of Harrell's priorities to Wilson
▶️ Pipeline spill raises safety concerns
▶️ Is ICE using local surveillance in WA?
▶️ Mayor-elect Katie Wilson's transition
▶️ KC Exec Zahilay's staff review
▶️ Council hands a budget of Harrell's priorities to Wilson
▶️ Pipeline spill raises safety concerns
▶️ Is ICE using local surveillance in WA?
Week in Review: November 28, 2025 - with Erica Barnett
Seattle Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson and King County Executive Girmay Zahilay are shaping their administrations. Wilson cuts deputy mayors to one, while Zahilay reviews 100 jobs. The city budget adds $50M...
officialhacksandwonks.com
November 28, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Good convo with Erica!
This week-in-review, @finchfrii.bsky.social and @ericacbarnett.bsky.social discuss:
▶️ Mayor-elect Katie Wilson's transition
▶️ KC Exec Zahilay's staff review
▶️ Council hands a budget of Harrell's priorities to Wilson
▶️ Pipeline spill raises safety concerns
▶️ Is ICE using local surveillance in WA?
▶️ Mayor-elect Katie Wilson's transition
▶️ KC Exec Zahilay's staff review
▶️ Council hands a budget of Harrell's priorities to Wilson
▶️ Pipeline spill raises safety concerns
▶️ Is ICE using local surveillance in WA?
Week in Review: November 28, 2025 - with Erica Barnett
Seattle Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson and King County Executive Girmay Zahilay are shaping their administrations. Wilson cuts deputy mayors to one, while Zahilay reviews 100 jobs. The city budget adds $50M...
officialhacksandwonks.com
November 28, 2025 at 9:36 PM
This week-in-review, @finchfrii.bsky.social and @ericacbarnett.bsky.social discuss:
▶️ Mayor-elect Katie Wilson's transition
▶️ KC Exec Zahilay's staff review
▶️ Council hands a budget of Harrell's priorities to Wilson
▶️ Pipeline spill raises safety concerns
▶️ Is ICE using local surveillance in WA?
▶️ Mayor-elect Katie Wilson's transition
▶️ KC Exec Zahilay's staff review
▶️ Council hands a budget of Harrell's priorities to Wilson
▶️ Pipeline spill raises safety concerns
▶️ Is ICE using local surveillance in WA?
Decoding the 2025 Elections in Seattle and WA: The Insiders' Analysis
The strategists who saw it coming explain what the pundits missed
#WAelex #SEAelex
The strategists who saw it coming explain what the pundits missed
#WAelex #SEAelex
Decoding the 2025 Elections in Seattle and WA: An Insider's Analysis
The strategists who saw it coming explain what pundits missed
www.officialhacksandwonks.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Reposted by Hacks & Wonks
We talked in detail about the Seattle elections!
On this week-in-review, @finchfrii.bsky.social and @robertcruickshank.com discuss:
🤩 Katie Wilson elected mayor!
🌊 Progressive wave across region and state
👀 What to watch out for next
🏫 Role of The Stranger school board endorsements
⚔️ Looking forward to legislative session
#SEAelex #WAelex
🤩 Katie Wilson elected mayor!
🌊 Progressive wave across region and state
👀 What to watch out for next
🏫 Role of The Stranger school board endorsements
⚔️ Looking forward to legislative session
#SEAelex #WAelex
Week in Review with Robert Cruickshank - Seattle Elects Progressive Mayor Katie Wilson
Wilson's Path to Victory, Scandal Erodes Harrell Support, Progressive Sweep Across Seattle, Tax the Rich: A Winning Message, Seattle's Progressive Pragmatism, Challenges Ahead, Wilson's Strengths, Loo...
officialhacksandwonks.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:58 PM
We talked in detail about the Seattle elections!
On this week-in-review, @finchfrii.bsky.social and @robertcruickshank.com discuss:
🤩 Katie Wilson elected mayor!
🌊 Progressive wave across region and state
👀 What to watch out for next
🏫 Role of The Stranger school board endorsements
⚔️ Looking forward to legislative session
#SEAelex #WAelex
🤩 Katie Wilson elected mayor!
🌊 Progressive wave across region and state
👀 What to watch out for next
🏫 Role of The Stranger school board endorsements
⚔️ Looking forward to legislative session
#SEAelex #WAelex
Week in Review with Robert Cruickshank - Seattle Elects Progressive Mayor Katie Wilson
Wilson's Path to Victory, Scandal Erodes Harrell Support, Progressive Sweep Across Seattle, Tax the Rich: A Winning Message, Seattle's Progressive Pragmatism, Challenges Ahead, Wilson's Strengths, Loo...
officialhacksandwonks.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:56 PM
On this week-in-review, @finchfrii.bsky.social and @robertcruickshank.com discuss:
🤩 Katie Wilson elected mayor!
🌊 Progressive wave across region and state
👀 What to watch out for next
🏫 Role of The Stranger school board endorsements
⚔️ Looking forward to legislative session
#SEAelex #WAelex
🤩 Katie Wilson elected mayor!
🌊 Progressive wave across region and state
👀 What to watch out for next
🏫 Role of The Stranger school board endorsements
⚔️ Looking forward to legislative session
#SEAelex #WAelex
Reposted by Hacks & Wonks
Just recorded a Hacks & Wonks ep with @robertcruickshank.com that’s full of election convo and it’s good!
It will be out tomorrow!
It will be out tomorrow!
November 13, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Just recorded a Hacks & Wonks ep with @robertcruickshank.com that’s full of election convo and it’s good!
It will be out tomorrow!
It will be out tomorrow!
November 12, 2025 at 3:10 AM