Laurel Demkovich

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News >  WA Government

The 2022 Legislature starts this week. Here’s what to look out for in the 60-day session:

Sun., Jan. 9, 2022

The session is expected to bring discussions on big issues, such as police reform, climate change and the controversial long-term care tax. 

News >  Health

‘We’re at our breaking point’: Washington physicians ask state to ease burden on slammed facilities

UPDATED: Thu., Jan. 6, 2022

Health care providers and emergency room physicians are asking the state to help ease the stress felt in emergency departments statewide.

News >  WA Government

One year after Jan. 6 riots, Inslee proposes making false claims about election results a crime

UPDATED: Thu., Jan. 6, 2022

During an Associated Press legislative preview Thursday, Inslee expressed his frustration with those who "continue to sow doubt on our electoral process."

News >  Health

Washington to expand at-home testing, provide free masks as omicron spreads

UPDATED: Wed., Jan. 5, 2022

Inslee did not announce any restrictions or closures and said he would do everything he can to keep schools open.

News >  WA Government

Washington Legislature goes virtual for second year amid omicron spike

UPDATED: Wed., Jan. 5, 2022

The state House and Senate have both modified their plans for the 60-day session set to start Monday.

News >  WA Government

Plastic silverware, capital gains tax and more: Here’s a look at Washington laws going into effect next year

Mon., Dec. 27, 2021

Most laws go into effect as soon as they are signed or 90 days after the end of last session, but some begin implementation on Saturday.

News >  WA Government

Climate still top of mind for legislators this upcoming session

Sun., Dec. 26, 2021

When the upcoming 60-day session begins Jan. 10, lawmakers plan to continue work on bills that passed last session and other new bills to fight the changing climate.

News >  WA Government

We the People: Almost 9 years after first elected, Inslee reflects on his focus for third term – the COVID-19 pandemic

UPDATED: Fri., Feb. 11, 2022

Inslee took office as governor in January 2013 becoming the fifth Democrat in a row to hold the position.

News >  Idaho

Idaho leads country in population growth rate for fifth year in a row

Sat., Dec. 25, 2021

The state has led the country in population growth for the fifth year in a row.

News >  WA Government

Lawmakers delay collection of long-term care tax

UPDATED: Fri., Dec. 17, 2021

Gov. Jay Inslee, along with Democratic leaders in the House and Senate, decided to pause collection of the tax from employers to give legislators a chance to fix issues with the program that has received much criticism in recent months.

News >  WA Government

Inslee unveils ‘unusually large’ $62 billion supplemental budget proposal

Fri., Dec. 17, 2021

It invests new money into housing, climate change, salmon recovery and transportation.

News >  WA Government

Inslee announces ‘biggest, boldest’ legislative package to address homelessness

UPDATED: Wed., Dec. 15, 2021

The plan would spend about $800 million to assist tenants and landlords, build more affordable housing, expand behavioral health services and help transition people into permanent housing.

News >  WA Government

Lawsuit looks to void redistricting commission’s work, claiming it violated open meeting laws

Wed., Dec. 15, 2021

The commission's final meeting before the Nov. 15 deadline was done mostly in secret, having only been in front of the public for about 31 minutes, according to the lawsuit.

News >  WA Government

‘There is no more time when it comes to salmon’: Inslee announces proposed investments for species recovery

Wed., Dec. 15, 2021

His proposed budget includes a continued effort to study replacing the benefits of the lower Snake River Dams, if the federal government decides to remove them. 

News >  WA Government

Inslee proposes electric vehicle rebates, cleaner buildings in new climate proposals

Tue., Dec. 14, 2021

The package also includes plans to create cleaner buildings throughout the state, increase tribal consultation for climate policies and form a climate office to support the state's commitment to fighting climate change.

News >  Health

First U.S. omicron cases mostly mild but much still unknown about its transmission, new CDC study finds

Sat., Dec. 11, 2021

Of the 43 COVID cases of omicron in the U.S. that were studied, only one required hospitalization, and no deaths were reported. Most people infected said they only experienced a cough, fatigue and a runny nose.

News >  WA Government

‘We’re still here’: Border restrictions eased for short-term crossings, offering hope, but slow restart for businesses near Canada

UPDATED: Mon., Dec. 13, 2021

Canada dropped the testing requirement last week for travelers crossing back into the country within 72 hours of leaving it. 

News >  WA Government

Washington Supreme Court declines to redraw redistricting maps

UPDATED: Sat., Dec. 4, 2021

In an order signed by all nine justices Friday, the court said the commission did meet its statutory deadline by voting on the actual maps just before midnight.

News >  Health

Inslee: Washington increasing access to boosters, vaccines ahead of omicron

Fri., Dec. 3, 2021

Inslee said the state saw a 75% increase in the number of people using the Department of Health vaccine locator in the last three days. But he warns it may take some time for everyone to get their dose. 

News >  WA Government

Washington’s long-term care tax could be delayed after Inslee shows support for bill tweaks

UPDATED: Thu., Dec. 2, 2021

Inslee told reporters he does not have the authority to make an emergency declaration to delay it, but he could work with lawmakers to come up with a pause. 

News >  Health

The Supreme Court may overturn Roe v. Wade. Here’s what that could look like in the Inland Northwest

Thu., Dec. 2, 2021

The Court heard oral arguments Wednesday on the case, and conservatives on the court — who currently hold a 6-3 majority — indicated they would likely uphold the Mississippi law. It could signal the biggest shift in abortion rights since Roe v. Wade in 1973.

News >  Health

Rising COVID-19 cases pause jury trials in North Idaho

UPDATED: Wed., Dec. 1, 2021

Trials in the Panhandle Health District, which includes Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, are suspended for the week of Dec. 6.

News >  Health

As opposition grows, Washington’s long-term care tax to see fixes in Legislature this session

Mon., Nov. 29, 2021

The program requires workers to pay 0.58% of their wages into the fund beginning Jan. 1. But concerns, particularly from those who work in Washington but live elsewhere, may force the Legislature to make changes this session. 

News >  WA Government

Spokane-area lawmakers join lawsuit against Democratic House leaders for requiring vaccination in state capitol chamber

UPDATED: Tue., Nov. 23, 2021

Unvaccinated members who wish to be in their on-campus offices during the session must receive a negative test three days a week. 

News >  WA Government

Steve Hobbs sworn in as Secretary of State as Kim Wyman departs for BIden administration

UPDATED: Mon., Nov. 22, 2021

Former state Sen. Steve Hobbs is officially Washington's 16th secretary of state.