Washington state budget writers finally got some rosy news on Feb. 16 as they prepare to release their spending plans.

About 19,000 fewer Washingtonians enrolled in health insurance through the state’s online marketplace amid the loss of federal subsidies. 

Washington is set to receive $181 million in federal funding this year to boost rural health care amid drastic Medicaid cuts.

About 20 miles of U.S. 2 are set to reopen Dec. 29 on the east side of the Cascades, allowing access to the Stevens Pass ski resort, after devastating flooding and debris slides destroyed parts of the highway this month.

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. 

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.