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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Eye On Olympia

Coming Wednesday: (Un)Happy new fiscal year…

State budget-cut fallout: trash in state-owned buildings only emptied twice a week, carpets cleaned once a year.

More state budget fallout: Health insurance costs likely to rise next year for state workers. On the most popular plan, the Uniform Medical Plan, would rise from $82 a month for a family to $126 a month. For individuals, the cost would rise from $26 a month to $41.

More state budget fallout: Fewer prisoners to fight forest fires.

More state budget fallout: The capitol visitor's center, often a first stop for tourists swinging by Olympia, is closing Wednesday.

And the state's Poison Center, which fields calls from panicked people whose children and pets have apparently ingested poisons, says that callers can expect to spend more time on hold, will initially get a phone-tree, and will be asked for a $30 credit-card payment before the staff answer poison questions about pets.



Short takes and breaking news from the Washington Legislature and the state capital.