Lawmaker proposes reallocating sales taxes for transportation budget

OLYMPIA (The Center Square)—Washington lawmaker, Senator Curtis King, R-Yakima, wants to shore up the state’s transportation budget by gradually increasing the proportion of sales taxes on vehicles currently dedicated to the general fund to be reallocated to the transportation budget over a six-year period. Proposed Senate Bill 5026 for the 2025 session offered by Senator King, […]
US Supreme Court denies request by Republican Latino voters to pause the Lasnik redistricting map

Washinton, D.C.—An emergency application for an injunction to the adoption of an alleged gerrymandered court-approved redistricting map ordered by Judge Robert Lasnik of the District Court of Western Washington, was denied on Monday, April 2, by United States Supreme Court Justices whom Justice Elena Kagan, assigned to the Ninth Circuit Court, referred the matter. As […]
Republicans fighting for Latino representation as WA state redistricting dispute heads to US Supreme Court

SEATTLE—On Friday, March 22, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denied the request to stay (put on hold) the adoption of a redistricting map ordered by Judge Robert Lasnik, of the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, on March 15. The matter now heads to the United States Supreme Court where Justice […]
Clinton-appointed judge redistricts out Washington Republican lawmakers

SEATTLE—Judge Robert Lasnik, of the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, ordered the adoption of a redistricting map that impacts the boundaries of 13 legislative districts—12 Republican and 1 Democratic—and which redistricts out several Republican and no Democratic lawmakers ahead of 2024 General Election. Judge Lasnik’s decision stems from a January […]
Legislators united in bipartisan effort for safer commutes on roadways

OLYMPIA, Wash., February 1, 2023—Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle joined Governor Jay Inslee to say they are backing a package of new laws aimed at safer roads by protecting workers, pedestrians and commuters. New bills would include reducing the blood alcohol concentration limit for operating a vehicle when driving, imposing more restrictions on […]
Washington Legislature hears proposed pay-per-mile tax

By Erin Freeman | Lynnwood Times Staff Olympia, Wash., – In its 2021 session, the Washington state legislature’s Senate Transportation Committee received a hearing on February 18 proposing a mileage-based tax on electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The pay-per-mile proposal introduced by state Senator Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle) aims at initiating a shift in how the state pays […]
Senators balance transportation budget despite $450M shortfall caused by I-976

By Cameron Sheppard | WNPA News Service Senators say they did things they would not normally do to make ends meet Lawmakers warn that new revenue streams will be necessary for future sustainability Facing a shortfall of $450 million, lawmakers this week patched together a budget to fund highway maintenance, the Washington State Patrol and […]