WA lawmakers consider gas tax increase to support transportation efforts
With a billion-dollar gap in transportation funding, proposals to increase the state’s gas tax have some bipartisan support. But not all Republicans are on board with the proposed fee increases.
Gas tax hike looms: lawmakers debate solutions for budget shortfall
As legislators consider raising Washington's already high gas tax to address a multi-billion dollar budget gap, it is sparking mixed reactions and alternative proposals from Republicans.
WA lawmakers propose gas tax
Our state is facing a multi-billion dollar budget deficit, and there is a proposal to fix that but it could make a trip to the gas station even more painful.
Washington's budget battle: Are the state reserves at risk?
Washington's Senate Democrats' bold $77.7 billion budget plan set to shake up the next two years. With concerns from the State Treasurer about draining reserves, find out how these plans could impact the state's financial future.
WA Democratic budget proposal update
Happening Monday, state Democratic leaders will speak out about their budget proposal to close the state’s multi-billion-dollar budget gap. Additionally, the state Senate Transportation Committee will release its bipartisan budget proposal.
WA reactions to order on Dept. of Education
In Washington, state superintendent Chris Reykdal is responding to this move, and he isn't happy.
Democrats aim to close multi-billion dollar budget gap
Senate Democratic budget leaders have unveiled a plan to generate $17 billion in new revenue over the next four years, aiming to address the state's budget gap by taxing wealthy individuals and large employers, while also proposing a reduction in the state's sales tax.
WA lawmakers consider raising carbon standards for fuel
Supporters say tougher standards are necessary for cleaner fuels and climate goals. Opponents believe the changes would add more to the cost of gas, which already has a lot of state costs tacked on.
Top aide for WA Gov. Ferguson resigns over workplace complaints, report
One of Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson's top aides has resigned over allegations that he created a hostile work environment for some women in the office.
Governor Ferguson faces budget battle and internal resignations
Governor Ferguson's legislative director resigns amid a $15 billion budget deficit clash with Democrat lawmakers. Tensions rise as House Democrats restrict the governor's access, sparking accusations of juvenile politics. Republicans rally behind Ferguson's call for bipartisan cooperation and spending cuts, while Democrats push for new taxes on the wealthy.
Medicaid on the chopping block as people rally in Olympia, WA
Democratic Senator Patty Murray warns that proposed Medicaid cuts by House Republicans could devastate healthcare access, closing rural hospitals and denying essential services to seniors and people with disabilities.
How Medicaid cuts could impact WA
In Olympia on Tuesday, people will rally on the steps of the Capitol building to oppose budget cuts to healthcare, higher education, long-term care, and more.
WA Senate Republican proposal aims to close budget gap without new taxes
A new Republican proposal intends to plug the state funding gap by using surplus money and not funding previously negotiated pay increases for state workers.
WA leaders concerned over federal funding cuts for free school meals
Federal spending proposals and actions have policymakers and student nutrition advocates alarmed, threatening access to free food for hundreds of thousands of students across the state.
'March 4th for Democracy' protest in WA
Hundreds of people converged on the Washington capitol on Tuesday, protesting the Trump administration and its recent moves.
WA senate passes bill to make clergy members mandatory reporters
The state senate passed a bill Friday afternoon to make religious leaders mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect. It now heads to the house.
Gov. Ferguson details $4 billion in spending cuts to address WA deficit
Bob Ferguson wants legislators to tackle the state’s projected $15 billion budget shortfall. As work continues to close the gap, the governor aims to prioritize spending cuts over new taxes.
What’s moving along, and what’s not, in the WA Legislature?
The Washington Legislature faces a key deadline this Friday. While many ideas have been heard, the state’s projected budget shortfall is filtering what laws will make it to the governor's desk.
WA signature verification bill faces opposition from initiative backers
Lawmakers are considering more rules around verifying signatures on petitions for initiatives, with strong opposition coming from initiative backers and the state’s top election official.
Washington’s state flag could change under proposed legislation
House Bill 1938 would create a committee to redesign the green banner state flag.