Local News
Thousands of Washington state workers lose out on wage hikes
They rejected a new contract last fall. They approved one in recent weeks, but lawmakers said it arrived…
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Five tax bills lawmakers passed to underpin Washington’s next state budget
Business tax hikes make up more than half of the roughly $9 billion package, which still needs a…
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Washington lawmakers close out session, sending budgets to governor
Their plans combine cuts with billions in new taxes to solve a shortfall. It’ll now be up to…
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WA lawmakers shift approach on closing center for people with disabilities
A highly contested bill around the closure of a residential center for people with disabilities passed the Washington…
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Washington Legislature approves hiking Discover Pass price to $45
The price for a Washington state Discover Pass would rise by $15 later this year, under a bill…
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Republicans walk out after WA House committee votes to close center for people with disabilities
Those supporting the closure say that the Rainier School has a troubled record and is far more expensive…
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Democrats in Washington Legislature wrap up budget negotiations
Democratic budget writers are done hashing out details on a new two-year operating budget for Washington state, key…
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Compromise reached on Washington bill to cap rent increases
Under a version released Thursday, rent hikes would be limited to 7% plus inflation, or 10%, whichever is…
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Parental rights overhaul gains final approval in WA Legislature
The bill was among the most controversial of this year’s session.
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WA bill to keep medical debt off credit reports signed into law
Washingtonians’ medical debt will not be included in their credit reports, under a bill that Gov. Bob Ferguson…
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WA bill to restrict outside National Guard from entering state is signed into law
During his inaugural address in January, Gov. Bob Ferguson highlighted his support for a bill that would grant…
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Ferguson criticizes Democrats’ $12B tax plan as ‘too risky’
The governor is still at odds with lawmakers in his party over how much revenue the state should…
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Washington AG defends state’s ‘sanctuary’ policy amid congressional scrutiny
Republican U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner, who represents eastern Washington, is among those pressuring Attorney General Nick Brown on…
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Democrats in Washington Legislature reveal sweeping new tax plan
It cobbles together a range of hikes, including on businesses, capital gains, and property. A question now is…
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Washington takes ‘historic’ step toward full funding for special education
The House passed a Senate bill that ditches a cap on the flow of state dollars to school…
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Washington Senate passes bill to require speed limiting devices for habitual speeders
The state Senate passed a bill Tuesday attempting to stop habitual speeders in their tracks.
Local News
WA officials considered offering National Guard help to Trump at Canadian border
Gov. Bob Ferguson opted against committing troops. His office says it was seeking ways to get ahead of…
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Permit requirement for gun purchases clears Washington Senate
The Legislature has never come closer to implementing the policy, which about a dozen other states have in…
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Inslee proposes taxing the wealthy and businesses to close budget gap
His final spending plan calls for raising about $13 billion over four years from additional taxes. Republicans decry…
Local News
First bills drop ahead of WA’s 2025 legislative session
Permanent standard time, immigration policies and fentanyl penalties were among the proposals pre-filed Monday.