ECONOMIC WARNING: Income Tax's Business Impact + Seattle Drug Crisis Sparks Debate Over State Policy

Seattle's drug diversion policies are facing renewed scrutiny after a tense exchange involving LEAD program creator Lisa Daugaard at a public panel discussion. Meanwhile, a new study warns Washington's 9.9% income tax could reduce economic growth, and journalist Brandi Kruse scores a major public records victory against the City of Seattle. SEATTLE LEAD PROGRAM / FENTANYL POLICY DEBATE At a We Heart Seattle event, LEAD program creator Lisa Daugaard faced tough questions about fentanyl addiction, treatment and accountability. Battlefield Addiction founder Art Dolan asked how Daugaard would respond if her own child were using fentanyl at home. Her answer sparked audible frustration from some audience members. We Heart Seattle founder Andrea Suarez and Washington Policy Center's Eric Zimmerman criticized her response and raised broader concerns about the LEAD diversion program's approach to addiction and recovery. The debate comes amid continuing questions about the program's reported success metrics and whether Seattle should place greater emphasis on treatment and accountability. WASHINGTON INCOME TAX / INITIATIVE 645 A new analysis from Washington Policy Center and the Buckeye Institute estimates that Washington's millionaire's income tax could reduce economic output by up to $2.50 for every $1 in tax revenue collected. Washington Policy Center tax and budget policy director Ryan Frost discusses the report's projections for jobs, business investment and economic growth. The findings come ahead of the November 3 vote on Initiative 645, which asks Washington voters whether to repeal the state's new 9.9% income tax on taxable income above $1 million. Supporters of keeping the tax argue that repealing it would eliminate an estimated $13 billion in future revenue for state priorities, including education and health care. Opponents question those projections and warn about the tax's potential economic consequences. BRANDI KRUSE PUBLIC RECORDS VICTORY Journalist and unDivided host Brandi Kruse has secured a major victory in her years-long public records dispute with the City of Seattle. The Washington Supreme Court unanimously declined to review Seattle's appeal, leaving intact an appellate court ruling in Kruse's favor. The case involves records requested after former Seattle City Councilmember Andrew Lewis changed his position on a 2023 drug enforcement vote. Citizens Action Defense Fund, which represented Kruse, says the case underscores the public's right to timely access to government records. Further proceedings are expected regarding attorney's fees and potential penalties. Subscribe to The Center Square for Washington politics, public safety, government spending, income tax coverage and investigative reporting. #Seattle #FentanylCrisis #LEADProgram #HarmReduction #WashingtonIncomeTax #Initiative645 #MillionairesTax #BrandiKruse #PublicRecords #SeattlePolitics #WashingtonPolitics #GovernmentAccountability #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus Copy hashtags