OLYMPIA – By the time the Legislature wrapped up 90 days of heated and sometimes confusing debate over taxes and spending Tuesday, it had raised taxes on a wide array of consumers and businesses, cut some programs, boosted others, moved hundreds of millions of dollars…
OLYMPIA -- State Treasurer Jim McIntire added his kudos to the just concluded legislative session with a note that should make all Washingtonians feel a little better.The state now probably has enough money to pay its bills through June 2011.Not that the state would be…
OLYMPIA -- Repeating a mantra that "tough times require tough choices", Gov. Chris Gregoire patted the Legislature on its collective back as members headed out of town Tuesday.She sought to minimize the impacts of new taxes, which Republicans have predicted will be job killers. The…
There's been a lot of talk about regional cooperation from local leaders this year, but recent incidents spotlight continued tensions between the city of Spokane and Spokane County.Last week, county officials expressed frustration that the city had decided to explore the possibility of opening its…
OLYMPIA -- It's over.The Legislature's special session sloshed into the 30th and final day before being gaveled to a close.The two chambers packed significant activity into the final evening Monday, passing a supplemental operating budget, a supplemental capital budget, higher cigarette taxes, increased business and…
OLYMPIA -- The House passed the supplemental capital budget, the "bricks and mortar" budget that spends money on things like school buildings and sewer plants, as well as fire reduction, water projects and corrections.It passed 61-36. Republicans, including Rep. Gary Alexander of Olympia, warned of…
OLYMPIA -- Rep. Lynn Kessler is bowing out after 18 years in the House. "I'm retiring, I'm almost 70 for God's sake."As the Legislature moved beyond midnight, Kessler, D-Hoquiam, made an emotional farewell speech, celebrating the fact the state has worked to provide health care…