Region in brief: Washington state Democrats warn of tax hikes
OLYMPIA – Tax increases probably can’t be avoided as the state tries to patch a budget deficit that’s ballooned to about $2.6 billion, top Democratic lawmakers said Thursday.
Leading options include closing tax loopholes and raising “sin” taxes, typically levied on indulgences like tobacco and alcohol.
Broad-based tax hikes, such as the levies on sales and business revenue, are probably a last resort because of the fragile economic recovery, Democrats said.
Further spending cuts also are on the table.
Through mid-2011, when the current state budget expires, the treasury will collect about $760 million less than previously expected.
One major factor is a lack of consumer confidence, which depresses spending in Washington’s sales-driven revenue structure, state chief economist Arun Raha said.
Swine flu clinics planned in N. Idaho
The Panhandle Health District will take appointments Monday and Tuesday for two Nov. 30 H1N1 clinics in Kootenai and Bonner counties.
The clinics are for people in vaccination target groups.
The health district has 1,000 doses of vaccine available, primarily as shots, a news release said. A limited amount of nasal mist vaccine is available.
The toll-free appointment line – (877) 415-5225 – will be open from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday and from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday.
The target groups: pregnant women; people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months; anyone ages 6 months to 24 years; health care and emergency response workers and people ages 25 to 64 with chronic health conditions.
The Nov. 30 clinics will be held:
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bonner Mall in Sandpoint.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Silver Lake Mall in Coeur d’Alene.
For more information, go to www.phd1.idaho.gov.
Information sought on child’s assailant
A woman assaulted a child at the STA Plaza in downtown Spokane on Wednesday morning, and Spokane police are asking for help identifying her.
Surveillance video released Thursday shows the woman grabbing the toddler’s coat and kicking the child to the ground about 7:30 a.m.
Police believe the woman often catches a bus in Spokane Valley near Indiana and Pines, then transfers at the Plaza to a northbound bus.
The woman was wearing a brown coat with a fur collar, blue jeans, a white shirt, a black beanie and a long chain with a black pendant. She was pushing a large, navy blue stroller covered with a white blanket. The toddler looked about 2 and wore a blue winter jumpsuit and a blue beanie.
Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS or submit tips online at www.crime stoppersinlandnorthwest. org.