OLYMPIA -- With not a vote to spare, Senate Democrats approved an $805 million tax package that includes hikes in sales and business taxes, sending it to the House for an almost certain overhaul.After four hours of debate and parliamentary maneuvering Saturday, and two more…
OLYMPIA -- Lt. Gov. Brad Owen said rules don't allow dividing up a bill. It could result in "logistical chaos."Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, then moves to table, and Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, asks for a roll call vote.Motion fails, 17-31 on a party-line vote.Vote on…
OLYMPIA -- The state Senate appears to be almost done debating the merits or demerits of the Democrats' tax bill.Now there's just one question to answer: Will they take one vote on the entire bill, or, as Sen. Don Benton just requested in a motion,…
OLYMPIA – Republicans have argued for weeks the governor should declare a financial emergency and reopen the contracts with the state employees unions, cutting pay and benefits to help balance the budget. Workers in private industry all over the state are taking pay cuts and…
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