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Dispatch 04222026

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April 22, 2026

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ISSUE 17

IT'S IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

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Records Reveal Eatonville School District Celebrates WA Millionaire’s National Volunteer Week Tax is Meant to Legalize T Progressive Income Tax Staff Report

By TJ Martinell The Center Square

T

he Washington attorney general and Democratic leaders plotted how to overturn a nearly century-old decision that banned income taxes in the state, writing they want to force the state Supreme Court to reconsider its 1933 decision, nearly 1,000 pages of public records obtained by The Center Square show. “I would like to force the Washington Supreme Court to reconsider its caselaw that considers income to be property,” Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, who sponsored SB 6346, wrote in an email on Aug. 27. The bill that Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, signed into law March 30 imposes a 9.9% income tax on residents earning more than $1 million, but a lawsuit has been filed to block its implementation. Jackson Maynard, executive director and counsel at Citizen Action Defense Fund, which is suing to overturn the tax, wrote in an email to The Center Square that he has concerns about the conversations between the staff in the attorney general’s office and lawmakers. “I haven’t reviewed any of these documents, but based on what you’re telling me, I’m a bit alarmed,” he wrote. “The Attorney General’s role is to defend the constitution, not help the legislature find ways to violate it.” The Center Square obtained 988 pages of records that included communication between Washington State Attorney General’s Offices leadership and staff, and state legislators, regarding efforts to overturn the 1933 state Supreme Court decision declaring individuals’ income to be their property. If the 1933 ruling is overturned, a simple majority vote in the Washington state Legislature would allow lawmakers to enact a progressive income tax imposed on every Washington earner. The 1933 Culliton decision declared that a state progressive income tax is unconstitutional for violating the 1930 14th Amendment to the state constitution that requires all property taxes be uniform by class and that property was “all things tangible and intangible, subject to ownership.” Since Culliton, the state Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that income is property under the 14th Amendment’s definition. Despite lawmakers having their own legal counsel, the AGO had previously told The Center Square that it is appropriate for them to give the legislative branch legal advice. AG staff and Pedersen did not immediately respond to requests for comment about

MILLIONAIRE’S TAX, 3

he Eatonville School District is recognizing the many individuals who give their time and energy to support local schools during National Volunteer Week, observed April 20–24. “Our schools are stronger because of the incredible volunteers who generously give their time, talents, and energy to support students, staff, and programs across the Eatonville School District,” the district shared in a statement. Volunteers play a vital role throughout the district, contributing in classrooms, assisting teachers, supporting school events, mentoring students, and helping with day-to-day operations behind the scenes. Their efforts not

only support staff but also help create a more welcoming and enriching environment for students. During National Volunteer Week, the district is taking time to recognize and thank each volunteer for the positive impact they make in the school community. “From helping in classrooms to supporting events, your contributions make a difference every day,” the statement continued. “Thank you for sharing your time, care, and heart with our students. We appreciate you.” District officials say the recognition is a reminder of how important community involvement is to student success, and they encourage those interested in volunteering to explore opportunities within local schools

Study Finds Tapeworm in Western Washington Coyotes, Raising Concerns for Pets Staff Report

C

oyotes have become a familiar presence across Western Washington, thriving in both rural landscapes and increasingly dense urban neighborhoods. While many residents have grown accustomed to seeing these adaptable animals, new research suggests they may carry a parasite that could pose risks to pets and, in rare cases, humans. A recent study led by researchers at the University of Washington found that more than one-third of coyotes examined in the Puget Sound region were infected with a tapeworm known as Echinococcus multilocularis.

A SURPRISING DISCOVERY

The parasite was not the primary focus of the study. Researchers initially set out to examine the broader range of gastrointestinal parasites present in coyotes living around the Seattle-Tacoma area. However, during testing, they discovered a significant presence of Echinococcus multilocularis in the samples they collected. Between 2021 and 2025, researchers analyzed 100 coyote carcasses gathered from across Western Washington, from Whatcom County down to Pierce County. Of those, 37 tested positive for the parasite. The findings came as a surprise. While the parasite has been documented in other

parts of North America, including Canada and the Midwest, it had not previously been identified in wild animals along the West Coast. The discovery suggests the parasite may be more widespread than previously understood.

UNDERSTANDING THE LIFECYCLE

Echinococcus multilocularis has a complex lifecycle that involves multiple animal hosts. Coyotes and other canids, such as foxes and domestic dogs, can carry adult tapeworms in their intestines without showing visible signs of illness. These parasites produce microscopic eggs that are shed through feces, which can contaminate soil, plants, and other surfaces. Small mammals, particularly rodents like voles, may ingest these eggs while feeding. Once inside the rodent, the parasite

forms cysts in internal organs, often the liver. These cysts can grow and spread in a way that resembles tumors. When a predator such as a coyote eats an infected rodent, the parasite completes its lifecycle and continues spreading. Humans and pets can become exposed if they accidentally ingest parasite eggs from contaminated environments.

RISKS TO PETS AND PEOPLE

Health experts emphasize that the risk to humans remains low, but it is not zero. In rare cases, infection in humans can lead to a disease called alveolar echinococcosis. This condition causes slow-growing cysts, typically in the liver, which may take years or even decades to produce noticeable symptoms.

COYOTES, 3


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