Business Leaders Call For Incentives Instead Of New Taxes + State Gas Tax Set To Increase Again

Seattle business leaders are urging city officials to focus on growing the tax base by attracting employers rather than imposing new taxes. Downtown Seattle Association CEO John Scholes says the city needs more incentives, greater predictability, and a more business-friendly environment to reverse concerns about job losses and declining office occupancy. The show also examines Washington's Supreme Court races, where five seats are on the ballot and questions about judicial independence, appointments, and constitutional interpretation are taking center stage. One candidate argues voters should closely examine how justices are selected and the role the court may play in future tax and public policy cases. Finally, GasBuddy petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan explains how a potential agreement involving Iran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could impact fuel prices. While global oil markets remain volatile, Washington drivers continue to pay some of the highest prices in the nation due to a combination of state taxes, environmental policies, and West Coast refining constraints. #WashingtonPolitics #SeattleEconomy #SeattleBusiness #GasPrices #WashingtonGasPrices #WashingtonSupremeCourt #JohnScholes #PublicPolicy #Taxpayer #BusinessClimate #WashingtonState #SeattleNews #TheCenterSquare #FuelPrices #JudicialElections