The Washington Observer
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The battle between Big Pharma and safety net hospitals continues. Dems are considering a bill that would widen the number of hospitals who can claim access. It's a wonky issue, so we're here to help you through it. Also, the fiscal cost of the income tax bill. #waleg
Big Pharma v The Hospitals, cont'd.
Plus the income tax fiscal note, overseeing security guards, long days for fiscal committees, and dealing with the penny's exit
washingtonobserver.substack.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:39 AM
The battle between Big Pharma and safety net hospitals continues. Dems are considering a bill that would widen the number of hospitals who can claim access. It's a wonky issue, so we're here to help you through it. Also, the fiscal cost of the income tax bill. #waleg
Three bills were introduced into #WAleg to add some guardrails to a newish state law requiring pay transparency on job ads. However, thanks to a new campaign, all bills died this session. We follow the money. Also, a bill to address medical tourism in the eastern part of our state dies.
A campaign against sideboards on pay transparency
Plus medical tourism, unionizing security guards and some recommended reading
washingtonobserver.substack.com
February 6, 2026 at 8:54 PM
Three bills were introduced into #WAleg to add some guardrails to a newish state law requiring pay transparency on job ads. However, thanks to a new campaign, all bills died this session. We follow the money. Also, a bill to address medical tourism in the eastern part of our state dies.
It's official, the Millionaires Tax is scheduled for a hearing, but will it really solve the state's budget problems? We dive in. Also, WA makes it easy to sue the government, but the costs are rising. The solution? #WAleg is now considering a new bill to slow the bleeding.
Tax fairness vs. revenue sufficiency
Plus an update on that tort bomb and some recommended reading
washingtonobserver.substack.com
February 4, 2026 at 11:54 PM
It's official, the Millionaires Tax is scheduled for a hearing, but will it really solve the state's budget problems? We dive in. Also, WA makes it easy to sue the government, but the costs are rising. The solution? #WAleg is now considering a new bill to slow the bleeding.
Wednesday is the first big deadline for #waleg where most bills will face their untimely end. We dive into some bills that likely won't make it past the cutoff: a House bill to create a 32-hour work week and a bill related to rent-to-own programs. Also, some historical minutiae for #seahawks fans.
A shorter workweek and un-banning the switchblade
Plus helping tenants buy their homes and a look back at the deal that kept the Seahawks in Seattle
washingtonobserver.substack.com
February 2, 2026 at 11:55 PM
November might be nine months away, but multiple judge hopefuls are already eyeing a seat on the Supreme Court. Also, an interesting bipartisan divide over lowering the blood-alcohol limit for a DUI is taking shape. We dive in washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/electing-t... #waleg
Electing the Supremes
Plus an interesting DUI vote and some recommended reading
washingtonobserver.substack.com
January 30, 2026 at 8:09 PM
November might be nine months away, but multiple judge hopefuls are already eyeing a seat on the Supreme Court. Also, an interesting bipartisan divide over lowering the blood-alcohol limit for a DUI is taking shape. We dive in washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/electing-t... #waleg
There's nothing like a good old-fashioned fact check. We take a look at last week's farmworker union debate and dive into the nitty-gritty. Also, looks like #waleg may support limits on license plate readers, and legislators are still working to shield themselves from public records enthusiasts.
Fact-checking the farmworker union debate
Plus surveillance, législative records, lobbyist photographs, and the quote of the week
washingtonobserver.substack.com
January 28, 2026 at 10:27 PM
There's nothing like a good old-fashioned fact check. We take a look at last week's farmworker union debate and dive into the nitty-gritty. Also, looks like #waleg may support limits on license plate readers, and legislators are still working to shield themselves from public records enthusiasts.
#WAleg is looking to expand notifications for individuals placed outside of McNeil Island (the state's treatment center for s*x 0ffenders). Also, a bill to ban dynamic pricing at the grocery store. And an update on the sports betting bill which looks at placing bets on college sports.
Expanded notification for sex offender releases
Plus banning grocery-pricing bots and some wrinkles on that sports betting bill
washingtonobserver.substack.com
January 28, 2026 at 1:19 AM
#WAleg is looking to expand notifications for individuals placed outside of McNeil Island (the state's treatment center for s*x 0ffenders). Also, a bill to ban dynamic pricing at the grocery store. And an update on the sports betting bill which looks at placing bets on college sports.
Trump administration has made some decisions directly impacting WA. In response, #waleg is developing its own bills. One bill will create WA first food security strategy. Another bill will ensure a coal plant in Centralia stays closed. State. Sen. Steve Conway heads for the exit after 34 years.
The best food security data is gone. Now what?
Plus a play to stymie Trump on coal plant, change in the 29th LD, a quote of the week, and some recommended reading.
washingtonobserver.substack.com
January 26, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Trump administration has made some decisions directly impacting WA. In response, #waleg is developing its own bills. One bill will create WA first food security strategy. Another bill will ensure a coal plant in Centralia stays closed. State. Sen. Steve Conway heads for the exit after 34 years.
#Waleg is considering a bill that will make it more expensive and more difficult to put an initiative on the statewide ballot. What does this mean for you and how has this tool been used in the past? We dive in.
A progressive bid to limit a less-useful initiative process
Plus dealing with that tort liability bomb and the latest on the Airbnb tax fight
washingtonobserver.substack.com
January 21, 2026 at 9:46 PM
#Waleg is considering a bill that will make it more expensive and more difficult to put an initiative on the statewide ballot. What does this mean for you and how has this tool been used in the past? We dive in.
If there's one truth in politics, it's that we all love a little drama. That brings us back to Strategies 360, where ego alone put the prominent firm at risk. We dive in to what’s next, including a new owner. Also, a look at union contracts for farmworkers and bills to regulate AI nurses.
The bitter death and partial rebirth of Strategies 360
Plus union rights for farmworkers, spam email, robot nurses and another D-on-D fight.
washingtonobserver.substack.com
January 20, 2026 at 10:14 PM
If there's one truth in politics, it's that we all love a little drama. That brings us back to Strategies 360, where ego alone put the prominent firm at risk. We dive in to what’s next, including a new owner. Also, a look at union contracts for farmworkers and bills to regulate AI nurses.
The Domestic Worker's Bill of Rights is back. What should you look for this year? We dive in. Also, Rivian is looking to take their issue to the voters with a ballot measure to allow them to sell vehicles directly to consumers. And a bill to potentially curb political violence. #waleg
Domestic worker protections makes a return
Plus Rivian gears up for a ballot fight over auto sales, a public-records exemption to safeguard elected officials, and some recommended reading/listening
washingtonobserver.substack.com
January 16, 2026 at 9:35 PM
The Domestic Worker's Bill of Rights is back. What should you look for this year? We dive in. Also, Rivian is looking to take their issue to the voters with a ballot measure to allow them to sell vehicles directly to consumers. And a bill to potentially curb political violence. #waleg
In his State of the State speech, Gov. Ferguson appears to be bending the knee to the liberal left. We share some key takeaways from his speech. Also, an independent poll shows support for an income tax on the highest earners in WA and a dive into the underground economy. #waleg2026 #waleg
A different sort of speech entirely
Plus polling on the income tax, unearthing the underground economy, a state shark, and some recommended reading
washingtonobserver.substack.com
January 16, 2026 at 1:39 AM
In his State of the State speech, Gov. Ferguson appears to be bending the knee to the liberal left. We share some key takeaways from his speech. Also, an independent poll shows support for an income tax on the highest earners in WA and a dive into the underground economy. #waleg2026 #waleg
#WAleg is looking at a billion-dollar budget hole and a short session. We dive into the bills first up for early hearings, including Student retention and isolation, new powers for the AG's office, a bill to double down on gas, strip malls for housing, and more. Also, a look at the leg preview.
The curtain goes up in Olympia
Student restraint, new powers for the AG, foreign political money, and strip mall housing, plus some takeaways from the legislative preview
washingtonobserver.substack.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:00 PM
#WAleg is looking at a billion-dollar budget hole and a short session. We dive into the bills first up for early hearings, including Student retention and isolation, new powers for the AG's office, a bill to double down on gas, strip malls for housing, and more. Also, a look at the leg preview.
#WAleg 2026 is here and to be sure our audience has access to our coverage, we're offering a little sale to celebrate the return of lawmakers to Olympia. Sign up today at washingtonobserver.substack.com/0f417092
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washingtonobserver.substack.com
January 12, 2026 at 6:49 PM
#WAleg 2026 is here and to be sure our audience has access to our coverage, we're offering a little sale to celebrate the return of lawmakers to Olympia. Sign up today at washingtonobserver.substack.com/0f417092
Despite a short session and a state budget crunch, over 300 new bills are already on deck for #waleg. Now we know the average person doesn't have time to review all these, but you're in luck. Because we are. Here's a look at some notable bills so far.
Here come the bills...
License plate privacy, microchipped employees, a lower bar for lawyers, a billion-dollar typo, philanthropy for journalism and the latest on the 4th CD
washingtonobserver.substack.com
January 12, 2026 at 12:09 AM
Despite a short session and a state budget crunch, over 300 new bills are already on deck for #waleg. Now we know the average person doesn't have time to review all these, but you're in luck. Because we are. Here's a look at some notable bills so far.
And we're back, starting off 2026 strong with big pharma VS the hospitals. The fight over a little-known federal subsidy is about to define the #waleg session. We dive into the issue and the players. Also, a new PAC is spending big in Central WA, the Seattle Chamber gets a new head figure.
Big Pharma vs the hospitals
Plus that shadow money plays in the 4th CD, bread and roses, a new face at the Seattle Chamber, a lower bar for lawyers, and some recommended reading
washingtonobserver.substack.com
January 6, 2026 at 11:54 PM
And we're back, starting off 2026 strong with big pharma VS the hospitals. The fight over a little-known federal subsidy is about to define the #waleg session. We dive into the issue and the players. Also, a new PAC is spending big in Central WA, the Seattle Chamber gets a new head figure.
Earlier this week, we shared that Let's Go WA received a large donation from a shadowy new player on the right. Today we have some clarity on exactly where that money comes from. Also, Gov. Ferguson has a new proposal to address #affordablehousing.
The names behind that shadow money
Plus a thriftier year for affordable housing, a contentious pardon, and some recommended reading
washingtonobserver.substack.com
December 20, 2025 at 12:20 AM
Earlier this week, we shared that Let's Go WA received a large donation from a shadowy new player on the right. Today we have some clarity on exactly where that money comes from. Also, Gov. Ferguson has a new proposal to address #affordablehousing.
Our Re-Wire Policy Conference may be over, but that doesn't mean we're done talking about. One of the biggest takeaways from the conference? 2026 may be the year #WAleg seriously considers imposing an income tax in WA. Also, how federal cuts to the ACA will impact the uninsured rate in WA.
Does an income tax finally loom?
Plus a bleak outlook on health care spending, a fun tidbit from the Seattle mayor's race, and some Recommended Reading
washingtonobserver.substack.com
December 12, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Our Re-Wire Policy Conference may be over, but that doesn't mean we're done talking about. One of the biggest takeaways from the conference? 2026 may be the year #WAleg seriously considers imposing an income tax in WA. Also, how federal cuts to the ACA will impact the uninsured rate in WA.
#WAleg isn’t in session yet, but fights are already forming. State liability costs have exploded, and the self-insurance fund is now in the red. Failure at DCYF is just one piece of the story. Also, the Sunshine Committee is underfunded and largely ignored. What happens when next? We dive in.
What to do about that $3B liability bomb
Cloudy days for the Sunshine Committee, a zero-job economic forecast, how not to handle succession planning, the revolving door spins, and a Re-Wire reminder.
washingtonobserver.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:02 AM
#WAleg isn’t in session yet, but fights are already forming. State liability costs have exploded, and the self-insurance fund is now in the red. Failure at DCYF is just one piece of the story. Also, the Sunshine Committee is underfunded and largely ignored. What happens when next? We dive in.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is looking to #waleg to increase the budget aimed at Juvenile Rehabilitation. Existing facilities are too full, so lawmakers are looking for a way forward. Also, WA is leading the way in the EV market, but what does the future hold? We dive in.
A new juvenile institution on the way?
Juicing electric vehicle sales, a Stranger diaspora, Bob Ferguson's robe collection, another battle with D.C., and... Re-Wire!
washingtonobserver.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:28 AM
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is looking to #waleg to increase the budget aimed at Juvenile Rehabilitation. Existing facilities are too full, so lawmakers are looking for a way forward. Also, WA is leading the way in the EV market, but what does the future hold? We dive in.
Seattle’s new progressive mayor has business leaders on alert. We look at what they’re watching as Wilson prepares for her new role. And statewide, the Attorney General is weighing a major shift to public-records rules. Here’s what you need to know. #waleg #seattle
Business angst about a progressive Seattle mayor
Keeping the people's records public, a child care bump and a bad look for a lawmaker.
washingtonobserver.substack.com
November 15, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Looks like Seattle is joining NYC with a progressive mayor. We dive into the campaign. Also, Airbnb & Friends are bringing a money gun back to #waleg over a tax hike on short-term rentals. We dive in. washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/its-starti...
It's starting to look like a socialist is going to Seattle City Hall
Plus Airbnb goes back to the mattresses, some recommended reading, and it's time to sign up for our Re-Wire Policy Conference
washingtonobserver.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:13 AM
Looks like Seattle is joining NYC with a progressive mayor. We dive into the campaign. Also, Airbnb & Friends are bringing a money gun back to #waleg over a tax hike on short-term rentals. We dive in. washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/its-starti...
Ballots are in. Votes are being counted and while initial results might change in the coming days, we have some early breakdowns to share from the #SeattleMayor race to four #waleg races and some local races we had our eye on. We dive in washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/wilson-tra...
Wilson trails, and other takeaways
We break down the early results
washingtonobserver.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Ballots are in. Votes are being counted and while initial results might change in the coming days, we have some early breakdowns to share from the #SeattleMayor race to four #waleg races and some local races we had our eye on. We dive in washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/wilson-tra...
Power plays, PAC money, and abortion politics collide in the 33rd. We break down the late-game fight for this key WA seat. Also, some Observer news and recommended reading. #journalism
Late hardball in the 33rd Legislative District
Plus big Observer news, a possible income tax push in '26, and more political cash
open.substack.com
November 1, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Power plays, PAC money, and abortion politics collide in the 33rd. We break down the late-game fight for this key WA seat. Also, some Observer news and recommended reading. #journalism
Ballots are due in a week which means big money is being spent on the state's most watched races. We break it down. Also, debt collectors are on notice as the Supremes hear a case related to overdue medical bills. #washingtonstate #election
Big checks and spending for the end game
Plus the Supremes tackle a medical debt problem and some recommended reading
washingtonobserver.substack.com
October 28, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Ballots are due in a week which means big money is being spent on the state's most watched races. We break it down. Also, debt collectors are on notice as the Supremes hear a case related to overdue medical bills. #washingtonstate #election