Northwest
Lawmakers go into damage control over public records bill
Legislators try to frame the bill as a win for open government, while opponents hope for veto by…
Northwest
Carbon tax proposal inches through Legislature
Governor’s pitch to tax carbon makes it to the Senate floor, but time is running out.
Northwest
Legislators rewrite statute to exempt their records from public disclosure
Critics slam the move as a blow to government transparency.
Northwest
A fight over the role of unions erupts in Olympia
State Democrats push labor union-friendly bills while Republicans cry foul play.
Northwest
John Kerry in Olympia to advocate for governor’s carbon tax
Former U.S. Secretary of State said “Washington has an opportunity to lead.”
Northwest
Bill to tax oil in pipelines advances in state Senate
The measure would also update state oil spill contingency plans.
Northwest
Carbon tax plan advances in the state Senate
Bill moves out of committee with lower tax rate than governor proposed, a “monumental step.”
Northwest
Republican lawmakers call for further action on car tabs
Senate Democrat slams their efforts as “unthoughtful sledgehammers.”
Northwest
Washington health insurance market in flux
Premiums have skyrocketed, prompting a response from lawmakers.
Northwest
Lawmakers still grappling with court mandated education funding
Roughly $1 billion more is needed, and school districts want their local levies.
Northwest
Bill that would reduce car tab rates passes the state House
Transit advocates fear it will cut funding for key projects.
Northwest
Vetoed tax cut for manufacturers again pushed in bipartisan effort
Bill would lower business and occupation tax by 40 percent over four years.
Northwest
Lawmakers want to rein in Washington’s many tax breaks
The vast majority of the state’s tax exemptions benefit businesses.
Northwest
Bill to ban the death penalty heard in committee
The hearing attracted passionate testimony from both sides of the issue.
Northwest
Bills intended to expand and empower voters move ahead in Olympia
They will allow same-day voter registration and local redistricting to empower minorities.
Northwest
Ballot initiative threat has energy industry warming to carbon tax
Support for the governor’s proposed tax is tepid, but it’s there.
Northwest
Capital budget passed, but affordable housing across the state still threatened
Some projects aimed at homeless families and disabled veterans won’t happen.
Northwest
State takes aim at opioid crisis
Bills would limit opioid prescriptions, invest in treatment options.
Northwest
Back in the majority, Senate Democrats moving fast to pass backlogged bills
Bills on pay equity, gay conversion therapy, gun regulation, and voting rights are all on the “to do”…