{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"KMAS Radio","title":"WA Senator Drew MacEwen Breaks Down the State Budget Battle","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1315,"description":"I had the chance to sit down again with State Senator Drew MacEwen as we inch closer to the end of the legislative session. It’s budget season, and we got into some deep conversation about what’s in—and what’s being cut from—the latest proposals. Right out of the gate, we talked about wildfire prevention, which is especially relevant here in the 35th. Drew expressed serious concern over cuts to DNR’s budget, noting how prevention is always more cost-effective than fighting fires once they’re raging. It’s frustrating, especially since previous leadership worked hard to boost those funds.From there, we dove into the broader budget landscape. Even though the state’s revenues are at record highs, Drew pointed out that overspending has created a situation where harmful cuts are now being made—cuts to wildfire prevention, funding for schools that serve Native and Hispanic communities, and even to local hospitals. All of this while $21 billion in new taxes are being proposed. He called the Senate Democrats’ budget “draconian” and was especially frustrated that not a single one of the Republicans’ budget suggestions was adopted.A big sticking point was the proposed wealth tax, something the governor himself had previously said he wouldn’t support. Drew questioned whether the governor would stick to his word and use his veto pen, particularly given how that tax—while marketed as targeting the ultra-wealthy—could drive up local property taxes and other fees, like hunting licenses and the Discover Pass.He made a strong case for zero-based budgeting, which he believes would bring better accountability. We also talked about state employee furloughs buried in the budget, the implications of raiding the rainy day fund, and the risk to Washington’s triple-A bond rating.The gas tax increase came up too—a 6-cent hike with an inflation escalator attached. Drew explained how that money gets bonded out for transportation projects, which can be effective, but he argued there's a...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/8b4aqzT8tkdH6MLi186ujKO11Bhjd2UG29GWtIKSvFE/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8yM2Nh/YzMyMmYwODliZGZh/Nzk1ZTVjNjIzOGZm/NGVkNC5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}