In the News

Washington’s controversial income tax on high earners is now law after Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the legislation late last month. Advocates have nicknamed the measure the “millionaires tax.” It imposes a 9.9% levy on household income exceeding $1 million a year, with supporters saying that it will also extend much-needed tax relief to working Washingtonians. Read more.

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a new tax on high earners into law Monday, ending Washington's run as one of the few states without an income tax on the books. Why it matters: The tax, which won't be imposed for nearly two years, is likely to face Read More

OLYMPIA — The state Senate gave a final sign off to a new income tax on high earners on Wednesday, sending the measure to Gov. Bob Ferguson for his signature. The muted debate was not as dramatic — and certainly not as long — as the epic 24-hour-long fight in the state House this week over what Democrats ...

A bill that would ban most law enforcement officers from wearing masks while interacting with the public cleared a key Washington Senate committee this week, as supporters argue it is needed to ensure accountability and transparency.

OLYMPIA — Gov. Bob Ferguson’s first year in office has been shaped by a state budget crisis that was years in the making, and yet somehow arrived abruptly. He and majority Democrats last year grappled with an estimated $16 billion gap between state tax collections and planned spending. In response, they made cuts but raised taxes to the ...

State Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen is talking about passing a new income tax during next year's short legislative session. Plus, how the state will pay for flood damage with a tight budget.

Washington Democratic legislative leaders made it clear on Tuesday that they intend to “Trump-proof” the state from federal interference in Washington’s LGBTQ+ rights and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. During a press conference at the Washington State Capitol, Democratic House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, who is openly gay, emphasized the importance of Washington’s commitment to protecting transgender individuals and youth.

OLYMPIA Wash. (KPTV) - On Monday, Washington Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen and Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins issued a joint statement vowing to fight back against federal executive orders “attacking transgender youth:”

“As parents, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and the elected leaders of the Washington State Senate and House of Representatives, we ...