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	<title>Washington Policy Center &#8211; ClarkCountyToday.com</title>
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	<title>Washington Policy Center &#8211; ClarkCountyToday.com</title>
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<span class="ai-content"></span>
	<item>
		<title>Ferguson rebuffs GOP lawmaker’s call to pause WA climate law</title>
		<link>https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/ferguson-rebuffs-gop-lawmakers-call-to-pause-wa-climate-law/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=ferguson-rebuffs-gop-lawmakers-call-to-pause-wa-climate-law</link>
					<comments>https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/ferguson-rebuffs-gop-lawmakers-call-to-pause-wa-climate-law/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[ClarkCountyToday.com]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 23:04:59 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gas tax holiday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gas prices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Leah Missik]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clean energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[California Legislative Analyst's Office]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AAA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Washington State Standard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[governor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cap-and-trade auctions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fuel prices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chris Gildon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pacific Northwest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Democrat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fuel tax]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[emergency powers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[operating budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Baumgartner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Washington Policy Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bob Ferguson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brionna Aho]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cap and trade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[U.S. Energy Information Administration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Todd Myers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Climate Solutions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Iran war]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Senate Republicans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmental Protection Agency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aspen Ford]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Climate Commitment Act]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gasoline prices]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/uncategorized/ferguson-rebuffs-gop-lawmakers-call-to-pause-wa-climate-law/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Large_Clark-County-Today-16359-washington-gas-prices-climate-commitment-act-cap-and-trade-fergus-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="Ferguson&#039;s office says high gas prices stem from Trump&#039;s war in Iran, not a climate law emergency." decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Large_Clark-County-Today-16359-washington-gas-prices-climate-commitment-act-cap-and-trade-fergus-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Large_Clark-County-Today-16359-washington-gas-prices-climate-commitment-act-cap-and-trade-fergus-711x400.jpg 711w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Large_Clark-County-Today-16359-washington-gas-prices-climate-commitment-act-cap-and-trade-fergus-150x84.jpg 150w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Large_Clark-County-Today-16359-washington-gas-prices-climate-commitment-act-cap-and-trade-fergus-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Large_Clark-County-Today-16359-washington-gas-prices-climate-commitment-act-cap-and-trade-fergus.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>Ferguson's office says high gas prices stem from Trump's war in Iran, not a climate law emergency.]]></description>
		
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		<item>
		<title>Washington Policy Center to host Vancouver event Thursday</title>
		<link>https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/washington-policy-center-to-host-vancouver-event-thursday/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=washington-policy-center-to-host-vancouver-event-thursday</link>
					<comments>https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/washington-policy-center-to-host-vancouver-event-thursday/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[ClarkCountyToday.com]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 21:14:08 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Community News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cross-state competition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[49th legislative district]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[worker opportunity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TVW]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[policy forum]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wages]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business-friendly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[worker rights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[worker-friendly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Elizabeth New]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business formation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Washington state economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Monica Jurado Stonier]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Renee Radcliff Sinclair]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[community news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic policy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[44th Legislative District]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Washington Policy Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[labor policy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Center for Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mark Harmsworth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Columbia Room]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Center for Worker Rights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vancouver Community Library]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[April Berg]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/uncategorized/washington-policy-center-to-host-vancouver-event-thursday/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Large_Clark-County-Today-16354-washington-policy-center-vancouver-business-worker-forum-june-202-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="A free panel forum at Vancouver Community Library on June 4 examines Washington state&#039;s business and labor policy outcomes." decoding="async" srcset="https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Large_Clark-County-Today-16354-washington-policy-center-vancouver-business-worker-forum-june-202-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Large_Clark-County-Today-16354-washington-policy-center-vancouver-business-worker-forum-june-202-711x400.jpg 711w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Large_Clark-County-Today-16354-washington-policy-center-vancouver-business-worker-forum-june-202-150x84.jpg 150w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Large_Clark-County-Today-16354-washington-policy-center-vancouver-business-worker-forum-june-202-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Large_Clark-County-Today-16354-washington-policy-center-vancouver-business-worker-forum-june-202.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>A free panel forum at Vancouver Community Library on June 4 examines Washington state's business and labor policy outcomes.]]></description>
		
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		<item>
		<title>Opinion: Only a fool or a politician would try to control food prices</title>
		<link>https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-only-a-fool-or-a-politician-would-try-to-control-food-prices/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=opinion-only-a-fool-or-a-politician-would-try-to-control-food-prices</link>
					<comments>https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-only-a-fool-or-a-politician-would-try-to-control-food-prices/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[ClarkCountyToday.com]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 20:19:05 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[corporate greed]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mark Harmsworth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[supply chain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[public ownership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[regulations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[government intervention]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[farmers markets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[columns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[permitting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[low-income families]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Katie Wilson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[minimum wage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[price controls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[food deserts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[food prices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[city-run grocery stores]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grocery stores]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic freedom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[market solutions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[competition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rent control]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Foundation for Economic Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Washington Policy Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[affordable food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[free market]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/uncategorized/opinion-only-a-fool-or-a-politician-would-try-to-control-food-prices/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Large_Clark-County-Today-16347-mark-harmsworth-washington-policy-center-food-price-controls-free-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="Seattle&#039;s mayor wants city-backed grocery stores — a Washington Policy Center economist says history proves that never works." decoding="async" srcset="https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Large_Clark-County-Today-16347-mark-harmsworth-washington-policy-center-food-price-controls-free-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Large_Clark-County-Today-16347-mark-harmsworth-washington-policy-center-food-price-controls-free-711x400.jpg 711w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Large_Clark-County-Today-16347-mark-harmsworth-washington-policy-center-food-price-controls-free-150x84.jpg 150w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Large_Clark-County-Today-16347-mark-harmsworth-washington-policy-center-food-price-controls-free-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Large_Clark-County-Today-16347-mark-harmsworth-washington-policy-center-food-price-controls-free.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>Seattle's mayor wants city-backed grocery stores — a Washington Policy Center economist says history proves that never works.]]></description>
		
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		<title>Opinion: Washington’s business exodus accelerates due to high taxes, regulations driving companies away</title>
		<link>https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washingtons-business-exodus-accelerates-due-to-high-taxes-regulations-driving-companies-away/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=opinion-washingtons-business-exodus-accelerates-due-to-high-taxes-regulations-driving-companies-away</link>
					<comments>https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washingtons-business-exodus-accelerates-due-to-high-taxes-regulations-driving-companies-away/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[ClarkCountyToday.com]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 20:37:40 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Washington Policy Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spring 2026 survey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AWB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mark Harmsworth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[largest tax increase]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tax burden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[high earners]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Association of Washington Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[state history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business climate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[corporate relocation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Idaho]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[regulatory environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[office vacancy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Puget Sound]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Governor Ferguson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WARN notices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business and occupation tax]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[surcharge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pro-growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Utah]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tennessee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business survival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tax increases]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business relocation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[advanced computing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Starbucks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business exodus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[service businesses]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic outlook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GDP growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Olympia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal residence relocation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[taxable income]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/uncategorized/opinion-washingtons-business-exodus-accelerates-due-to-high-taxes-regulations-driving-companies-away/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16336-mark-harmsworth-washington-policy-center-business-exodus-tax-regu-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="Washington&#039;s business relocation rate has nearly tripled since winter 2025, per an AWB survey." decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16336-mark-harmsworth-washington-policy-center-business-exodus-tax-regu-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16336-mark-harmsworth-washington-policy-center-business-exodus-tax-regu-711x400.jpg 711w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16336-mark-harmsworth-washington-policy-center-business-exodus-tax-regu-150x84.jpg 150w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16336-mark-harmsworth-washington-policy-center-business-exodus-tax-regu-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16336-mark-harmsworth-washington-policy-center-business-exodus-tax-regu.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>Washington's business relocation rate has nearly tripled since winter 2025, per an AWB survey.]]></description>
		
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		<title>Opinion: ACA enrollment drops should force honest conversations about healthcare costs</title>
		<link>https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-aca-enrollment-drops-should-force-honest-conversations-about-healthcare-costs/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=opinion-aca-enrollment-drops-should-force-honest-conversations-about-healthcare-costs</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[ClarkCountyToday.com]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 20:14:53 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Medicare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[open enrollment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[exchange enrollment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[prescription drugs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthcare costs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[enhanced subsidies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health care reform]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health care policy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CHIP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Affordable Care Act]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[insurance premiums]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Apple Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CMS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[employer coverage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[taxpayer subsidies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[uncompensated care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Elizabeth New]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Federal Poverty Level]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Times]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ACA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Washington Policy Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Elizabeth New Hovde]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[premium subsidies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medicaid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Washington Health Benefit Exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ACA enrollment]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/uncategorized/opinion-aca-enrollment-drops-should-force-honest-conversations-about-healthcare-costs/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16320-elizabeth-new-hovde-washington-policy-center-aca-enrollment-healt-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="Washington&#039;s ACA enrollment fell nearly 13%, but disenrolled does not necessarily mean uninsured." decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16320-elizabeth-new-hovde-washington-policy-center-aca-enrollment-healt-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16320-elizabeth-new-hovde-washington-policy-center-aca-enrollment-healt-711x400.jpg 711w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16320-elizabeth-new-hovde-washington-policy-center-aca-enrollment-healt-150x84.jpg 150w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16320-elizabeth-new-hovde-washington-policy-center-aca-enrollment-healt-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16320-elizabeth-new-hovde-washington-policy-center-aca-enrollment-healt.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>Washington's ACA enrollment fell nearly 13%, but disenrolled does not necessarily mean uninsured.]]></description>
		
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		<title>Opinion: No, Washington&#8217;s budget is not shrinking despite progressive claims</title>
		<link>https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-no-washingtons-budget-is-not-shrinking-despite-progressive-claims/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=opinion-no-washingtons-budget-is-not-shrinking-despite-progressive-claims</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[ClarkCountyToday.com]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2026 19:59:30 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[per-capita revenue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bellevue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[per-capita taxes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Washington Policy Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fiscal policy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budget manipulation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Association of Washington Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Economic Opportunity Institute]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[progressive advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[government spending]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ryan Frost]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budget analysis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[state operating budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal income]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Redmond]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[columns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Office of Financial Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pension fund]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[property taxes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chris Gregoire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Estate Excise Tax]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Washington State Budget and Policy Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Northwest Progressive Institute]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Near General Fund]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/uncategorized/opinion-no-washingtons-budget-is-not-shrinking-despite-progressive-claims/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16310-ryan-frost-washington-policy-center-state-budget-tax-revenue-anal-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="Washington&#039;s operating budget hit $80.2 billion — 55% above the population-plus-inflation benchmark since 2013–15." decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16310-ryan-frost-washington-policy-center-state-budget-tax-revenue-anal-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16310-ryan-frost-washington-policy-center-state-budget-tax-revenue-anal-711x400.jpg 711w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16310-ryan-frost-washington-policy-center-state-budget-tax-revenue-anal-150x84.jpg 150w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16310-ryan-frost-washington-policy-center-state-budget-tax-revenue-anal-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16310-ryan-frost-washington-policy-center-state-budget-tax-revenue-anal.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>Washington's operating budget hit $80.2 billion — 55% above the population-plus-inflation benchmark since 2013–15.]]></description>
		
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		<item>
		<title>Opinion: If Washington’s new income tax was about ‘fairness,’ why were affordability amendments rejected?</title>
		<link>https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-if-washingtons-new-income-tax-was-about-fairness-why-were-affordability-amendments-rejected/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=opinion-if-washingtons-new-income-tax-was-about-fairness-why-were-affordability-amendments-rejected</link>
					<comments>https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-if-washingtons-new-income-tax-was-about-fairness-why-were-affordability-amendments-rejected/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[ClarkCountyToday.com]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 24 May 2026 23:26:30 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[housing costs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fairness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[back-to-school tax holiday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Department of Revenue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fiscal policy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education tax credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[voter approval]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[childcare costs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[retirement savings tax credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tax policy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[free school lunches]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[veterans benefits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SB 6346]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[agricultural tax deductions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[working families]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Washington state income tax]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[military pay exemption]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entrepreneurship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Steve Hatting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[revenue forecasting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tax fairness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Washington Policy Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[middle-income households]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic competitiveness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tax accountability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[low-income households]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tax expansion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business climate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sales tax reduction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[child tax credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[government accountability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sales tax holiday]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/?p=185937</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16300-steve-hatting-washington-policy-center-sb6346-income-tax-affordab-2-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="SB 6346 supporters promised affordability — but amendments for sales tax cuts, child credits, and voter protections were rejected." decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16300-steve-hatting-washington-policy-center-sb6346-income-tax-affordab-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16300-steve-hatting-washington-policy-center-sb6346-income-tax-affordab-2-711x400.jpg 711w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16300-steve-hatting-washington-policy-center-sb6346-income-tax-affordab-2-150x84.jpg 150w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16300-steve-hatting-washington-policy-center-sb6346-income-tax-affordab-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16300-steve-hatting-washington-policy-center-sb6346-income-tax-affordab-2.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>SB 6346 supporters promised affordability — but amendments for sales tax cuts, child credits, and voter protections were rejected.]]></description>
		
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			<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Opinion: The nation’s first pension raid is happening in Washington state</title>
		<link>https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-nations-first-pension-raid-is-happening-in-washington-state/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=opinion-the-nations-first-pension-raid-is-happening-in-washington-state</link>
					<comments>https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-nations-first-pension-raid-is-happening-in-washington-state/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[ClarkCountyToday.com]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 20:21:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Plan 1]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[police officers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[termination and restatement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pension raid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[firefighters]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NCPERS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budget shortfall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pension protections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[public pension]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Washington Policy Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pension Integrity Project]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2026 legislative session]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pew]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[defined benefit pension]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[legislative session]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CalPERS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ryan Frost]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[American Academy of Actuaries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pension assets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[retirees]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pete Wilson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[retirement security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[columns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[assumed rate of return]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LEOFF 1]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pension surplus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[public employees]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[7.25 percent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HB 2034]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pension trust]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reason Foundation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[110 percent funding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pension fund]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[exclusive benefit rule]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[surviving spouses]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pension liabilities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spending problem]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Institute on Retirement Security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Office of the State Actuary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[actuarial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Centers for Budget and Tax Policy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NIRS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[House Bill 2034]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pension reform]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/?p=185903</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16296-ryan-frost-washington-policy-center-leoff1-pension-raid-hb2034-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="HB 2034 would strip billions from LEOFF 1 and redirect funds to unrelated state spending, setting a national precedent." decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16296-ryan-frost-washington-policy-center-leoff1-pension-raid-hb2034-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16296-ryan-frost-washington-policy-center-leoff1-pension-raid-hb2034-711x400.jpg 711w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16296-ryan-frost-washington-policy-center-leoff1-pension-raid-hb2034-150x84.jpg 150w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16296-ryan-frost-washington-policy-center-leoff1-pension-raid-hb2034-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16296-ryan-frost-washington-policy-center-leoff1-pension-raid-hb2034.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>HB 2034 would strip billions from LEOFF 1 and redirect funds to unrelated state spending, setting a national precedent.]]></description>
		
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			<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		
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			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Washingtonians could see toll rates increase to $18 along SR 167, I-405 next year</title>
		<link>https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/washingtonians-could-see-toll-rates-increase-to-18-along-sr-167-i-405-next-year/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=washingtonians-could-see-toll-rates-increase-to-18-along-sr-167-i-405-next-year</link>
					<comments>https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/washingtonians-could-see-toll-rates-increase-to-18-along-sr-167-i-405-next-year/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[ClarkCountyToday.com]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 21:31:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Liz Horta]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Washington Policy Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Center Square]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[highway construction costs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Andrew Barkis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Charles Prestrud]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bond obligations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Association of Washington Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toll rates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[weekend tolling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Coles Center for Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[peak hours]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[I-405]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tim Clouser]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Interstate 5]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[occupancy requirements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[House Transportation Committee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WSDOT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Climate Commitment Act]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stantec]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Washington State Transportation Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[I-5 Bridge replacement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[express lanes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SR 167]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gas prices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dynamic tolling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[toll revenue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ed Barry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jason Richter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transportation funding]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/uncategorized/washingtonians-could-see-toll-rates-increase-to-18-along-sr-167-i-405-next-year/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16287-washington-sr167-i405-toll-rate-increase-i5-bridge-replacement-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="State officials may raise SR 167 and I-405 toll rates to $18 after a $10 million revenue shortfall was identified." decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16287-washington-sr167-i405-toll-rate-increase-i5-bridge-replacement-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16287-washington-sr167-i405-toll-rate-increase-i5-bridge-replacement-711x400.jpg 711w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16287-washington-sr167-i405-toll-rate-increase-i5-bridge-replacement-150x84.jpg 150w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16287-washington-sr167-i405-toll-rate-increase-i5-bridge-replacement-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16287-washington-sr167-i405-toll-rate-increase-i5-bridge-replacement.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>State officials may raise SR 167 and I-405 toll rates to $18 after a $10 million revenue shortfall was identified.]]></description>
		
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			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Opinion: Fix licensing. Expand access. Lower costs. Free workers.</title>
		<link>https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-fix-licensing-expand-access-lower-costs-free-workers/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=opinion-fix-licensing-expand-access-lower-costs-free-workers</link>
					<comments>https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-fix-licensing-expand-access-lower-costs-free-workers/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[ClarkCountyToday.com]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 21:20:26 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[respiratory therapist compact]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[worker mobility]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Centers for Health Care and Worker Rights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credential recognition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dietitian Licensure Compact]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[universal licensure recognition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Washington Policy Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ULR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Elizabeth Hovde]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[occupational licensing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[columns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[licensure compacts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[policy brief]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[workforce shortages]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Elizabeth New]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cosmetology compact]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bipartisan]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/uncategorized/opinion-fix-licensing-expand-access-lower-costs-free-workers/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16284-elizabeth-new-hovde-washington-policy-center-occupational-licensi-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="Universal licensure recognition could replace Washington&#039;s patchwork of occupation-by-occupation licensing compacts." decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16284-elizabeth-new-hovde-washington-policy-center-occupational-licensi-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16284-elizabeth-new-hovde-washington-policy-center-occupational-licensi-711x400.jpg 711w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16284-elizabeth-new-hovde-washington-policy-center-occupational-licensi-150x84.jpg 150w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16284-elizabeth-new-hovde-washington-policy-center-occupational-licensi-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-16284-elizabeth-new-hovde-washington-policy-center-occupational-licensi.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>Universal licensure recognition could replace Washington's patchwork of occupation-by-occupation licensing compacts.]]></description>
		
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