WA Government

WASHINGTON – At the end of a dramatic night on the House floor, Republicans on Tuesday narrowly passed a framework for massive cuts to taxes and spending that would likely reduce funding to Medicaid, raising loud objections from Democrats who universally opposed the measure.

Democratic lawmakers are highlighting a plan to balance Washington’s budget with no tax increases, arguing that deep cuts will harm Washingtonians served by state programs, including in health care and higher education.

WASHINGTON – An email arrived in the inboxes of workers at Spokane’s Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center and employees across the federal government on Saturday afternoon with a seemingly simple request from the Office of Personnel Management.

The Washington Legislature is again considering a proposal that would allow jurisdictions to shift local elections to even years, an idea that proponents say will boost low voter turnout.

COULEE DAM – Rumors are swirling in the towns around the country’s largest hydroelectric dam that employees are being quietly laid off amid the recent slashing of the federal workforce.

OLYMPIA – Gov. Bob Ferguson canceled his trip to a meeting of the nation’s governors in Washington, D.C. this week as work continues to identify cuts to the state’s budget.

Republican legislators have unveiled a slate of bills to increase the state’s housing supply.

A push by Democratic state senators for greater scrutiny of those circulating and signing initiative petitions advanced in the Washington Legislature on Tuesday over the objections of Republicans and the secretary of state.

OLYMPIA – Washington lawmakers are considering a proposal that would allow people to sue cities and counties that restrict camping in public places.

SEATTLE – More than a dozen Department of Energy workers were fired this month at a central Washington nuclear cleanup site, with at least 30 more federal workers taking buyouts, the latest in President Donald Trump’s and “special government employee” Elon Musk’s quest to slash the federal workforce.

WASHINGTON – Less than a month into their new administration, President Donald Trump and his billionaire deputy Elon Musk have unleashed a dizzying set of policy changes by fiat, flexing the power of the executive branch and in some cases steamrolling the legislative branch with virtually no public pushback from Republicans in Congress.

A second federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump’s order aimed at stopping medical institutions from providing gender-affirming care to those under 19 years old.

The Washington Supreme Court has ruled Seattle police officers who attended the Jan. 6, 2021, rally and protests at the U.S. Capitol should be identified in court papers and have not shown that the release of their names through public disclosure will violate their right to privacy.

OLYMPIA – Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson vowed Thursday that he would continue to work with the second Trump administration when priorities align. He said, however, that the president is “showing very little inclination in working with states who do not agree with his worldview.”

WASHINGTON – Senate Republicans on Thursday confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services over the loud objections of Democrats, including both of Washington state’s senators.