Washington Could Lose $700 Million For Education + Seattle Business Flight Is Hurting The Tax Base

A controversial proposal to make the Pierce County sheriff an appointed position is officially headed to voters after the Charter Review Commission approved Amendment C-1. The measure now includes language that would end Sheriff Keith Swank's term on Jan. 1, 2027, if voters approve the change. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on Gov. Bob Ferguson and Superintendent Chris Reykdal to opt Washington into a new federal scholarship tax credit program that supporters say could generate up to $700 million annually for K-12 education. Opponents argue the program lacks sufficient oversight and could divert resources away from public schools. The show also features new comments from Seattle Police Officers Guild President Kent Liu, who says King County policies make it difficult for officers to address crime and drug activity, despite ongoing staffing shortages. Finally, downtown business leaders warn that Seattle's business exodus is shifting the tax burden onto residents and remaining employers, raising concerns about the city's long-term economic outlook. #WashingtonPolitics #PierceCounty #KeithSwank #SchoolChoice #EducationFunding #BobFerguson #ChrisReykdal #SeattlePolice #PublicSafety #SeattleEconomy #BusinessExodus #WashingtonState #SeattleNews #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare