Will several delayed Tri-City construction projects finally start up? Will the Washington Legislature reach a compromise on permits for digging wells in rural areas?The issues are among several of interest to Mid-Columbia residents.The 60-day state legislative session began Jan. 8.The ongoing impasse between Democrats and Republicans on the so-called Hirst ruling in...

State’s rural jobless rates historically lag behind urban countiesWashington’s unemployment is hitting a major low, but the state’s rural counties — including Benton and Franklin — are not doing as well as their urban counterparts.That’s because rural counties, which have huge agricultural presences, have less diversified industrial economies than cities, said...

While a proposed Richland solar power project would be the biggest in the state, the economic future of this source of electricity in Washington is not yet written in stone.This will be the first American venture for the French solar power company Neoen. As Neoen studies the potential installation of...

Employers, employees contribute to program through payroll taxWashington has become the fifth state to require paid family leave for employees.“It’s going to be the best paid family leave program the country. It has better weeks, better benefits, and we’ll be the model for the other states,” said Sen. Karen Keiser,...

The Washington Legislature stayed in a holding pattern in early June on two bills that will affect Mid-Columbia businesses.Behind-the-scenes negotiations continued on legislation to simplify digging for new wells and to install a paid family leave law. The talks are dragging along with the sluggish talks on resolving the state budget...