Jim Brunner
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Seattle Times politics reporter. Whataboutism is a helluva drug. Also at: bsky.app/profile/jimbrunner.bsky.social
Articles by Jim Brunner
Initiative to repeal WA ‘millionaires tax’ qualifies for November ballot
Initiative 645, which would repeal Washington’s new high-earners income tax, has qualified for the Nov. 3 ballot. Stefanie Randolph, a spokesperson for Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, confirmed Wednesday that the measure received enough valid signatures to go before voters. The certification was expected. Supporters of I-645 earlier this month submitted more than 500,000 signatures from registered voters to the secretary of state’s office — well over the 308,911 required.
Ferguson campaigns against initiative to repeal WA ‘millionaires tax’
Gov. Bob Ferguson kicked off a campaign to preserve the state’s new high-earners income tax on Tuesday, arguing an initiative to kill the tax would have disastrous consequences for schools, small businesses and families. Ferguson joined other foes of Initiative 645, including Democratic allies and education advocates and union activists, calling on voters to reject the initiative sponsored by hedge fund manager Brian Heywood.
Campaign to repeal WA ‘millionaires tax’ submits over 500,000 signatures
TUMWATER — Opponents of Washington’s new high-earners income tax submitted more than 500,000 signatures for an initiative to kill the tax Thursday, setting up an epic brawl for November over the state’s tax system, government funding and business climate.
‘Relief’ for Washington state elections as Supreme Court leaves ballot deadline intact
A U.S. Supreme Court ruling Monday leaves Washington's mail-in voting deadline intact, allowing ballots to continue to be counted even if they arrive after Election Day. In a 5-4 decision, the court majority, led by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, rejected a Republican National Committee effort that would have required states to stop counting thousands of later-arriving ballots.
Seattle Mayor Wilson backs lefty challengers to veteran WA Democrats
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is sticking her neck out for two left-wing challengers to veteran Seattle Democrats in the Washington Legislature. Wilson, who herself unseated an incumbent whose reelection many saw as inevitable, endorsed Hannah Sabio-Howell and Ron Davis over the weekend. Sabio-Howell is challenging Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen in the 43rd Legislative District, while Davis is taking on Rep. Gerry Pollet in the 46th District.
Seattle Mayor Wilson backs lefty challengers to veteran WA Democrats
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is sticking her neck out for two left-wing challengers to veteran Seattle Democrats in the Washington Legislature. Wilson, who herself unseated an incumbent whose reelection many saw as inevitable, endorsed Hannah Sabio-Howell and Ron Davis over the weekend. Sabio-Howell is challenging Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen in the 43rd Legislative District, while Davis is taking on Rep. Gerry Pollet in the 46th District.
‘Relief’ for WA elections as Supreme Court leaves ballot deadline intact
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‘Relief’ for WA elections as Supreme Court leaves ballot deadline intact Original
A U.S. Supreme Court decision Monday leaves Washington’s mail-in voting deadline intact, allowing ballots to continue to be counted even if they arrive after Election Day. In a 5-4 decision, the court majority, led by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, rejected a Republican National Committee effort that would have required states to stop counting thousands of later-arriving ballots.
Could initiative to kill WA ‘millionaires tax’ also kill capital gains tax?
Opponents of an initiative to repeal Washington’s new high-earners income tax are warning the proposal could also strike down other taxes, putting billions of dollars in state revenues that fund public services at risk. Initiative 645, likely headed for a vote this fall, explicitly aims to repeal the so-called “millionaires tax” signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson this year.
Front Page: What we know now about homelessness in King County
Every week we talk about the most fascinating stories in the news and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page. It’s our chance to talk about the latest news with a rotation of plugged-in journalists and guests, taking a look at the headlines from the weekend and the stories that we'll be following as the week moves forward.
WA Democrats chart path to more power in 2026 at Spokane convention
SPOKANE — For Washington Democrats, it’s been a teeth-grinding, demoralizing 18 months as they have watched President Donald Trump and a Republican-led Congress enact policies they vehemently oppose. At a state party convention over the weekend, Democrats looked ahead with zeal to midterm elections that could let them take back some power on a national level — and further expand their already dominant position here from the Legislature to the state Supreme Court. U.S. Rep.
Lawsuit payouts put WA insurance fund at $1.7 billion in the red
Washington state’s costly lawsuit liability problem continues to grow. Ballooning legal payouts – largely due to cases of alleged abuse and neglect in the child-welfare system – have pushedthe state’s self-insurance fund to $1.7 billion in the red. That latest “temporary cash deficiency” figure was disclosed in a memo issued Thursday by K.D. Chapman-See, director of the state office of financial management, the top budget official for Gov. Bob Ferguson.
Lawsuit payouts put WA insurance fund at $1.7 billion in the red
Washington state’s costly lawsuit liability problem continues to grow. Ballooning legal payouts — largely due to cases of alleged abuse and neglect in the child-welfare system — have pushedthe state’s self-insurance fund to $1.7 billion in the red. That latest “temporary cash deficiency” figure was disclosed in a memo issued Thursday by K.D. Chapman-See, director of the state Office of Financial Management, the top budget official for Gov. Bob Ferguson.
False voter fraud claims ‘red meat' for MAGA base, WA officials say
Washington state's Republican Party is amplifying baseless claims that Los Angeles' mayoral primary was stolen, using the California race to renew attacks on Washington's vote-by-mail system.
False voter fraud claims ‘red meat’ for MAGA base, WA officials say
Washington state’s Republican Party is amplifying baseless claims that Los Angeles’ mayoral primary was stolen, using the California race to renew attacks on Washington’s vote-by-mail system.
False voter fraud claims ‘red meat’ for MAGA base, WA officials say
Washington state’s Republican Party is amplifying baseless claims that Los Angeles’ mayoral primary was stolen, using the California race to renew attacks on Washington’s vote-by-mail system.
Ferguson asks WA agencies for ‘significant' cuts, citing shortfall
Billions of dollars in new state taxes have not solved Washington state's financial woes, so Gov. Bob Ferguson's budget chief is directing agencies to come up with significant and ongoing" spending cuts. K.D. Chapman-See, the director of Office of Financial Management, delivered that message in a memo last week, instructing agencies to submit frugal budget requests for the 2027-29 biennium.
Ferguson vows to veto any expansion of WA ‘millionaires tax’
As an initiative to repeal Washington’s new income tax on households earning more than $1 million gains steam, Gov. Bob Ferguson is vowing to veto any effort to expand the levy to less-wealthy people. In a post on X Wednesday, Ferguson acknowledged the public is likely to get a say on the income tax this November. And he sent a political message aimed to reassure voters skeptical that the tax will stay confined to the richest residents.
Memorial Day 2026: Free national parks entry, rain in weather forecast
Entry to national parks is free today, but you should plan to bring your rain gear for any Memorial Day excursions. The National Weather Service in Seattle predicts a rainy day, along with breezy winds and a slight chance of thunderstorms in some areas. Seattle and areas south are expected to receive up to a quarter-inch of rain, while Island County and north will see a lesser sprinkling. Winds will be strongest along the coast, with gusts of up to 40 miles per hour.
16-year-old fatally shot along road in Pierce County
A 16-year-old boy was shot and killed Sunday evening in Parkland, according to the Pierce County sheriff's office. Deputies responded to emergency calls at around 7:13 p.m. and found the teenager with a gunshot wound lying in the roadway in the 10200 block of Sheridan Avenue South, according to the sheriff's office. They attempted lifesaving efforts, but the teen was pronounced dead. The teen had been walking with his girlfriend when a vehicle approached and someone called him over.
Memorial Day 2026: Free national parks entry, rain in weather forecast
Entry to national parks is free today, but you should plan to bring your rain gear for any Memorial Day excursions. The National Weather Service in Seattle predicts a rainy day, along with breezy winds and a slight chance of thunderstorms in some areas. Seattle and areas south are expected to receive up to a quarter-inch of rain, while Island County and north will see a lesser sprinkling. Winds will be strongest along the coast, with gusts of up to 40 miles per hour.
WA asks federal judge to toss DOJ lawsuit seeking private voter info Original
Late last year, the U.S. Department of Justice sued Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs over his refusal to hand over private information about the state’s 5 million registered voters.
Trump made gains in some Washington state counties — but not all
In the context of national politics, Washington is blue — almost as blue as they come. But, at the local level, this state contains multitudes. President-elect Donald Trump has gained ground in 22 counties in the 2024 election, compared with his performance in 2020, based on votes counted as of Wednesday (more votes are being tallied).
Trump made gains in some WA counties - but not all
In the context of national politics, Washington is blue - almost as blue as they come. But, at the local level, this state contains multitudes. President-elect Donald Trump has gained ground in 22 counties in the 2024 election, compared with his performance in 2020, based on votes counted as of Wednesday (more votes are being tallied).
Front Page: Murray vs Duffy, West Seattle anti-same sex marriage activist, opposition to "millionaire's tax"
Every week we talk about the most fascinating stories in the news and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page. It’s our chance to talk about the latest news with a rotation of plugged-in journalists and guests, taking a look at the headlines from the weekend and the stories that we'll be following as the week moves forward.
Foes of Washington high-earners income tax launch repeal initiative
Opponents of Washington's new high-earners income tax said Tuesday they'll start gathering signatures for an initiative to repeal it this fall. kAm%@ BF2=:7J 7@C E96 }@G6>36C 32==@E[ 7@6D @7 E96 E2I H:== ?665 E@ 82E96C b_g[h`` D:8?2EFC6D 7C@> G@E6CD 3J yF=J a] %@ >2<6 FA 7@C :?G2=:5 @C 5FA=:42E6 D:8?2EFC6D[ E96 D64C6E2CJ @7 DE2E6VD @77:46 25G:D6D 82E96C:?8 4=@D6C E@ c__[___]k^Am kAmx?
Foes of Washington high-earners income tax launch repeal initiative
By Jim Brunner - The Seattle Times (TNS) Opponents of Washington's new high-earners income tax said Tuesday they'll start gathering signatures for an initiative to repeal it this fall. To qualify for the November ballot, foes of the tax will need to gather 308,911 signatures from voters by July 2. To make up for invalid or duplicate signatures, the secretary of state's office advises gathering closer to 400,000. Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency.
Foes of WA high-earners income tax launch repeal initiative
Opponents of Washington's new high-earners income tax said Tuesday they'll start gathering signatures for an initiative to repeal it this fall. To qualify for the November ballot, foes of the tax will need to gather 308,911 signatures from voters by July 2. To make up for invalid or duplicate signatures, the secretary of state's office advises gathering closer to 400,000.
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