Clark County Today News

Senate Bill 6346 pushes a nearly 10% tax on income above $1 million through the Washington legislature, sparking immediate opposition, legal questions, and a pending initiative campaign as Gov. Ferguson signals his support. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wa-senate-republicans-unable-to-stop-income-tax-bill-now-headed-to-governors-desk/ #WashingtonState #IncomeTax #WALeg #Politics #TaxPolicy...

After more than 24 hours of floor debate on Senate Bill 6346, Reps. Kevin Waters and David Stuebe say House Democrats pushed through a new state income tax that ignores Washington’s regressive tax structure and affordability crisis. Hear why they argue the bill lacks taxpayer safeguards, sends revenue into the general fund without real reform, and could eventually grow into an income tax that touc...

Conservative columnist Nancy Churchill says the passage of Washington's 9.9% "Millionaires Tax" is discouraging, but argues the fight for liberty, limited government, and constitutional principles is far from over. She points to more than thirty failed bad bills, growing public awareness, and shifting Democratic hesitation as signs that conservative momentum is building. https://www.clar...

A 24-hour House floor battle over Senate Bill 6346 ends with a narrow 51-46 vote creating Washington’s first 9.9% state income tax on income above $1 million, drawing sharp criticism from Reps. Stephanie McClintock and John Ley. Hear why House Republicans warn of economic fallout, general fund spending, and constitutional challenges to the new tax. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/18th-distri...

Four years after Vancouver Police Officer Donald Sahota was mistakenly shot and killed by a Clark County Sheriff’s deputy, the county has agreed to a $7.5 million settlement with his widow. This episode details the 2022 tragedy involving robbery suspect Julio Cesar Segura, the negligence claims filed by attorneys Angus Lee and Mark Lindquist, and the closure this agreement brings to the Sahota fam...

A week that saw Democrats achieve their long-term goal of a state income tax and local moves on transit and ICE left Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance and journalist Brandi Kruse feeling “beat down” by Washington politics. This episode explores their shared concerns about constitutional rights, government power, Clark County decisions on C-TRAN and light rail, and the call from Future 42’s Lesli...

Six security videos, 14 witness interviews, 51 body-worn camera files and 40 in-car camera videos are now part of the Washington State Office of Independent Investigations’ review of a Vancouver Police Department use of deadly force that left 44-year-old Perry J. Sellars deceased. The episode outlines what investigators have collected so far, the role of the public tip line and family liaison, and...

A 51–46 vote on March 10, 2026, passed Washington’s so-called millionaires tax after Democrats rejected more than 70 Republican amendments, writes Leslie Lewallen of Future 42 Clark County. She argues the measure violates the State Constitution, fuels a business exodus, and creates a $3.5–4 billion general fund slush fund with no dedicated K-12 or kids’ health dollars. https://www.clarkcountytoday...

Howard Schultz, who built Starbucks from a tiny Seattle coffee shop into more than 40,000 locations worldwide, says he’s leaving the Pacific Northwest amid Washington’s new millionaires tax and soaring state budgets. Lars Larson questions what happens when Governors Kotek and Ferguson tax high earners out of Washington and Oregon. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-starbucks-founder-...

After more than 24 hours of debate and nearly 60 amendments, the Washington House approved Senate Bill 6346, a proposal to impose a 9.9% tax on household income above $1 million. The bill passed 51–46 and now returns to the Senate for agreement before heading to Gov. Bob Ferguson, who has indicated he will sign it. Supporters say the measure would help modernize Washington’s tax system and expand...

A late-night vote reshaped how light rail operating costs could be handled in Clark County, with C-TRAN leaders approving new language that protects smaller cities from paying operations and maintenance tied to the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. The decision centers on the Modified Locally Preferred Alternative and comes alongside a proposed change to the C-TRAN board structure that would...

A text message sent the night before a key Clark County council meeting is now at the center of a new claim involving the long-running dispute over the C-TRAN board and light rail vote. In this letter to the editor, Rob Anderson argues the message conflicts with sworn statements that all communications had been disclosed during the controversy surrounding the removal of Councilor Michelle Belkot f...

A financial services company that moved out of Washington last year found hiring easier, costs lower and employee satisfaction higher in its new location. In this opinion column, Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center argues that taxes such as the capital gains tax and the proposed income tax are only part of the reason some businesses are relocating. Harmsworth says uncertainty about fut...

Free school meals are being highlighted as a key benefit tied to Washington’s proposed income tax, but Elizabeth New argues the policy comes with hidden costs. In this opinion column, the Washington Policy Center analyst examines Senate Bill 6346 and questions whether universal meal programs and expanded tax credits are the best use of taxpayer dollars. New contends the state’s budget challenges s...

Forty-five local crafters and artisans will gather in Battle Ground for a new community event celebrating handmade goods and small businesses. The Busy Bee Craft Fair takes place March 21 at the Battle Ground Event Center, offering visitors a chance to browse handcrafted décor, specialty foods, artwork and unique gifts. Organized by the City of Battle Ground, the free family-friendly event aims to...

A new cultural access program took center stage during Vancouver’s annual State of the City address as Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle outlined priorities ranging from arts and culture to housing, public safety and economic development. Speaking at the Vancouver Arts Hub Building, the mayor introduced the Inspire Vancouver program aimed at expanding access to arts, heritage and science while also reflect...

Two evenings of choral music are coming to Vancouver as Clark College presents its winter choir concerts featuring student ensembles and accomplished faculty musicians. The Treble Ensemble and Chorale perform March 12, followed by the Concert Choir on March 14 at First United Methodist Church. Directed by Dr. Jacob Funk with accompanist Dr. Jeongmi Yoon, the performances showcase the work of Clark...

Lawmakers in Olympia debated a controversial income tax bill through the night as the Washington House considered dozens of Republican amendments to Senate Bill 6346. The proposal would impose a 9.9% tax on adjusted gross income exceeding $1 million and is expected to generate billions annually for early learning programs, financial aid and tax relief measures. Supporters say the legislation helps...

Two high earners living together might avoid a new Washington income tax, but if they are married the combined income could trigger tens of thousands of dollars in taxes. In this opinion column, Lars Larson argues that the structure of the proposed Washington state income tax effectively creates a marriage penalty and reflects what he sees as broader spending priorities among lawmakers in Olympia....

A fire broke out on a second-story apartment deck shortly after 4:30 a.m. on March 10, drawing a response from the Vancouver Fire Department and prompting residents to evacuate the building. Firefighters extinguished the balcony blaze and searched nearby apartments to make sure flames had not spread, while AMR crews evaluated and transported one adult with respiratory distress. The Vancouver Fire...

More than 30 Clark County business owners have sent a joint letter to the Washington State Legislature opposing Senate Bill 6346, a proposal to create a state income tax on high earners. The group argues the tax could hit S-corporations and LLCs especially hard because many small businesses report income through personal tax filings, potentially affecting jobs, investment, and expansion plans. Sup...

Nearly 500 rural homes northeast of Battle Ground Lake now have access to reliable high-speed internet after Comcast completed a broadband expansion project in partnership with Clark County. The $5.21 million effort, supported in part by American Rescue Plan Act funding, aims to expand broadband infrastructure and improve digital connectivity for rural residents. County leaders say the project hel...

A nine-week downtown market is returning to Washougal this summer, and the city is looking for vendors to help bring it to life. The Washougal Community Market will run June 5 through July 31 at Reflection Plaza, featuring agriculture vendors, artisan goods, prepared foods, authors, and musicians. City officials say the expansion follows strong community support during the pilot season and is part...

A deep postseason run nearly carried Columbia River to the Class 2A championship game, and Evergreen’s girls program made its own history at the Class 3A state tournament. The Rapids finished fifth after a tight third-place game against Anacortes, while Evergreen secured the program’s first state trophy with a sixth-place finish after facing White River at the Tacoma Dome. In this episode, Paul Va...

A proposed “Millionaires’ Tax” in Washington is drawing sharp criticism from a budget analyst who says the final plan does not meet the governor’s own standards. Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center argues the income tax proposal returns far less revenue to taxpayers than Gov. Bob Ferguson publicly demanded and could become the largest tax increase in state history. In this episode, we break...