Dispute over tax vote holding up talks for Washington's 2017-19 budget
Argument over the conditions for the start of serious budget negotiations makes a special session increasingly likely.
Spin Control archive for Jan. 1, 2017
THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017
It's Tartan Day at the Washington state Capitol
Bagpipers from the Olympia Highlanders tune up before a performance at the Capitol for Tartan Day.
100 years ago: U.S. went to war with Germany
Statue of Winged Victory honors the men and women from Washington who died during World War I.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017
Elway Poll: Trump style gets low marks in Washington
More than half of Washington voters surveyed recently say they disapprove of President Donald Trump's leadership style.
TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2017
Senate, House seek to block unauthorized use of internet customer info
Washington could try to block a federal effort to allow internet providers to sell customer data.
House committee passes tax package
The House Finance Committee approved the Democrats' $3.5 billion tax package on a party-line vote.
Cherry trees have blossomed and brightened up the Capitol 1
Flowering cherry trees are a popular and colorful -- albeit unplanned -- addition to the Capitol Grounds.
MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017
Coming Monday: Live from Olympia
Check out the Olympia update on The Spokesman-Review's Facebook page at noon Monday.
SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017
Sunday Spin: Counting coup in losing fight over budget
The outcome of budget votes is rarely in doubt, but that doesn’t stop the political maneuvering.
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
Washington Senate votes to end wholesale auto dealer licenses over concerns about illegal activity
A special type of auto dealers license that state officials say can be used for illegal activity would be phased out by mid 2019 under a bill that passed the Legislature Thursday.
House panel votes to lift Washington's 1 percent property tax lid
City and county governments would be able to approve larger increases in property taxes without asking voters’ permission, under a bill approved by the House committee that oversees tax policy.
Congressional Zags bet: Wine v BBQ sauce
Cathy McMorris Rodgers puts up a bottle of merlot against a jar of BBQ sauce in a bet over the Zags' Final Four game Saturday.
Should Washington raise age for cigarettes, vape products to 21? House tax panel votes yes
People in Washington would have to be at least 21 to buy tobacco smoking or vapor products under a bill approved Thursday by a key House committee. Most vaping products would be taxed at the same rate as cigarettes under a separate bill.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017
Washington transportation budgets have about $125 million for Spokane projects
Roads, bridges and transit projects around Spokane County would get about $125 million from state taxpayers over the next two years under similar transportation budgets making their way through the Legislature.
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 2017
Washington lawmakers continue search for way to revise water laws
Legislature continues efforts to revise state water laws in wake Supreme Court's Hirst decision.
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017
Long days and late nights surround Washington Senate budget plan
The Legislature is in the throes of its budget fortnight, when much energy is expended and many pronouncements are made on something everyone knows will change. It is a time of high drama, but even higher dudgeon.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017
Herein lies the rub
Massage therapists offer free massages at the Capitol to highlight their skills.
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 2017
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 2017
Car tab taxes in Seattle go through the roof, some Washington lawmakers follow
High car tab taxes for Sound Transit generate heat in Seattle, search for relief by some legislators.
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017
Washington Legislature could saw "branch" off WSU-Spokane campus designation
WSU-Spokane would cease being a branch campus under a bill being considered by the Senate.
More money coming in for Washington's budget, economist says
Washington tax revenues higher than expected, but question remains on whether they'll cover everything the state needs in its budget.
More on that 911 sales tax, and where your sales taxes go
A reader asked for a more thorough explanation of the 911 tax, referenced in a story in Thursday's newspaper.
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 2017
Plan to split the naming of U.S. 395 through Eastern Washington
Plan to name U.S. 395 takes a new turn.
SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 2017
Passage of levy cliff bill doesn't mean Legislature will finish on time
Yes, the Legislature passed a bill to delay a cut in school funding in a day last week, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll finish their work on time.
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017
Levy cliff extension for Washington school districts headed to Inslee
At the two-month mark, Legislature passes extension of levy cliff and readies it for governor's signature.
The Spokesman-Review's political team keeps a critical eye on local, state and national politics.
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