Politics

Wash. Lawmakers Miss Midnight Deadline, Work Through Night

Austin Jenkins — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:33:37 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington lawmakers missed a midnight deadline Tuesday night to rebalance the state budget. But they didn’t go home. Instead, Governor Chris Gregoire called yet another overtime session. At this hour, lawmakers are still voting on a final budget deal. Olympia Correspondent Austin Jenkins has the latest.

Wash. Gov: Progress, But No Deal As Final Day Of Special Session Arrives

Austin Jenkins — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:00:49 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – It’s the final day of Washington’s 30-day special session. But still no deal on a plan to rebalance the state budget and pass a series of government reform measures. Olympia Correspondent Austin Jenkins reports closed door talks broke up late Monday night.

A weary Governor Chris Gregoire held a news conference just before midnight.

Gregoire: “We’ve made progress over 11 hours, but we’re not done and everybody’s still working.”’

She spoke after a marathon round of bipartisan negotiations. Those talks will resume Tuesday.

Senate Holds Hearing On Protecting San Juans' Public Lands

Bellamy Pailthorp — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:27:25 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A bill to establish a National Conservation Area that would give permanent protection 1,000 acres of unique landscapes in the San Juan Islands is wending its way through Congress. A key committee took up the legislation Thursday.

Washington Scores Well On Transparency, But Up To Citizens To Verify

Amy Radil — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:38:55 +0000

OLYMPIA -- Washington’s Public Records Act and other transparency measures have earned the state a high score in a nationwide study. The State Integrity Investigation looked at every state’s disclosure practices. It ranked Washington third in the country, with a letter grade of "B-."

But budget cuts are curtailing investigations by government watchdogs. And all three branches of government have tried to put more of their records outside the law’s scrutiny. KUOW’s Amy Radil reports.

Idaho Nearly Fails Government Accountability Report Card

Scott Ki — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:18:10 +0000

BOISE, Idaho – A new investigative project ranks Idaho 40th out of 50 states for government accountability and openness. The Gem State fails six categories outright, including ethics enforcement agencies. As Scott Ki reports, The study comes out Monday as state senators investigate one of their own.

Whats Next for Wolves After Court Decision

Aaron Kunz — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:10:18 +0000

BOISE - The wolf hunt in Idaho will continue through June in part of the state. That’s because the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Wednesday upheld Congress’s decision to strip federal protection for wolves in Idaho and Montana. Aaron Kunz has reaction to the decision.

Walden: GOP Leaders Back Timber Payment Extension

Amelia Templeton — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:04:41 +0000

SALEM, Ore. -- Congress may be close to funding county timber payments for one more year. The senate passed a transportation bill Wednesday that included an extension of the rural aid program.

Idaho Lawmakers Weigh In On National Contraception Policy

Samantha Wright — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:11:50 +0000

BOISE, Idaho -- Some Idaho lawmakers are weighing in on a national debate over whether religious institutions should be required to provide birth control coverage to employees. Samantha Wright reports.

Wash. Legislature Adjourns; Special Session Starts Monday

Austin Jenkins — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 13:20:36 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington legislature has adjourned. But not for long. Late Thursday night, Senate Democrats failed to muster the votes for a plan to re-balance the state budget. That means Washington lawmakers will return to the Capitol to finish their work. Olympia Correspondent Austin Jenkins reports.

No Budget Deal; Wash. Governor Calls Special Session

Austin Jenkins — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 13:09:20 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington lawmakers are headed into special session after adjourning their 60-day regular session. The final gavels fell just after midnight Thursday night.

“The 2012 regular session of the 62nd legislature is adjourned sine die.”

Despite the celebration, majority Democrats failed to muster the votes for a plan to re-balance the state budget. That means they will return to the Capitol Monday for an extra inning. Our Olympia Correspondent Austin Jenkins filed this report overnight.