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Tax employers for paying people well? It’s for the needy, sorta
House Bill 2100 had a public hearing in the House Finance Committee on Thursday. The bill proposes taxing employers who pay their workers good wages. HB 2100 has 18 Democratic co-sponsors alongside bill sponsor, Rep. Shaun…
Testimony on HB 2100 – Payroll Expense Tax
The following testimony was submitted to the House Finance Committee during the 1/22/2026 hearing on HB 2100.My name is Ryan Frost, and I’m the Director of Budget and Tax Policy at the Washington Policy Center. I'm here…
Is Hochul Really Going to Shut Down the Essential Plan?
Governor Hochul is hingeing a big chunk of her budget – and the state’s health-care system – on a politically fraught gambit: asking the Trump administration to help cover immigrants. Hochul is seeking federal permission to…
Federal letter puts striking-worker law under a bright light
Rules surrounding Washington state’s new policy to allow striking workers to receive unemployment insurance (UI) benefits might have run into an inconvenient reality: UI is not only a state program. While employers in our…
CO2 Tax Costs No Longer Hidden on Energy Bills
Washington’s state’s CO2 tax is increasing the cost of heating homes. And now, Puget Sound Energy customers can see exactly how much it costs thanks to an important policy change from state utilities commissioners.Previously,…
SB 6134 would better protect workers, employers and taxpayers
There’s a simple bill that needs a hearing this legislative session: Senate Bill 6134. It requires the Employment Security Department (ESD) to notify striking workers — if they apply for unemployment benefits — that they…
“Doc” Skoly Stepping Down as Center’s Chair to Pursue Congressional Seat
Cranston, RI – The Rhode Island Center for Freedom & Prosperity announced today that Dr. Stephen “Doc” Skoly has stepped down as Chairman of its Board of Directors to pursue a run for the US House of Representatives in…
Who is leaving Washington and why the politicians need to care
The Washington Policy Center has written many times about business relocating outside Washington because of its over-regulated and high tax environment. To be fair to the migration naysayers, while many are leaving, there are…
Farmworker union bill punishes employers, employees without cause
On the opening day of the 2026 Legislative Session, Senate Bill 6045 was introduced in the Senate Labor Committee by Sen. Rebecca Saldaña. According to a press release from her office, the bill, “… ensures these workers have…
Should Government Cap Credit Card Interest Rates?
"Instead of intervening in the marketplace, policymakers wanting to address affordability should focus on getting government out of the way by restraining spending that drives inflation and cutting costly regulations…
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