(DCNF)—A deep-blue Washington county raised taxes on the same day it appointed an inspector general to root out the widely reported fraud from within its’ government spending programs.
King County Council approved a new ordinance on Oct. 6, adding a penny to every $100 in taxable purchases, Seattle Red reported. The new sales tax sends revenue into a program managed by the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) — the same department that’s been under fire for reported fraud and funding mismanagement over the past year, requiring a new Inspector General Division.
The county was allowed to pass this ordinance because of Washington state’s Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2442. Democratic lawmakers passed the bill in February in a party-line vote, allowing counties to impose the 0.01 percent tax by ordinance.
“The bill is the result of an unfortunate situation that many county governments find themselves in from large budgetary restraints on funds from the state and federal level,” Democratic Washington state Rep. Shaun Scott, an avowed socialist and one of the legislation’s sponsors, told the Daily Caller News Foundation. “Our primary focus is not on what funds are spent towards. It’s on giving communities authority to provide basic services.”
However, Republicans who opposed the legislation that greenlighted King County’s tax increase disagree. Republican Washington state Rep. Chris Corry suggested to the DCNF that the Democratic-backed bill removed taxpayer protections.
“Washington state has had a long history of having vote requirements to be able to raise taxes,” Corry told the DCNF. “It’s a protection measure and an accountability measure for those elected.”
The DCHS did not respond to the DCNF’s request for comment. The King Council did not provide a comment on the record by time of publication.
Corry added that the legislation increases the size and scope of government without accountability or restrictions and puts the burden on local government.
“It’s not fair to our city councils or counties to have to pay those taxes and is a poor way to govern,” he said. “It’s making it less transparent for raising taxes and covering up the negative impacts the state is putting on city and local governments by just telling them to go tax.”
Meanwhile, Scott, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), said that fraud is something the state of Washington takes seriously, but is not something he and other legislators explicitly outlined to prevent in the act.
“There’s no need for additional oversight given that audits are conducted independently at the local and state level,” Scott told the DCNF.
The King County Auditor’s Office conducted one such audit in August 2025 putting the County’s DCHS at the center of an ongoing fraud review.
“Amid rapid growth in grant funding, DCHS did not consistently apply internal controls, resulting in improper payments, including potential fraud, across multiple programs and contracts,” the audit said. “We found that the department has not done enough to manage its financial risk.”
The audit found that DCHS, which handles nearly 90 percent of county grants, failed to conduct basic, routine financial and contract monitoring of grantees as its awards climbed from a combined $922 million in 2019 and 2020 to $1.87 billion in 2023 and 2024.
The reviewed programs included three juvenile diversion programs and an education and community empowerment program for youth and families, the audit listed.
An annual risk-assessment from 2024 reviewed nearly half of the Departments 359 taxpayer funded grants as high risk, the audit stated.
“DCHS lacks documented policies and procedures, training, and checklists for validating invoices — reducing consistency and increasing opportunities for fraud, waste, and abuse,” the audit said. “In our review, we identified grantees whose spending deviated significantly from contract budgets without appropriate amendment or oversight.”
“Make no mistake, this is a damning audit,” Democratic King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci told a news outlet in 2025.
King County includes the city of Seattle and gave 74% of its vote to failed Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. Its council consists of seven Democrats and two Republicans.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact [email protected].
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.