Jay Inslee
Why expanding WA’s carbon market could deliver savings for consumers
If Washington links its carbon market with the ones in California and Quebec, businesses would spend less to comply with the state’s tough emission reduction rules and could pass those savings onto consumers, according to a new analysis. Being part of a larger market should result in companies covered by Washington’s climate law paying lower […]
New state budget forecast offers $1B worth of good news for Washington leaders
Lawmakers will have nearly $1 billion more to spend in the current budget, according to the latest analysis from the state’s chief economist. A new forecast released Tuesday projects state revenues will reach $66.7 billion for the two-year budget cycle that began July 1, an increase of $663 million from what chief economist Steve Lerch […]
Judge upholds Washington’s $17B transportation package
An effort to derail a sweeping state transportation package failed Friday, with a Thurston County judge upholding the law. But opponents hinted that the legal fight may not be over. They’d sued asserting the legislation contains multiple unrelated topics in violation of a state constitutional requirement that bills cover no more than one subject. Thurston […]
As paid family leave claims rise in Washington, the wait for benefits gets longer
Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program wants to hire 49 more employees to deal with steadily rising demand that has some people waiting over a month to receive benefits. The state Employment Security Department asked for authority to hire the workers in a 2024 supplemental budget request submitted to Gov. Jay Inslee earlier this […]
Out of the smokestack, into the state budget
SEATTLE – As millions more in state revenue rolls in from Washington’s marquee policy to combat climate change, discussions are heating up over what to do with the windfall. The cap-and-trade program has brought in $1.3 billion so far. At this pace, the state will have a billion more than expected by next year. On […]
Governor Inslee orders Cal Anderson tree memorial restored
Gov. Jay Inslee wants the memorial to trailblazing lawmaker Cal Anderson restored on the Capitol Campus this week. The governor on Wednesday ordered the Department of Enterprise Services to “immediately replant a tree along Cherry Lane and ensure the continued care of the memorial site,” Jaime Smith, Inslee’s executive director of communications, wrote in an […]
Members of Congress press Inslee on plan to shift dollars away from drug task forces
A bipartisan group of Washington’s congressional delegation has told Gov. Jay Inslee that the state’s plan to divert a sliver of federal funding away from regional crime-fighting and anti-drug task forces “could prove disastrous for Washington.” Democratic Rep. Rick Larsen of Everett sent a letter to the governor earlier this month seeking answers on how […]
State ferry system may face budget gap even with fare hike
A pending price hike for Washington State Ferries travelers may not bring in enough money to cover the agency’s operating expenses, raising the possibility of further fare increases next year. The Washington State Transportation Commission is on course to boost fares for vehicles and walk-on passengers by 4.25% on Oct. 1 and another 4.25% on […]
Pipeline that Inslee blames for gas price spike has been open for nearly a month
Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday repeatedly blamed the closure of a major fuel pipeline in western Washington for driving the state’s gasoline prices to the highest in the nation. But the pipeline isn’t shut down and hasn’t been since late June, refueling debate over how much of the recent surge at the pump is a […]
AG Ferguson makes his case to be Washington’s next governor
SEATAC, Wash. – Democratic Attorney General Bob Ferguson on Tuesday made his opening argument to be Washington’s next governor, vowing to “change the culture of state government” and ensure “our decisions as a state are not dictated by powerful special interests in back rooms.” “I want to make sure every Washingtonian gets a fair shake […]
High gas prices fuel talk of anti-gouging measures, cap-and-trade tweaks
With an average price of around $4.95 for a gallon of regular unleaded – the highest anywhere in the country – gas in Washington is expensive. That’s not in dispute. But when it comes to the reasons for the spike, what to do about it, and how much the state’s new cap-and-trade program is to […]
Reichert’s bid adds an early twist to the 2024 governor’s race
The emergence of a politically experienced Republican candidate is reshaping the contours of next year’s race for governor. Dave Reichert, who served seven terms in Congress after a stint as King County sheriff, registered a political committee on June 30, clearing the way for him to raise money for a campaign. On Friday morning, King […]