Some legislative Democrats are eyeing a 9.9% “millionaires tax” on adjusted annual gross income over $1 million. Ferguson endorsed this version of the proposal. Less than 0.5% of Washingtonians would be subject to the tax, and it’s expected to raise $3 billion per year. 

The next legislative session is fast approaching and some state lawmakers are wasting no time in signaling their intent to either fully remove or limit the impacts of the slew of new state taxes approved in the 2025 legislative session. 

A member of the Kennewick Public Hospital District who was among its board members to sell a then-bankrupt Trios Health and is now a supporter of the effort to turn the former downtown Kennewick hospital into a recovery center is stepping down. The deadline to apply for the board vacancy is Jan. 29. 

As pennies vanish from the American landscape, many businesses are clamoring for federal guidance on how to handle cash transactions in a penniless world.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson unveiled a plan Dec. 19 to steer $3 billion into preserving the state’s roads and bridges and building three new ferries over the next decade.

The governor also signed an executive order to get the ball rolling on establishing a new cabinet-level Department of Housing. 

At least five individuals – four Republicans and one Democrat – have either confirmed they will seek the 4th Congressional district seat or are considering a run. 

The organization representing retailers across the state has set its legislative goals ahead of the 2026 legislative session, saying it is focusing on helping its members overcome rising costs, an uncertain economy and a plethora of state and federal regulations. 

Hoping to jump on some critical home improvement projects in the new year but not sure how to pay for them? You could be eligible for a zero-interest loan from the Tri-Cities HOME Consortium.