Legislature honors Elson Floyd
OLYMPIA -- Legislators lauded late Washington State University President Elson Floyd as a leader who made WSU a winner and higher education accessible to students around the state.
Spin Control archive for Jan. 1, 2015
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015
Senate panel to look at new budget plans
OLYMPIA -- The Senate Ways and Means Committee will hold hearings on some of the latest iterations of a budget plan this afternoon, including one that would stave off a shutdown for a month. It would extend the current budget through July, with only a few additions like the money to pay for debt service and $14 million for drought.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015
Bill making 4th DUI a felony again passes Senate 5
OLYMPIA -- Drivers caught for a fourth DUI would face a felony under bill Senate approved again.
Average state wage near $55,000 1
OLYMPIA -- The average state wage went up in 2014, and is now $54,829, the Employment Security Department said today.
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2015
Campaign to name new Med School for Elson Floyd
A Facebook campaign calls for naming the new Washington State University medical school in Spokane for Elson Floyd, the late WSU president.
Home builders endorse Condon and Stuckart
The Spokane Home Builders Association, a generally right-leaning organization, has endorsed Spokane Mayor David Condon and Council President Ben Stuckart for re-election, citing the need for "sustained leadership."
O'Quinn frustrated by French's explanation on Mielke snub 1
Shelly O'Quinn said Tuesday she was frustrated by statements made by fellow Commissioner Al French following his decision not to support the CEO candidacy of Al French.
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015
House Dems budget: No new taxes; $356 million in 'loophole' closures 2
OLYMPIA -- House Democrats released their "no new taxes" operating budget this morning that includes cost-of-living raises for teachers and state workers, a college tuition freeze and some class-size reductions. They also want an extra $356 million from closing some tax preferences and exemptions to pay for programs outside that "base budget."
2nd Spec Sess Day 25: House D's to unveil new budget
OLYMPIA -- House Democrats will unveil a new budget proposal and some legislation that goes with it at 11:30 a.m. today, then hold an Appropriations Committee hearing at 3 p.m.
SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2015
Sunday Spin: There oughta be a law...and there is, but
OLYMPIA – The old saying that there’s never a cop around when you need one is particularly true right now in the Capitol, where the Legislature is violating the state budget law and no one is available to make an arrest.
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2015
Inslee, Lege leaders say they're closer on budget deal
OLYMPIA -- Good news: Legislative leaders are closer to reaching key agreements on the 2015-17 state budget. Not so good news: They don't actually agree on just how close.
2nd Spec Sess Day 22: Deuces wild but don't get your hopes up
OLYMPIA -- On the morning of the 22nd day of the second special session, Gov. Jay Inslee and legislative leaders are holding back-to-back-to-back press conferences. But don't hold your breath for huge news.
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015
Partial shutdown plans readied in case budget talks fail
OLYMPIA – State officials insist the Legislature will pass a budget by June 30 and avoid a partial government shutdown. But it might not do it before next Tuesday, when labor contracts require they notify tens of thousands of state employees of potential temporary layoffs.
Former Rep. Fagan agrees to Ethics settlement 1
OLYMPIA -- Former Rep. Susan Fagan settled a complaint with the Legislative Ethics Board that she was improperly reimbursed for political and personal expenses. Fagan, who resigned in April when the ethics investigation was revealed, agreed to reimburse the state some $800 and pay more than $4,700 in investigation costs as part of the settlement
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015
State braces for cuts at largest base
OLYMPIA – State officials are preparing to blunt the effects of losing as many as 11,000 Army jobs from a possible reduction at the state’s largest military base.
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2015
Decision on new casino in Inslee's lap
Opponents of a new West Plains casino began a full-court press to block the plan, but the Spokane Tribal Council Chairman said their objections about a threat to Fairchild have already been addressed.
Today's fun video: Dolezal story hits Comedy Central 1
Rachel Dolezal and Spokane were front and center last night on The Daily Show and The Nightly Show.
Here's what Interior Dept. said about Spokane Tribal casino
Wonder what the Interior Department told Gov. Jay Inslee about the Spokane Tribe's proposal for a casino, hotel and retail project on the West Plains? The link's inside.
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2015
State board denies early release for GU law student's killer 1
OLYMPIA – A self-described gang “wannabe” who killed a Gonzaga Law School student during a 1992 robbery does not deserve early release from prison, a state board ruled Monday.
2nd Spec Sess Day 18: Morning budget meeting doesn't last long
OLYMPIA -- The morning budget meeting between legislative leaders and Gov. Jay Inslee lasted about 10 minutes, and participants had little to say as the exited. Countdown to end of 2nd special session: 12 Days. Countdown to end of fiscal year: 15 days. Countdown to partial gov't shutdown: 16 days.
SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2015
Sunday Spin: Answers to budget questions you're dying to ask
On Day 105 of the legislative session, we offer a Q and A on the budget.
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015
It's been a big year for racial identity issues in Spokane
Rachel Dolezal, the embattled head of the Spokane NAACP, accepted an award on behalf of the organization in late April as part of the first Spokane Citizen Hall of Fame. The honoree was originally billed as the city's first black city councilman -- until his descendants came forward to say he was actually white.
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2015
2nd Spec Sess Day 14: Press conferences, a hearing and a protest
OLYMPIA -- A bipartisan House group talks about its student assessment bill. A bipartisan Senate group talks about its school levy reform bill. A labor group plans a protest on the Capitol Campus. Possibly the most activity of the second special session. But will it generate results?
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2015
2nd Spec Sess Day 13: Inslee saying 'as little as I can' on budget
OLYMPIA -- It seems as though the Cone of Silence descended over budget negotiations Wednesday. Gov. Jay Inslee deflected most questions about progress in talks to break a legislative stalemate over the 2015-17 operating budget.
Prepping for wildfire season
OLYMPIA -- With a warning that Washington may be in for another difficult wildfire season, Gov. Jay Inslee and Lands Commissioner Peter Goldmark did their annual exercise to emphasize fire safety and preparedness.
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