OLYMPIA -- How many times have you wondered "Gee, what's the sales tax rate around here?" OK, we haven't wondered that very often, either, because it usually becomes clear when one goes through the checkout lane and looks at the receipt. But for those of…
Not your usual attire for lobbyists at a bill hearing, motorcyclists lobby for a bill to let them ride helmet free. OLYMPIA – Motorcyclists made their annual plea to the Legislature to let them ride without helmets in Washington state, citing everything from accident statistics…
Jimmy Kimmel mentioned that Washington state is looking for marijuana experts to help with its new legalization law. Heres today's story from Page 1 on the paper. It's nice to get a little state recognition, but seriously, this is the best they can do? A…
OLYMPIA -- Some hot button issues for legislative committees today, with a hearing on a bill that involves abortion in the morning. The House Health Care Committee had a full room for a hearing on the Reproductive Parity Act, which would require insurance plans in…
OLYMPIA – Washington may extend the statute of limitations on cases of child rape, making it possible to convict some predators after their victims grow up. But victims of sexual abuse and their families told a Senate panel that doesn’t go far enough. There should…
OLYMPIA -- Two groups of Spokane-area legislators will hold telephone conferences this week in an effort to let the folks back home ask questions or raise concerns about issues. Constituents can call in just to listen, or to ask a question that could get them…
Yes for Spokane Libraries, a group working on behalf of Proposition 3, a tax levy for the Spokane Public Library, has had signs supporting the tax displayed throughout the city for weeks, but hasn’t reported any contributions or expenses to the state Public Disclosure Commission.…
OLYMPIA -- A variety of groups are descending on the Capitol today, trying to convince, cajole or coerce legislators to vote their way on their favorite bills. It is Have a Heart for Kids Day, which is not to be confused with American Heart Association…
OLYMPIA – Farmers, ranchers and county officials from Eastern Washington said a plan to manage wolves as they are re-established in the state has good ideas but doesn't go far enough to cover their potential losses or protect their property. But wildlife advocates warned that…
OLYMPIA – Legislators have a wide array of changes they think would make the state’s elections run smoother. At hearings Tuesday, they suggested paying for the postage for voters to return their mail-in ballots, requiring most ballots be in the hands of county elections officials…
OLYMPIA — Changing the way the state casts its Electoral College votes for president would be fairer to Eastern Washington voters, a Spokane Valley legislator said Tuesday. It’s a way Republicans could win the White House through gerrymandered districts without a majority of the popular…
OLYMPIA -- College students want to vote, student lobbyists told legislators today, they really do.But some don't because they just don't have a stamp to put on their mail-in envelope. And at least one University of Washington student said he didn't even know where to…
To take a stand or not to take a stand. That was the question hotly debated by the Spokane City Council Monday night on two nonbinding resolutions related to gun laws and gun rights. The results were a curious lesson in the unpredictability of a…
OLYMPIA – For most people, an emergency is something that usually requires flashing lights and sirens. For legislators, an emergency is something that requires a law take effect right away, rather than waiting the standard 90 days during which citizens might overturn it. Sen. Barbara…
OLYMPIA – There may be things for which the Spokane area reasonably envies other communities around the state, but lobbying the Legislature for a list of collective hopes and dreams is not one of them. For more than 20 years, a contingent from Spokane and…
OLYMPIA -- The Senate's top Democrat will propose asking Washington voters to approve a capital gains tax on the wealthy to help pay for better schools and more affordable college.Senate Minority Leader Ed Murray of Seattle said this morning he will introduce a bill next…
OLYMPIA -- A bill that would require parental notification when a woman under 18 seeks an abortion in Washington could divide the Senate's "majority coalition" intent on passing bills on jobs, budget and education. The notification bill, with strong support from Senate Republicans opposed to…
OLYMPIA -- A bill to exempt firearms made and sold in Washington from federal gun laws was introduced by 10 House Republicans today, but their leader said it's unlikely the bill will come to a vote, let alone become law. A bill titled the Firearms…
Inslee shows off the decorating changes in the governor's office, which include a portrait of Abraham Lincoln given to him by his father-in-law, a Republican. OLYMPIA -- State officials are trying to convince the federal government they can keep legally grown pot from making its…
OLYMPIA -- More than 80 people from the Spokane area -- business leaders, public officials, health care professionals -- are getting face time with state officials today. It's part of the Greater Spokane Inc. annual "flyover", a lobbying blitz for local issues. In some recent…
The Washington Post has posted a 12-page memo from U.S. Sen. Patty Murray outlining her positions on writing a budget for 2014. Murray, D-Wash., argues that deficit reduction has so far focused almost entirely on cuts and not enough on "revenue" -- tax increases. "We…
The Washington State Liquor Control Board held its first public forum last night in Olympia on efforts to get ready for legalized marijuana under the new voter-approved law. It got an earful, for more than 2 hours. Expect more of the same as they travel…
OLYMPIA -- An initiative designed to make changes in the state's initiative law has enough signatures to be sent to the Legislature. As expected, the Secretary of State's office cleared Initiative 517 for the next step, which is a decision by the Legislature whether to…
About one worker out of nine is represented by a union nationwide In Washington, that number is close to one worker out of five. In Idaho, it's closer to one worker out of 20. This from the latest figures on union membership from the U.S.…
For those who've about had it with Lance Armstrong, a look at mea culpas past courtesy of Slate Magazine.
The Spokesman-Review's political team keeps a critical eye on local, state and national politics.
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