state budget

A special session of the Washington Legislature in June? Don’t bet on it, but don’t rule it out

By • May 20, 2020
Tom Banse / Northwest News Network

As Washington Gov. Jay Inslee exerts his emergency powers to battle COVID-19, behind the scenes legislative leaders are exploring the idea of a special session of the Legislature, perhaps as early as next month. 

“We are very much deeply in the weeds on trying to figure that out and I think in the next week or two we should have some more clarity,” said Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig, a Spokane Democrat.

Inslee vetoes $235M in new spending as COVID-19 fiscal cliff looms

By • Apr 3, 2020
Courtesy: Office of Gov. Jay Inslee

In anticipation of state revenues cratering because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Friday vetoed more than $200 million of new spending from the supplemental budget passed by state lawmakers last month.

Among the bigger ticket items Inslee eliminated was more than $100 million to hire 370 more school guidance counselors statewide and $35 million for para-educator training.

WA lawmakers pass $52.4B budget, raise taxes, approve affirmative action and adjourn

By • Apr 29, 2019
WSDOT / TINYURL.COM/YDDSPL8B

Washington lawmakers adjourned at midnight Sunday after majority Democrats approved an initiative to restore affirmative action and passed a $52.4 billion, two-year state operating budget. The budget relies on an array of tax increases, including on businesses and real estate transactions, but doesn't impose a new capital gains tax as had been proposed. 

Washington Senate Democrats propose capital gains tax, but admit they may not have the votes

By • Mar 29, 2019
Austin Jenkins / Northwest News Network

Washington Senate Democrats on Friday proposed a capital gains tax that would fund a suite of tax reductions for low-income families, small businesses and senior citizen homeowners. The tax proposal was rolled out in conjunction with the Senate Democrats' unveiling of a $52 billion two-year state spending plan, which followed a House Democratic budget presentation earlier in the week. 

Gov. Inslee proposes big boost in state spending, new taxes over next two years

By • Dec 13, 2018
Austin Jenkins / Northwest News Network

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is proposing a hefty $10 billion increase in state spending over the next two years to maintain current services and fund new priorities, including mental health and orca recovery. To pay for his budget, the two-term Democrat is once again pushing for a new state capital gains tax on high income earners as well as an increase in the business and occupation tax on professional services.

New report sounds alarm over state of Washington's foster care system

By • Nov 27, 2018
Flickr Photo/Rich Uchytil (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)/https://bit.ly/2KEV8gw

Washington's child welfare system is failing to adequately serve foster youth with the most vexing needs, resulting in hotel stays and out-of-state placements, according to a new report by the state's Office of the Family and Children's Ombudsman (OFCO).

'A necessary precaution.' Washington's blind lieutenant governor wants security at public events

By • Nov 19, 2018
Jeanie Lindsay / Northwest News Network

Washington Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib, who is blind and has faced vitriol online, is requesting funding in the next two-year state budget to hire security when he attends large, public events. The request is contained in an agency "decision package" submitted by Habib's office to the Office of Financial Management as part of the lead-up to the budget writing process.