The proposal, embedded in House Bill 2049, seeks to allow an increase in the growth factor from the current 1% cap to the combined rate of population growth plus inflation within a taxing district, not to exceed 3%. This would apply to the state’s common schools levy and for cities and counties, as well as special purpose districts.

Washington is among the most trade-dependent states in the nation, with more than $58 billion in exports in 2024 and 40% of jobs tied to trade. According to the governor’s office, new and retaliatory tariffs could cost the state’s agriculture sector $7.5 billion, with significant hits expected to apples, cherries, potatoes, wheat and dairy. 

The Kennewick cider maker hit the ground running after founder Daniel Washam and his wife Heidi found healthy demand in 2013 for the cider he started producing because they couldn’t find one Heidi had tried and loved. 

He was first elected as county prosecutor in 1987, having been a deputy prosecutor for six years prior. He served for 36 years, making him the longest tenured Benton County employee and longest tenured prosecutor in the state.

Ferguson did not cite any specific taxes he dislikes in the proposals that House and Senate Democrats viewed as the linchpin for completing their negotiations on an operating budget that overcomes a projected $16 billion shortfall over the next four years.

Called “52 in ’25,” the initiative aims to explore Richland’s parks throughout the year, with free tours led by Chris Wait, parks and public facilities director for the city.

Officials said the new substation south of the Tri-Cities is a precursor to Bonneville Power Administration’s grid expansion plans, which includes proposals for 23 different projects in Washington, Oregon and northern California that will cost billions to construct and bring online.

Of the 444 respondents to the Association of Washington Business’ quarterly survey of employers, 44% say they expect the state to enter a recession in the next year. That’s up from 17% in the prior survey. 

Benton REA has provided internet service through PowerNET since 1997 to connect rural and underserved communities. PowerNET currently serves about 1,000 users.

There have been efforts to determine how to cost-effectively incorporate even more nickel into lithium-ion batteries, as nickel can store more energy and potentially reduce costs. Unfortunately, nickel can also degrade the battery and shorten its lifetime due to the formation of crystal agglomerations.