Washington Governor

Washington Lawmakers Honor Former Gov. Booth Gardner

Alexandra Kocik — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 23:00:34 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Flags across Washington are at half-mast and state lawmakers held a special memorial service in honor of former Gov. Booth Gardner. Friday, members of the House and Senate shared stories about his life and his political impact.

Washington Youth Academy students brought in the flags and sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” on the Senate floor. Lt. Gov. Brad Owen said the students’ presence was a fitting tribute to Gov.

Washington Governor Unveils Job Creation Plan

Alexandra Kocik — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 01:26:52 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington Gov. Jay Inslee unveiled a series of proposals Wednesday in Olympia he’s hoping will create more jobs. The Democratic governor’s plan focuses on training for tech-savvy workers and funding transportation projects. He also says expanding Medicaid next year will lead to more than 10,000 new jobs within two years.

“Expansion of Medicaid is a system that will not only reach over 250,000 Washingtonians with health care, but will help job creation all across the state.”

This was the first of multiple policy proposals Inslee is planning over the next few weeks.

Washington Governor’s Schedule Includes Lots Of Pot Talk

Austin Jenkins — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:20:16 +0000

Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s first weeks in office were highlighted by marijuana legalization and meetings with key Democratic constituencies. That’s according to copies of his schedule released to our Olympia Correspondent Austin Jenkins under a public records request.

Social Issues In Inaugural Speech Rub Republicans Wrong Way

Austin Jenkins — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 02:29:40 +0000

Washington’s new governor touched a nerve with some Republicans in his inaugural address. On the topic of abortion Democrat Jay Inslee called on the legislature to pass the so-called Reproductive Parity Act. It would require health insurers that cover maternity services to also pay for abortions.

Governor Inslee Delivers Inaugural Address

Austin Jenkins — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 02:22:00 +0000

Democrat Jay Inslee took the oath of office as Washington's 23rd governor in a first-in-history Capitol Rotunda ceremony Wednesday morning. Inslee, a former Congressman and state lawmaker, was joined by his wife Trudi, his grown children and grandchildren.

Governor Inslee Delivers Inaugural Address

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:02:48 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Democrat Jay Inslee took the oath of office as Washington's 23 governor in a first-in-history Capitol Rotunda ceremony Wednesday morning.

Gregoire Will Propose Education Tax Before Leaving Office

Austin Jenkins — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 23:05:44 +0000

Both candidates for Washington governor have said “no” to higher taxes. But, outgoing Gov. Chris Gregoire says she will propose a new source of funding for public schools before she leaves office in January.

Wash. Governor Candidates Vow No New Taxes -- With Caveats

Austin Jenkins — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:28:30 +0000

Ballots are about to go out in Washington. In the race for governor, both candidates are pledging to veto tax hikes. But Republican Rob McKenna and Democrat Jay Inslee also leave themselves some wiggle room.

Public Employee Pay Raises Become Issue In Wash. Governor’s Race

Austin Jenkins — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 23:37:46 +0000

The issue of pay raises for public employees is quickly becoming an issue in Washington’s race for governor. There’s much to debate including: a cost of living increase for teachers, a dollar-an-hour pay hike for unionized homecare workers, and an end to a 3 percent pay cut for state workers.

At the last governor’s debate, Republican Rob McKenna attacked Democrat Jay Inslee’s record as a state lawmaker in the early 1990s.

Washington's "Blue Tide" Creates Challenges For McKenna

Austin Jenkins — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 13:18:10 +0000

As the presidential candidates prepare for Wednesday night’s debate, polls show President Obama averages a 15-point advantage in Washington over Republican rival Mitt Romney. Washington’s open race for governor is much closer. The two candidates in that contest met Tuesday night in Yakima for a fiery third debate. But the polls highlight a reality for Republican Rob McKenna: he’ll have to woo a good number of Obama voters if he’s to become Washington’s first G-O-P governor in nearly 30 years.