OLYMPIA—Washington state would make historic investments in housing under the construction budget unveiled by Rep. Steve Tharinger (D-Port Townsend), chair of the House Capital Budget Committee. “Families in every corner of the state are hurt by the …
Dear Friends & Neighbors, We’re over two-thirds of the way through session so I wanted to update you on all that we’ve accomplished in these three months. My colleagues and I sent several pieces of legislation to the Senate tackling our most pressing …
Opinion: It just got a little more expensive to be filthy rich in Washington. Boo-hoo Break out the tissues and tiny violins. Or, if it’s more your style, pour one out for your wealthy friend’s summer home. On Friday, in an objectively stunning decision, …
OLYMPIA – On Wednesday, the Senate passed House Bill 1107 unanimously. Rep. Mary Fosse, D-Everett, introduced the legislation to remove the terms ‘master’ and ‘servant’ from our state’s unemployment law. Currently, these antiquated terms are used to define …
WHO: Transportation Committee Chair Jake Fey (D-Tacoma) and Vice Chairs Brandy Donaghy (D-Mill Creek), Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor), and Joe Timmons (D-Bellingham) WHAT: House Democrats will release their proposed state transportation budget proposal and take …
OLYMPIA – On Wednesday, the Senate passed House Bill 1107 unanimously. Rep. Mary Fosse, D-Everett, introduced the legislation to remove the terms ‘master’ and ‘servant’ from our state’s unemployment law. Currently, these antiquated terms are used to define …
WA Supreme Court upholds capital gains tax The Washington state Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the state’s capital gains tax, cementing a long-sought victory for state Democrats and nudging the state’s tax system in a more progressive …
Domestic violence survivors could be shielded under new bill. Some say the bill goes too far A bill that would exempt state agency and K-12 public school employees who are survivors of domestic violence from public disclosure requirements is making its way …
OLYMPIA—Did you know that pill presses and other types of equipment used to distribute controlled substances like fentanyl are legal to be used, even when mass producing pills that kill? Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-University Place) recently introduced House Bill …
OLYMPIA—Did you know that pill presses and other types of equipment used to distribute controlled substances like fentanyl are legal to be used, even when mass producing pills that kill? Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-University Place) recently introduced House Bill …
WHO: Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon (D-West Seattle), Appropriations Chair Timm Ormsby (D-Spokane), and Appropriations Vice Chairs Steve Bergquist (D-Renton), Mia Gregerson (D-SeaTac) and Nicole Macri (D-Seattle). WHAT: House Democrats will release their …
WA state revenue forecasts predict slowdown as lawmakers prepare new spending plans Over the next two years, Washington State is likely to bring in less revenue than previously expected, according to the latest revenue forecast officials released Monday. …
Sen. Mark Mullet: A fiscally responsible way to tackle WA’s affordable housing crisis There’s no doubt that housing affordability is one of the biggest challenges faced by Washingtonians. Too many people are getting priced out of living near their jobs, …
Below is a statement from House Appropriations Chair Rep. Timm Ormsby (D-Spokane) in response to the March 20 Revenue Forecast: “Today’s forecast shows that our guarded approach was the correct one and now we must take deliberate and careful steps to …
Below is a statement from House Appropriations Chair Rep. Timm Ormsby (D-Spokane) in response to the March 20 Revenue Forecast: “Today’s forecast shows that our guarded approach was the correct one and now we must take deliberate and careful steps to …
As Washington rents go up, up, up, the air gets thin for tenants Washington will need 1.1 million homes over the next 20 years to keep pace with the expected population growth, according to projections from the state Department of Commerce. More than half …
Monday With the beginning of Week 11 comes another long week of committee hearings and executive action, beginning with a public hearing in the Community Safety, Justice, & Reentry Committee on E2SSB 5536 from Sen. June Robinson (D-Everett), the Senate …
WA bill could help ease renewable energy development tensions In the Pacific Northwest, conversations about renewable energy can get pretty heated. Residents often raise concerns about fragmented wildlife habitats, disturbed cultural resources, and …
OLYMPIA—Rep. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) is the granddaughter of a dairy farmer who lived in Sumas. Her father also delivered hay to farmers in Whatcom County. She knows the way of life of people who feed us firsthand. “Washington does a lot of things well and …
OLYMPIA—Legislation by Rep. Steve Tharinger (D-Port Townsend) will boost local jobs and clean energy in the 24th District and throughout Washington state. “Hog fuel—also known as wood waste —is a sustainable and renewable resource,” Tharinger said. “It …
