Senate committee passes education funding bill with different deadline than House version
…frustrated with the implication that there’s been no commitment to education funding. “I think $4.5 billion is commitment,” Rivers said. “As we move forward we cant forget where we came…
Washington Senate imposes two-thirds approval rule for tax increases
…approval — to pass tax increases. 1185 passed in every county. It was similar to previous initiatives, including Initiative 1053 which also passed by 64 percent in 2010.* “The two-thirds…
Governor Inslee proposes new teacher pay raises paid for by closing tax breaks
…be considered when the 2016 legislature convenes for a 60-day session starting January 11th. To read the supplemental budget proposal and highlights: http://www.ofm.wa.gov/budget16/highlights/default.asp Watch the Governor’s news conference here: http://hosted.invintusmedia.com/?clientID=9375922947&eventID=2015120001…
Senate passes transportation package following decision on two-thirds rule
…miles,” said Sen. Tim Sheldon. But Sen. Brian Dansel, R-Republic, said it will hurt drivers in rural districts. “It might not seem like a lot, but an extra 12 cents…
Sunshine Week
…of News Editors (now the News Leaders Association), Sunshine Week is an initiative to promote open government and celebrate access to public information. This year, Sunshine Week is being celebrated March 14-20. To mark Sunshine Week, TVW…
Republican Senators Freedom Caucus News Conference
Republican State Sens. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, and Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, hold a virtual news conference to announce formation of the Freedom Caucus, focused on lower taxes,…
The Impact – State Supt. Talks Test Scores, Timber, and New K-12 Programs
…every student, making school food programs free to all students, and the drop in standardized test scores. Watch the interview here: https://tvw.org/video/the-impact-wa-superintendent-of-schools-chris-reykdal-2022091123/ Listen to the podcast on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Fx1SYCnYjFke2cDjqKijn…
Ethics board votes to limit free meals for legislators
…buffet-style events where attendance is related to the legislator’s official duties. Read the draft rule here. The new rule goes into effect Jan. 1, 2015. Watch today’s hearing at this…
Hundreds of bills passed by Legislature set to take effect this week
…Senate Bill 5318 waives the one-year waiting period for veterans, military members and their families. Homeless fees: A $40 document recording fee that people pay during real estate transactions, such…
Abortion insurance bill passes state House
…right to exercise our religious conscience,” Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, said. While a version of the bill has narrowly passed the state House every year, it has never made it…
House passes ban on aversion therapy on minors; bill heads back to Senate
…said. However, he says the amended version of the bill interferes with the counselor-patient relationship. “We don’t need the state getting involved directly in that,” he said. The bill passed…
Medical marijuana bill passes both chambers, heads to governor for signature
…previous, voter-approved system. He also voted no. “All of a sudden they’re going to be criminals,” Dansel said. “I think we’re not getting this right. We’re going after the wrong…
