Making sense of Washington state’s multi-billion-dollar budget hole
OLYMPIA (The Washington Standard)—Washington state’s budget is, to put it nicely, in a world of hurt. There’s a big gap between what the state is collecting in taxes and what it needs to pay for its commitments in education, human services, health care, corrections and other day-to-day government operations. On paper, the chasm is billions […]
Snohomish County state lawmakers talk 2025 legislative priorities
EVERETT—Under the theme “One County, One Voice,” Representative Mary Fosse (D-Everett) moderated a bipartisan forum hosted by the Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) on December 5 at Elks Lodge in Everett where panelists discussed housing affordability, behavioral health, childcare, economic development and labor force, transportation, infrastructure, and public safety. With Washington state facing a projected […]
Senate Democrats set new leadership, committee membership of 2025 session
OLYMPIA—The Senate Democratic Caucus voted Thursday, November 21, to confirm committee leadership and membership positions for the 2025 legislative session. The 2025 session will bring eight new members to the Senate Democratic Caucus. Seven senators decided to retire or run for another office following the 2024 legislative session, and Democrats added a 30th member — […]
Pedersen elected new WA State Senate Majority Leader
TUKWILA—Senator Jamie Pedersen (D-Seattle) will be the new Senate Majority Leader in the Washington State Senate, following a vote among Senate Democrats on Monday, November 11. Pedersen will take over immediately as Sen. Andy Billig (D-Spokane) prepares to retire after 14 years of service in the Legislature, including six years (2018-2024) as leader of the […]
Marysville first city in Washington to re-criminalize drug possession
By Mario Lotmore | Lynnwood Times Staff Marysville, Wash., – March 13, 2021 – On February 25, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled in the case of State v. Blake, No. 96873-0, that RCW 69.50.4013(1) – the statute that criminalized the possession of a controlled substance without a prescription – exceeds the state’s police power […]
