Tagged: Government

OLYMPIA, Wash. – A bipartisan duo of Washington lawmakers wants to end most tax breaks for businesses, nonprofits, farms, and others. The two representatives held a press conference Friday in Olympia asking their colleagues to rethink these tax exemptions.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Out-of-pocket medical expenses are crushing some Washington families – even though they have health insurance. A key legislative committee voted Thursday to place an overall cap on how much a family would have to pay each year.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – When the Washington Senate votes on same-sex marriage Wednesday, the issue will be personal for the chief sponsor. Democratic Senator Ed Murray says if the bill becomes law, he plans to marry his partner.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Immigrant rights advocates are making their voice heard in Olympia. Hundreds gathered to sway legislators on state immigration laws. Azusa Uchikura reports on Thursday’s rally in Olympia.

Pramila Jayapal: “The immigrant voice in Washington state is proud and loud."

Those are immigrant rights advocates rallying on the steps of the Washington state house. They want to convince lawmakers in Olympia to keep E-verify optional for Washington employers.

OLYMPIA,Wash. -- Wrangler cigars, Bronco cigarettes and other products by the firm General Tobacco, will be prohibited in Washington state beginning in February. The company owes the state millions in late payments.

In 1998, Washington signed on to a national tobacco settlement agreement. One of the outcomes: tobacco companies compensate states for money spent on patients with tobacco-related illnesses.

Washington state attorney, David Hankins says General Tobacco hasn't paid up since July of 2009.