Gov. Bob Ferguson warned Dec. 2 that the budget proposal he’ll release this month will rely solely on spending cuts and not higher taxes to overcome what he says is a multi-billion dollar shortfall.

It is the latest salvo — and likely not the last — in a tax debate expected to dominate the 2026 session that begins Jan. 12. 

In the works for three years, it is the second of seven specialty plates to hit the market since getting approved by lawmakers earlier this year.

With the state strapped for cash, Democrats’ chief budget writer in the Washington Senate has told colleagues there’s no money available for new spending they might desire next year.

Voters were giving the go-ahead Tuesday for the state to make stock market investments with payroll taxes collected for Washington’s new long-term care program.

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed an executive order to strengthen how the state consults and works with Native American tribes in Washington.

Lawmakers are hoping instead that legislation enacted in May will make it easier for farm fuel users and haulers of agricultural goods to receive the fuel exemption promised under the state’s cap-and-trade system.

State transportation officials say they are making the limited dollars for highway and bridge preservation stretch as far as they can — but it’s not far enough.

A large solar farm proposed in eastern Washington appears on course to clear a critical regulatory hurdle this month, despite opposition from the Yakama Nation. 

Thousands of state government and community college employees in Washington have overwhelmingly ratified a new one-year contract that would secure raises they lost out on in July.