All levy renewals proposed by Tri-City school districts except for one were passing Tuesday night in the February special election. Pasco residents were also passing a measure to have the city formally join Mid-Columbia Libraries’ taxing district, which will levy a new property tax. 

About 19,000 fewer Washingtonians enrolled in health insurance through the state’s online marketplace amid the loss of federal subsidies. 

A recent survey of business owners living in Washington state indicates many are looking to move their personal residence out of the state, though many of them would continue to operate their business in the state. 

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and Democrats in the state Legislature are divided over how to use the expected revenue from a newly proposed income tax on higher earners. Lead lawmakers in the House and Senate unveiled the legislation Feb. 3. 

Washington faces a budget challenge with a slowing economy and expected increased demand for services due to changes in federal law. Payroll tax proponents argue that the tax can raise money quickly to solve these pressures, whereas the income tax will take years to implement.

An economics think tank warns Gov. Bob Ferguson’s proposed budget would eventually lead to a nearly $2 billion shortfall partly due to $289 million in increased appropriations in the 2027-29 biennium. 

Shelley Redinger, superintendent of the Richland School District, has announced that she will retire from the district, six months after the district’s board of directors declined to provide a routine extension to her contract. 

Keep an eye out for your ballot for the February special election, which includes levy renewals for all three Tri-City school districts and a proposal to have the city of Pasco formally join the taxing district for Mid-Columbia Libraries. 

No need to wait until summer to start getting in laps or practicing your backstroke as the city of Pasco will officially open Memorial Pool as its new dome cover will provide year-round pool time.