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.

If it makes it through the House and into law, Washington would join Utah with the toughest standard in the nation on July 1. Foes of the bill cite concerns with enforcing it and worries it will drive away customers from bars, wineries and other hospitality businesses. 

Republican state Sen. Matt Boehnke announced Jan. 22 he is forgoing reelection and entering this year’s race to succeed retiring Republican Congressman Dan Newhouse in central Washington.

A vacancy at the helm of one of the state’s largest agencies is filled, for now, after Gov. Bob Ferguson appointed Sarah Clifthorne as interim director of the Department of Commerce. 

Reviews are in for Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson’s debut budget blueprint. They are mostly two thumbs down.

Washington state lawmakers begin a 60-day session Jan. 12, in which a fiscal reckoning, flood recovery, and their own reelections loom large.

Joe Nguyen is stepping down as director of Washington state’s Department of Commerce and will be the next leader of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber.

“We are facing falling revenue, rising costs, and budget cuts and chaos coming from the Trump administration,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said. “I’m providing a road map for the Legislature. This is, of course, the first step in a conversation about how best to balance our budget.” 

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.