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Articles by Chris Corry
Missed opportunities defined WA’s legislative session
With the 2026 legislative session now a few weeks behind us, it is worth asking a simple question: Did we make life better, safer and more affordable for the people of Washington? In too many cases, the answer is no. This was a session full of opportunity. Lawmakers had a chance to address rising costs, right-size a bloated state government that has doubled spending in the past decade, restore public safety, provide stability for employers and encourage economic growth.
Travis Couture and Chris Corry: Children are dying. And the state of Washington is failing to protect them.
When the Legislature passed the Keeping Families Together Act, House Bill 1227, in 2021, it put the children of Washington in danger. Since then the number of deaths and near-deaths among children involved with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families has risen – and in the first half of this year has spiked – to a heartbreaking and unacceptable level.
Opinion | Closing Yakima Valley School: a shortsighted, cruel approach to balancing the budget
Former Gov. Jay Inslee’s recent budget proposal defunded and closed the Yakima Valley School. The Yakima Valley School in Selah is a residential and respite care facility for those with developmental disabilities. HB 1472 and SB 5393 implement the school’s closure through legislation. We must stop these cuts for the sake of developmentally disabled individuals and their families in our community and across Washington state.
Guest Commentary: Closing Yakima Valley School is a shortsighted, cruel approach to balancing the budget
Former Gov. Jay Inslee’s recent budget proposal defunded and closed the Yakima Valley School. The Yakima Valley School in Selah is a residential and respite care facility for those with developmental disabilities. HB 1472 and SB 5393 implement the school’s closure through legislation. We must stop these cuts for the sake of developmentally disabled individuals and their families in our community and across Washington state.
Chris Corry: When it comes to homelessness, home is where the healing is
By Chris Corry “Compassion without accountability is enablement.” That quote has stuck with me since I had the privilege of working with former federal homelessness czar Robert Marbut and actor Billy Baldwin in Spokane two weeks ago. The two were in town to meet with various groups interested in addressing the growing problem of homelessness in Spokane. While homelessness is not unique to Spokane, the growing problem in the area has made international news.
They’re the right people
Since 2019, I have had the honor of representing Klickitat County in Olympia along with my amazing seatmate, Gina Mosbrucker. My family and I have been welcomed with open arms by the people and communities around the county. The district lines change this year was a significant blow, but I still hold Klickitat County in my heart.
Small Business
Mark Harmsworth was elected in 2014 to the Washington State House of Representatives where he served two terms. His focus was on transportation and technology, including serving as the ranking member on the House Transportation Committee. Prior to the
Chris Corry: No more excuses for Spokane to enforce camping ban
By Chris Corry In last year’s general election, Spokane residents approved Proposition 1, with 75% voting in support. The measure banned camping on public land within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, playgrounds and day care facilities. However, the city has not enforced the measure since it became law. According to the city of Spokane, not a single person has been cited. The excuse for the lack of enforcement was questions about the ban’s legality under the ruling in Martin v. Boise.
Chris Corry: No more excuses for Spokane to enforce camping ban
By Chris Corry In last year’s general election, Spokane residents approved Proposition 1, with 75% voting in support. The measure banned camping on public land within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, playgrounds and day care facilities. However, the city has not enforced the measure since it became law. According to the city of Spokane, not a single person has been cited. The excuse for the lack of enforcement was questions about the ban’s legality under the ruling in Martin v. Boise.
Washington Policy Center: Voters should be able to make choices on energy, like natural gas
Just shy of 65% of customers are struggling to pay their monthly energy bills, according to the Washington State Department of Commerce. Natural gas is a cost-effective heating solution, heating homes at about one-third the cost of electric heating. Yet recent legislation was passed in an effort to phase out natural gas with restrictions on new and existing customers, and still other proposals have called for the outright ban on natural gas in Washington state.
Washington Policy Center: Voters should be able to make choices on energy, like natural gas
Just shy of 65% of customers are struggling to pay their monthly energy bills, according to the Washington State Department of Commerce. Natural gas is a cost-effective heating solution, heating homes at about one-third the cost of electric heating. Yet recent legislation was passed in an effort to phase out natural gas with restrictions on new and existing customers, and still other proposals have called for the outright ban on natural gas in Washington state.
Chris Corry: Even subsidized, Washington’s electric vehicle objectives won’t be met
If a car is sold across the border in Idaho, should Washington’s car dealerships be held accountable for what kind of car was sold? It’s an absurd question, but statute interpretation by one agency makes it a necessary one. Let me explain. Washington state has outsourced its zero-emission vehicle standards to California, literally adopting them by reference in the Washington Administrative Code.
Chris Corry: Even subsidized, Washington’s electric vehicle objectives won’t be met
If a car is sold across the border in Idaho, should Washington’s car dealerships be held accountable for what kind of car was sold? It’s an absurd question, but statute interpretation by one agency makes it a necessary one. Let me explain. Washington state has outsourced its zero-emission vehicle standards to California, literally adopting them by reference in the Washington Administrative Code.
Capital Gains Tax Repeal and Income Tax Ban Initiatives Submitted to the Secretary of State
Capital Gains Tax Repeal and Income Tax Ban Initiatives Submitted to the Secretary of State Two more petitions have been submitted to the Secretary of State’s office. I-2109 would repeal the capital gains income tax on income, and I-2111 would bar the state from enacting an income tax. I-2109 was submitted with over 419,000 signatures and I-2111 had over 437,000 signatures. Both measures are a response to the capital gains income tax that was passed in 2021.
Seattle City Council Takes Prudent Step, Will Not Pursue City-Wide Capital Gains Tax
Seattle City Council Takes Prudent Step, Will Not Pursue City-Wide Capital Gains Tax Surprisingly, the Seattle City Council will not move forward with a measure to implement a city-wide capital gains tax. As previously reported, the proposal would have enacted a 2% capital gains “excise tax” on city residents on top of the 7% levied by the state.
Study Shows Bias in Washington State Supreme Court Donations and Decisions
Study Shows Bias in Washington State Supreme Court Donations and Decisions An analysis released today by Ballotpedia and reported on by The Center Square demonstrates remarkable bias in donations and outcomes at The Washington State Supreme Court. Of donations given to winning candidates, over 99% of significant contributions were from progressive sources, while donations given to losing candidates 97% of significant contributions were from conservative sources.
Bezos to Say Goodbye to WA: Taxes Have Consequences
By Chris Corry SEATTLE–Jeff Bezos is trading the shores of Lake Washington for the beaches of South Florida. The announcement of his move has made news for various reasons but most notable is the impact of the recently enacted Washington "excise tax" on capital gains would have on the Amazon Founder. As noted by our friends at the Tax Foundation, Jeff Bezos sold about $15 billion in stocks before the new law took effect, potentially saving over $1 billion in taxes.
Taxes Have Consequences
Taxes Have Consequences Jeff Bezos is trading the shores of Lake Washington for the beaches of South Florida. The announcement of his move has made news for various reasons but most notable is the impact of the recently enacted Washington “excise tax” on capital gains would have on the Amazon Founder. As noted by our friends at the Tax Foundation, Jeff Bezos sold about $15 billion in stocks before the new law took effect, potentially saving over $1 billion in taxes.
Washington Policy Center Files Amicus Brief in Support of SCOTUS Review of Washington's Capital Gains Excise Tax
Washington Policy Center Files Amicus Brief in Support of SCOTUS Review of Washington’s Capital Gains Excise Tax Washington Policy Center and Opportunity for All Coalition have filed an amicus brief supporting the petition to the United States Supreme Court to review the Washington State Supreme Court ruling upholding the capital gains excise tax.
Washington State Supreme Court Narrowly Upholds Inslee's Eviction Moratorium
Washington State Supreme Court Narrowly Upholds Inslee’s Eviction Moratorium In a 5-4 decision, the Washington State Supreme Court upheld Governor Inslee’s eviction moratorium during the pandemic. The majority opinion argues that Washington’s emergency powers statutes allowed the governor to suspend evictions without violating the rights of landlords.
State score low on freedom index
Pullman Washington-based Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories recently published its 2023 Index of Freedom report. The report ranks all 50 states based on government efficiency, regulatory freedom and energy resiliency. The top-performing states for 2023 are Utah, South Dakota, North Dakota, Idaho and Nevada. New Jersey, California, Maine, Vermont and New York are the worst-performing states, according to the report. Washington came in at 32 on the list (an improvement from 36 in 2022).
Guest Commentary
By Chris Corry The ongoing battle over Washington’s unconstitutional capital gains tax continues. The Freedom Foundation has filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari with the US Supreme Court. The petition asks the US Supreme Court to overturn the decision made earlier this year by the Washington State Supreme Court.
Washington Ranked 32nd in Index of Freedom Report
Washington Ranked 32nd in Index of Freedom Report Pullman Washington-based Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories published their 2023 Index of Freedom report. SEL is a global leader in creating products that protect, control, and automate power grids worldwide. The report ranks all 50 states based on government efficiency, regulatory freedom, and energy resiliency. The top-performing states for 2023 were Utah, South Dakota, North Dakota, Idaho and Nevada.
Washington Can't Impose a Disneyland Excise Tax
Washington Can't Impose a Disneyland Excise Tax As we previously covered, the Freedom Foundation has appealed the Washington State Supreme Court decision upholding the capital gains excise tax as constitutional.
Washington State Supreme Court Capital Gains Tax Ruling Appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States
Washington State Supreme Court Capital Gains Tax Ruling Appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States The ongoing battle over Washington’s unconstitutional capital gains tax continues. The Freedom Foundation has filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari with the US Supreme Court. The petition asks the US Supreme Court to overturn the decision made earlier this year by the Washington State Supreme Court.
New Website Created to Detail 2023 Session Spending
New Website Created to Detail 2023 Session Spending One of the setbacks to government accountability this session came from SB 5082, a bill that repealed advisory votes. Advisory votes were non-binding but provided insight into how Washington State citizens felt about bills that increased their taxes.
Seattle "Revenue Stabilization Workgroup" Publish Report on New Progressive Tax Options
Seattle "Revenue Stabilization Workgroup" Publish Report on New Progressive Tax Options In October of 2022 Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrel and Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda created the “Revenue Stabilization Workgroup”.
Washington Society of CPAs Provide Feedback on Draft Capital Gains Rules
As we have been covering, the Washington State Department of Revenue has released draft rules for implementing Washington’s Capital Gains Income Excise Tax. As noted by the center and others, there are a number of issues with these proposed rules. One of the groups who spoke at the initial public hearing was the Washington Society of CPAs. They have provided formal feedback to DOR.
Washington State Tax Structure Work Group Concludes Operations
The Washington State Tax Structure Work Group officially ended on June 30th of this year. Although the group was slated the produce a final report by December 2024, the legislature did not provide funding for the group to continue. The final report was made public this month.
New Guidance on Domicile Rules for Washington's Income Tax on Capital Gains
As the state begins developing new rules for the Washington capital gains income tax, various questions are being raised on the details of this new tax and how to apply the domicile rules correctly. One of the biggest questions that has arisen is how Washington defines domicile. While the rules are still being drafted, tax attorneys at Lane Powell have created an eight-page checklist of factors related a taxpayer’s domicile.
Department of Revenue Holds Initial Public Hearing on Proposed Rules for Capital Gains Income Tax
Department of Revenue Holds Initial Public Hearing on Proposed Rules for Capital Gains Income Tax The Department of Revenue held its first public meeting (as required by law) to discuss proposed changes to the capital gains income tax WACs. This change would add a new section, WAC 458-20-301 (rule 301) regarding definitions, deductions, exemptions, and allocations of gains and losses. The Center for Government Reform previously provided an initial review.
Department of Revenue Publishes Preliminary Draft Rules for Capital Gains Tax
Department of Revenue Publishes Preliminary Draft Rules for Capital Gains Tax The Washington State Department of Revenue released its preliminary rule draft for a new section of the Excise Tax WACs for the upcoming public hearing on July 12th, 2023 at 10:00 am. The proposed WAC-20-301 provides definitions, deductions, exemptions, and allocation of gains and losses for those filing with the state.
Department of Revenue Potential Rulemaking for Capital Gains Income Tax
Sign up for the WPC Newsletter CLOSE Department of Revenue Potential Rulemaking for Capital Gains Income Tax The Washington State Department of Revenue has announced potential rulemaking the Capital Gains Income Tax. The meeting will take place on July 12th at 10:00am. It is virtual only. Per the announcement: “The Department of Revenue will develop additional rulemaking and host a public meeting for the capital gains excise tax.
Income Tax on Capital Gains Drives Increase in State Revenue Forecast
The Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council met yesterday to present the Q2 2023 economic and revenue forecast. You can find the recording of the meeting here and the meeting documents here. The updated forecast from Q1 shows an increase in revenue of $815 million over the current biennium (ending June 30th) and the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 biennium.
Challenging Income Tax in Washington State, Two Initiatives Filed
Challenging Income Tax in Washington State, Two Initiatives Filed Washington State’s Unconstitutional income tax on capital gains has two new challenges in the form of I-2109 and I-2111. I-2109 is a straightforward repeal of the capital gains statute. I-211 creates an RCW banning an income tax in the state. The statute would eliminate an income tax at any level in Washington State from the statehouse down to city hall.
Seattle City Councilmember Proposes Capital Gains Income Tax
Seattle City Councilmember Proposes Capital Gains Income Tax It was only a matter of time. In the wake of the Washington State Supreme Court upholding a capital gains income tax as an excise tax, Seattle Councilmember Alex Pedersen has introduced one for the City of Seattle. The measure would impose a 2% capital gains tax on city residents. It follows the state capital gains tax collection method by taxing gains over $250,000 of stocks and bonds.
Washington State Settles Lawsuit for Over $3,000,000 of Taxpayer Funds
Sign up for the WPC Newsletter CLOSE Washington State Settles Lawsuit for Over $3,000,000 of Taxpayer Funds Washington State Department of Social and Health Services and The Attorney General’s Office have agreed to a Tobin Settlement in a case that involved neglect in an adult family home. This comes after an initial sanction issued by the court after it was determined DSHS and AGO withheld evidence in the lawsuit.
Office of Financial Management Fined for Withholding Public Documents
Office of Financial Management Fined for Withholding Public Documents As initially reported by the Washington Policy Center, The Citizen Action Defense Fund (CADF) won a public records lawsuit against The Office of Financial Management (OFM). OFM was withholding from a public records request contract negotiation documents between the state and public sector unions. As noted in the CADF request, the Public Records Act had no limitations on public records related to contract negotiations.
WPC's Tax Transparency Website Proposal a Step Closer to Reality
WPC’s Tax Transparency Website Proposal a Step Closer to Reality Governor Jay Inslee has signed the 2023-2025 Operating Budget into law. This record-setting budget (almost $70 Billion) had a variety of issues we were watching to see if the governor would veto. We will discuss some of those items that survived as well as highlight some interesting vetoes in the operating budget.
The highs and lows of the 2023 Legislative Session
Greetings! As the incoming new Center for Government Reform Director (I start May 1), I’m excited to get to work to help improve the transparency, accountability and performance of our state government. As a taxpayer and current lawmaker, I’m also happy to celebrate “Sine Die.” “Sine Die” is Latin for “without day.” It is the term of adjournment ending the Legislative session. This past Sunday the Legislature concluded its business for 2023.
Insurance takeaways from the 2022 Washington state legislative session
The 2022 legislative session addressed various business- and insurance-related issues with broad impacts across Washington state. Most issues were carryovers from the 2021 session, but we also saw some new ventures undertaken by the legislature. Changes to the long-term care tax's collection rules and potentially expanding labor and industries (L&I) authority over the workplace will significantly impact employers and their employees.
Letter: 15th District will miss Jeremie Dufault's character
To the editor -- The 15th Legislative District is losing a great legislator. Jeremie Dufault has been a champion for his district and for Central Washington. I have been proud to call Jeremie my friend and colleague. He has become like a brother to me and I am going to miss serving with him in Olympia. Working long hours in Olympia, you get to know who people really are, and Jeremie’s character is second to none. He is trustworthy, humble, honest and dedicated to doing what is right for our state.
Column: Banning city income taxes is a proactive step
Washingtonians have repeatedly said “no” to an income tax. And historically, the Washington Legislature has followed the will of the people by not imposing income taxes. In 2021, that all changed. This past year, the Washington Legislature defied the will of the people and implemented their own income tax, calling it a capital gains tax. They know it is unconstitutional and they know it is an income tax.
4 considerations on reopening businesses safely after Covid-19
How and when are we reopening our economy has been on the minds of business owners across Washington state. The feeling of guilt that accompanies this question is understandable. Lives are at stake and steps taken by states to slow the spread and help protect our hospitals were warranted. However, not only do we need to ask the question of when is the appropriate time to reopen, we need the roadmap.
Column: Give families with special needs children up to $15,000 to pay for education
Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal says providing more money for special education will improve results for families and children, but he doesn’t want families to choose the learning program that works best of them. Lawmakers recently increased special-education funding by $1 billion, boosting it from $1.9 billion in 2017-19 to $2.9 billion in 2019-21 — a stunning 52 percent increase over two years.
Parties have created mischief, dysfunction
Our government is structured to maintain a balance of power between three branches, not parties. It has been hijacked. The two dominant parties alone create more mischief and dysfunction than a war. They corrupt and waste the public treasury pleasing their special friends and spending public time on re-election campaigns. If we Americans are to remain a free people, then we must remind our servants that they are indeed servants and not the masters.
We are being set up for a big downfall
Have you ever had the thought that you might be the object of manipulation? We are in the midst of a national squabble that I am beginning to think has been planned by those interested in the destruction of the only successful experiment in freedom, in which the people own the government and have enough collective power to throw off any tyrant. Tyrants having been the norm for 5,000 years or so.It’s the little clues that reveal something untoward going on.
West Valley desperately needs bond measure to build new schools
To the editor — West Valley School District has consistently stood for a level of quality and excellence that makes me proud. In maintaining our outstanding Academic Learning Environment, I am requesting West Valley residents to support of the February 2017 West Valley building bond issue. WVSD is an outstanding school district that is experiencing student capacity issues now that will only increase in the future.
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