In this episode of the Evergreen Local Tri-Cities Edition, host Jey Young discusses pressing issues affecting the Tri-Cities, including the ongoing fentanyl epidemic, significant budget cuts in the Richland School District, and the alarming rise in gun violence impacting children. The conversation also covers the contamination of drinking water in Kennewick, recent incidents of child exploitation in retail theft, and legislative updates aimed at improving public safety. Additionally, Young highlights housing reforms for manufactured homes and the impact of cuts to Head Start programs on vulnerable families. The episode emphasizes the importance of community awareness and engagement in addressing these critical issues.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Evergreen Local Report01:53 Fentanyl Epidemic in Tri-Cities05:45 Budget Cuts in Richland School District12:24 Public Safety Concerns and Road Rage14:18 Contamination of Drinking Water17:42 Juvenile Crime and Community Safety21:04 Legislative Updates on Public Safety25:17 Housing and Community Development26:15 Impact of Head Start Program Cuts30:17 Traffic Congestion in Tri-Cities

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In this episode, Jey Young discusses the recent tax changes in Washington State, focusing on various House Bills that introduce new taxes and fees affecting businesses, consumers, and the overall economy. The conversation highlights the implications of these tax policies, including the expansion of business taxes, the introduction of new gas taxes, and the establishment of a beverage container refund program. Young emphasizes the potential negative impacts on tourism, job relocation, and the cost of living for residents. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to contact their representatives and express their concerns about these tax changes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Washington's New Tax Landscape02:08 House Bill 2081: Expanding Business Taxes08:28 House Bill 2043: Future Gas Tax and Transportation Funding10:41 House Bill 1607: Beverage Container Refund Program14:04 House Bill 2061: Duty-Free Shop Tax18:56 House Bill 2084: Tax on Storage Units and Bullion21:15 Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing and Luxury Vehicle Tax26:35 Capital Gains and Wealth Tax Expansion30:57 Unrealized Gains Tax: A First in the Nation33:52 Conclusion: The Impact of Tax Fatigue

In this episode of the Evergreen Report, host Jey Young discusses significant legislative changes in Washington State, focusing on unemployment benefits for strikers, various tax reforms, and the implications of emergency clauses in new laws. The conversation also covers public health policies regarding vaccines, regulatory rollbacks, environmental initiatives, gun control legislation, and the closure of state care facilities. Young emphasizes the importance of public awareness and engagement in the legislative process, urging listeners to question the motivations behind these changes and to remain informed and active in their communities.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Legislative Changes03:12 Unemployment Benefits for Strikers09:52 Tax Reforms and Emergency Clauses19:36 Impact of School Closures21:54 Public Health and Vaccine Policies31:04 Gun Control Legislation36:37 Closing of Care Facilities and Community Impact