Inslee proposes $70 billion biennium budget with new 1% tax increase for wealthy

OLYMPIA—Governor Jay Inslee held a press conference on Tuesday, December 17, addressing his proposed $69.8 billion 2025-2027 biennium state budget in what very well might be the last press conference he ever holds as Governor.  “I want to express pride in Washington today and this announcement we’re making today. I was so in love with […]

Alderwood Water District seeks applicants to fill vacancy on its Board of Commissioners

LYNNWOOD—The Alderwood Water & Wastewater District (AWWD) is seeking qualified applicants to fill a vacancy on its Board of Commissioners. This position represents an exciting opportunity to serve the community and provide oversight for one of the State’s largest special purpose water and wastewater district. This vacancy will fill a role created by the retirement […]

Public invited to 2024 Annual Homeless Memorial Vigil 

SNOHOMISH COUNTY—The Snohomish County Veterans Homelessness Committee invites the community to join them at the 2024 Annual Homeless Memorial Vigil to honor and remember those who have tragically lost their lives while experiencing homelessness, with an emphasis on veterans. This poignant event will take place on Friday, December 20, at the outdoor amphitheater on the […]

Snohomish County’s Giant Menorah Lighting celebration for December 29

LYNNWOOD—It is important to highlight and celebrate light and freedom in a world so often plagued with tragedy and hate. Chabad Jewish Center of Snohomish County therefore invites you to celebrate the Festival of Lights with the 13th annual Giant Menorah Lighting & Celebration, celebrating the light and joy of our shared freedoms and the immeasurable value […]

State Superintendent supports ending the sale of flavored tobacco products in Washington

OLYMPIA—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal announced on Monday his support of state legislation that would end the sale of all flavored tobacco products in Washington. Reykdal is the most prominent elected official thus far to announce support for the effort that will be introduced during the 2025 legislative session, which begins in January. […]

Reader Opinion: Dave Somers wants the Sound Transit gavel back

Joe A. Kunzler, aka Mr. Go Sound Transit, has a few thoughts on Dave Somers being the current only applicant for Sound Transit Board Chair.  One can watch the Sound Transit Executive Committee deliberate here – if you can call it deliberation. Kunzler says firmly, “Frankly, 2017 is calling and the Sound Transit community needs to please […]

Auditions now open to join Seattle Men’s Chorus

SEATTLE—Seattle Men’s Chorus is once again opening its doors to new chorus members with auditions on Monday, January 6 from 6–9:30 p.m., and Saturday, January 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All participants are required to register online before auditioning. The Seattle Men’s Chorus is among the largest — and longest-running — LGBTQ-identified choruses […]

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, […]

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 […]

‘Friday the 13th’ budget protest: County Exec will not sign Council-adopted budget

EVERETT—In a surprising use of his authority, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, known for his reserved and sagacious leadership, announced late Friday afternoon that he will not sign the $3.22 billion 2025-26 biennium Council-adopted budget. “Since receiving the budget from the County Council on November 27, my team and I have been carefully reviewing what […]