On the latest episode of sound politics, the vast majority of Americans say that money in politics is a threat to democracy.

Seattle came up with a novel solution.

Give everyone money to donate to candidates.

Now, is that working?

We'll talk about it ahead of the August 5th primary when voters will decide if the democracy voucher program

should stick around. That's on the latest sound politics, wherever you get your podcasts.

Hey there from the KUOW Newsroom. This is Seattle Now. I'm Patricia Murphy. Here are today's

top stories. It's hot as heck on this Tuesday, July 15th.

The big tax and spending law signed by President Donald Trump is expected to push everyone's energy bills higher and weaken Washington State's energy supply.

More now from K&KX reporter Bellamy Pailthorpe.

The new federal law phases out the clean energy tax credits that were introduced in 2022.

In Washington, they've generated nearly a billion dollars of private lead investment in seven new energy manufacturing facilities.

That's according to analysis from one think tank,

which also says another 27 projects here are at risk.

That could mean fewer jobs for the state.

Also, James Hovey, with the nonprofit climate solutions,

says Trump's new law could add as much as $115 a year per household to energy bills in Washington

by 2029. One thing we know for sure is it absolutely will lead to energy costs increases.

Meanwhile, with increasing demand and fewer green energy projects expected to come online,

the supply is predicted to become less reliable, especially during heat waves and cold snaps.

Still, Hovi says Washington is in a better position to meet its climate goals than most other states because of revenue from the Climate Commitment Act.

I'm Bellamy Pailthorpe reporting.

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