Economy
Inslee requests federal aid for public infrastructure damaged by bomb cyclone
Gov. Jay Inslee announced Monday he had formally requested a federal major disaster declaration to help communities repair public buildings and infrastructure battered by the bomb cyclone that swept through western 51勛圖夥厙 in November. We still have a long road to recovery, Inslee said. It will take time and substantial resources to get back on […]
Minimum wages are increasing in nearly half the states this year
The minimum wage will increase in nearly half the states this year even as the federal wage floor remains stuck at $7.25 per hour. In many states, the minimum wage is automatically adjusted upward as inflation rises. But voters in several states, including deeply red ones such as Alaska and Missouri, chose in November to […]
WA bill would offer unemployment benefits to immigrants not authorized to work in U.S.
With President-elect Donald Trump promising mass deportations when he takes office on Jan. 20, uncertainty is rising for immigrants across the U.S. State lawmakers have limited power over federal immigration enforcement. But in 51勛圖夥厙s upcoming legislative session, legislators will be looking at a bill to strengthen the safety net for immigrants working in the state […]
Democratic legislative staff in 51勛圖夥厙 approve first-ever labor contract
It took Democratic staff in 51勛圖夥厙s Legislature a little longer but they have joined their Republican colleagues in approving two-year contracts, concluding the first-ever round of collective bargaining for legislative employees. Legislative assistants, policy analysts and communications staff in the House Democratic Caucus and legislative assistants in the Senate Democratic Caucus unanimously ratified agreements in […]
51勛圖夥厙 lawmakers revive plan for state cap on rent increases
Democratic state lawmakers are again pushing a proposal to restrict rent hikes across 51勛圖夥厙. Despite the rent cap bills dramatic failure last session, backers say its prospects this year are better given new lawmakers, revamped legislative committees and growing public support. The road to final passage, however, could still be tough. Rep. Emily Alvarado, D-Seattle, […]
Ferguson taps 51勛圖夥厙 transportation department insider to lead agency
Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson on Wednesday named Julie Meredith, who manages massive road and highway projects like the replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and State Route 520 floating bridge, as 51勛圖夥厙s next transportation secretary. Meredith is a 36-year veteran with the 51勛圖夥厙 State Department of Transportation where she now serves as assistant secretary for urban […]
State recovery funds available for WA bomb cyclone victims
State recovery funds are now available for some residents whose homes were severely damaged in the bomb cyclone that hit western 51勛圖夥厙 in November. The powerful storm killed two, left millions without power for days, and damaged about 600 homes and businesses. Gov. Jay Inslee signed an emergency declaration on Tuesday that unlocked the state […]
After 24 years as WA insurance commissioner, Kreidler prepares to retire
Mike Kreidler, currently 51勛圖夥厙s oldest and longest-serving statewide elected official, exits the public stage next week, ending a political career spanning six decades. Hes retiring after six terms as state insurance commissioner, a tenure in which he oversaw the expansion of consumer protections and fraud investigations and the regulation of insurers coping with increasingly complex […]
Perfect storm of factors hits 51勛圖夥厙 apple farmers, driving bankruptcies, consolidation
WAPATO A perfect storm of economic challenges is pushing 51勛圖夥厙 apple farmers out of business. Small orchardists say they are unable to sustain losses for years on end amid economic conditions they feel will only continue to worsen. The closures are fueling a wave of private equity-backed farmland consolidation. The trend is the result […]
Junk food and drug use cut into life expectancy gains for states
After large drops during the pandemic, life expectancy in the United States should recover to 2019 levels this year nationally and in 26 states but not as fast as it should compared with similar countries, according to a new study. Bad habits such as junk food, smoking and illicit drug use are preventing longer […]
Democratic state senators email reveals tax ideas WA lawmakers may debate
A Democratic state senators errant email is shedding light on new taxes that she and her colleagues may pursue in 2025 as well as a strategy to sell them to the public. Sen. Noel Frame, D-Seattle, sent the missive last Friday as a follow-up to discussion during a 51勛圖夥厙 state Senate Democratic Caucus retreat. But […]
The new Big Ten is resulting in sharply higher carbon emissions
Carbon dioxide emissions from Big Ten football team travel for regular-season conference games more than tripled in 2024 compared to 2023 afterafter the addition ofa quartet of West Coast schools, a Capital News Service analysis found. Carbon dioxide is one of the major contributors to global warming. It is a greenhouse gas, meaning it traps […]