Washington Budget

Washington Budget Talks Slow, But Governor Sees Progress

Austin Jenkins — Tue, 07 May 2013 23:09:16 +0000

Washington’s special session begins next Monday. But at this point it seems unlikely House and Senate budget negotiators will be close to a deal. Governor Jay Inslee said both sides agreed Tuesday on some common assumptions about the next two year budget.

Inslee spoke at the end of a bill signing ceremony. For now he’s measuring progress in these budget negotiations by the week, not the day.

Washington Governor Wants DUI, Gun Bills Plus Budget

Austin Jenkins — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:32:30 +0000

Governor Jay Inslee is like the gambler. He says it would take an “inside straight” for the legislature to complete its work by Sunday’s deadline.

Prospect Of Washington Special Session Looms

Austin Jenkins — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:46:55 +0000

It appears more likely Washington lawmakers will go into an overtime session. The regular 105-day session ends this Sunday. But the House and Senate, along with the governor, still have to agree on a two-year budget deal. Even if a deal was at hand -- and it doesn’t appear one is -- they’d be cutting it close.

The reality is just getting a budget written and then passed through two chambers takes some time and basically that window is closing.

Washington Tax Hearing Brings Out Competing Tales Of Hardship

Austin Jenkins — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 01:03:19 +0000

Washington House Democrats are getting praise and scorn for their proposed $1.3 billion tax package for schools. At a public hearing Friday lawmakers heard tales of hardship from people for and against the tax measure.

First there were the PTA parents. They urged lawmakers to pass the omnibus tax bill to provide more cash for schools. Jennifer Harjehausen has kids in Kent schools, one of the most diverse districts in Washington.

Washington House Democrats: Extend Taxes, End Tax Breaks To Fund Schools

Austin Jenkins — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:06:44 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington House Democrats have unveiled a proposed two-year budget that looks a lot like Governor Jay Inslee’s. It would renew expiring tax hikes, close several tax exemptions and put the new money into public schools.

House Democrats would actually spend a tad more than the governor. But their approach is very similar.

Washington Senate To Wait And See On Gas Tax Package

Austin Jenkins — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 23:11:43 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Transportation leaders in the Washington Senate have proposed what they call a “barebones” roads, ferries and transit budget for the next two years. The spending plan rolled out Wednesday in Olympia includes no new sources of funding for highway projects.

Republican Curtis King co-chairs the Senate Transportation committee.

Washington Senate Budget: More Money For Education, No 'Loophole' Closures

Austin Jenkins — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 23:01:10 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The mostly Republican majority in the Washington state Senate has unveiled its budget proposal. It would put $1 billion more into basic education without raising taxes. The spending blueprint released Wednesday contrasts sharply with what Governor Jay Inslee proposed last week.

Like Governor Inslee, the Senate proposes to make a significant down payment on the Washington Supreme Court’s finding that the state isn’t adequately funding K-12 education.

Washington Governor Shifts Emphasis To Sell Tax Package For Schools

Austin Jenkins — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:57:30 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – On the campaign trail, Washington Governor Jay Inslee talked about financing education by growing the economy. Now the Democrat proposes to raise $1.2 billion for schools by extending some tax increases and ending some tax breaks.

In Spokane last June I moderated the first gubernatorial debate between Jay Inslee and Rob McKenna.

Health Advocates Rally In Olympia For Medicaid Expansion

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 23:08:36 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – More than 100 health care advocates gathered in Olympia in support of Medicaid expansion Thursday. It coincided with an announcement by Gov. Jay Inslee, unveiling his budget priorities.

Washington Budget Writers Catch A Break; Revenues Holding Steady

Austin Jenkins — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:05:25 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Budget writers in Olympia are breathing a sigh of relief.