Washington

Inslee Signs Law Allowing Fictitious Driver License Program To Continue

Austin Jenkins — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:50:22 +0000

Washington Governor Jay Inslee has signed a law that will allow the state’s fictitious driver license program to continue – but only for undercover law enforcement activities. At the bill signing Inslee backed away from a previous statement that he would apply a broad definition of the term “law enforcement.”

Under the old program, the Central Intelligence Agency obtained 288 of these so-called confidential driver’s licenses from Washington’s Department of Licensing.

Washington Special Session Starts With No Budget Deal

Austin Jenkins — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:24:17 +0000

The Washington legislature reconvenes Monday for a 30-day special session. But there’s still no budget deal in sight – despite a two week break to negotiate. Olympia Correspondent Austin Jenkins has this update from the Capitol.

Washington Dreamers Pin Hopes on Special Session

Liz Jones — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:20:27 +0000

As lawmakers reconvene in Olympia Monday, the headliner is the state budget. But immigrant advocates are pressing to get the Dream Act added to the lineup, too. Liz Jones has more.

Governor Inslee Launches Effort To Win Boeing 777X Production

Ashley Gross — Fri, 10 May 2013 13:16:25 +0000

Governor Jay Inslee says the state of Washington is in a good position to convince Boeing to build the next version of its triple-seven wide-body jet here.

How To Clean Up A Crude Oil Spill From Trains

Courtney Flatt — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:04:10 +0000

Pacific Northwest refineries have been getting their crude oil for years from tankers and pipelines. Last September, trains began shipping crude oil into the region by rail. EarthFix reporter Courtney Flatt explains what that means for emergency crews.

CPR Required For High Schools

Keith Seinfeld — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:05:40 +0000

Washington Lawmakers Defend Frequent Dinners With Lobbyists

Fri, 03 May 2013 15:03:11 +0000

Two Washington state lawmakers are defending their frequent dinners with lobbyists. The meals show up in monthly reports filed with the state’s Public Disclosure Commission. Olympia Correspondent Austin Jenkins has been digging into those reports.

What A Golf Course Could Mean For Washington’s Groundwater

Courtney Flatt — Thu, 02 May 2013 13:58:25 +0000

Northwest conservationists are suing Washington State University. They say the groundwater used to irrigate the University’s golf course is draining the region’s aquifer. But this case is about more than just watering the fairways and putting greens. It could change how cities and towns manage water for future development. For EarthFix, Courtney Flatt has more.

The Influence Game: Wining And Dining Washington Lawmakers After Hours

Austin Jenkins — Wed, 01 May 2013 14:05:23 +0000

In the first three months of this year, lobbyists in Washington state spent more than $200,000 on entertainment. Much of that money was spent to wine and dine state lawmakers during the just-concluded 105-day session. But what are lobbyists and their clients getting in exchange for picking up the tab?

After the legislative day ends up at the Capitol, it’s pretty common for some of the players to decamp. They go to one of a handful of usually higher-end Olympia establishments.

Washington Budget Writers ‘Light Years Apart’ As Special Session Looms

Austin Jenkins — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:35:19 +0000

Washington Governor Jay Inslee will give lawmakers a two week cooling off period before calling them back into special session. That announcement Sunday evening followed the formal adjournment of the regular 105-day session.