Stateline Headlines

Governors Talk Energy with Obama

TODAY'S TAKE: President Obama on Wednesday (Feb. 3) told a group of 11 governors - including those from coal-friendly states - that the United States must move aggressively toward a clean energy economy.

Budget impasse has state staffers concerned

Washington lawmakers edge closer to final deal

Not much action on pot from state's leaders in DC

Budget impasse has state staffers concerned

Washington delegation in Congress drags feet on marijuana

5 things to watch this week in 2nd special session

Online sales tax might help state, but it’s not a simple matter

Special session tally: 30 days, 0 bills, $77,000

House passes estate tax bill on 55-33 vote; deal with Senate GOP exempts some family-owned business assets

FBI files show disdain for former Wash. Gov. Albert Rosellini

Inslee cancels participation in Paris Air Show

State House passes estate tax fix

Washington House approves estate-tax fix

Gun control advocates submit state ballot initiative

Leaders agree on gas tax; transportation differences remain

Ex-Senate budget-writer Dino Rossi has quietly been giving budget advice to Senate Majority Caucus

State Revenue Dept. to send out 10 estate-tax refunds worth $13 million starting Friday

Time to compromise on Washington state budget

McKenna solicits support for Bellevue’s Davidson

Washington lawmakers face deadline on estate-tax fix

Gov. Jay Inslee, Cabinet discuss possible government shutdown in Washington state

Washington advocates file gun control initiative

State leaders agree on gas tax, but not everything

Gun control advocates submit state ballot initiative

Gov. Inslee plans for ‘major, major disruption,’ Senate leader says talk of shutdown ‘nonsense’

Legislature adjourns; 2nd special session set

State Dept. eyes probe process after complaints

In case budget doesn’t pass, state readies for shutdown

Washington gun-control advocates submit ballot initiative

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee calls second special session

House Democrats begin girding for July 1 government shut down – are voting on stop-gap cap budget that only continues ongoing projects

Lawmakers ‘out in space,' need 3rd session

Local lawmakers point fingers over impasse

Senate passes new budget plan

Senate wants reforms while House wants budget

Schools get priority over state bridges

Senate unveils new budget proposal

Public votes on policy shifts proposed in Washington Senate

Schools get priority over infrastructure in Washington lawmakers' proposals

Washington lawmakers' special session nears deadline; another would follow if needed

Washington state Senate offers new budget plan in last days of special session

House approves revised state budget plan

More than 2,400 same-sex couples wed in Washington since law took effect

Rep. Steve O'Ban will replace Mike Carrell in Senate

State Senate cool to House plan to cut spending

Steve O'Ban sworn in as state senator

State Senate leaders cool to House plan to cut spending

Democratic lawmakers in Washington state back away from business tax proposal

Rep. O'Ban will replace Carrell in Senate

Inslee criticizes lawmakers' lack of progress on budget deal

Washington Gov. Inslee laments 'lack of substantive progress' in budget talks

66,749 Structurally Deficient Bridges

The most troubling aspect of Thursday’s bridge collapse in Washington state: Many of the country’s bridges are in worse shape.

Advocates for Climate Action Urge Insurers to Join Up

Some are pushing the insurance industry to not only to crank up the volume on its longstanding calls for hardier building and safer land use in disaster-prone areas, but also to push for cuts to the carbon emissions.

Washington State of the State Address 2013

OLYMPIA, Washington -- Jan. 16 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jay Inslee's (D) 2013 State of the State Address

Bipartisan Coalition Takes Washington Senate From Democrats

Two Democrats teamed up with the chamber’s 23 Republicans to form a new “Majority Coalition Caucus,” the second time as many weeks that Republicans have claimed a share of power in a legislative chamber where they are in the numerical minority.

School Ruling Roils Race for Washington Governor

School funding is playing an outsized role in the Washington gubernatorial race, but it may be a while before new money comes from Olympia.

Washington State of the State Address 2011

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Jan. 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Christine Gregoire's (D) 2011 state of the state address: Thank you, Bill Robinson. Your kind and guiding words are appreciated. Thank you, Kyra Smith, for that beautiful performance of the national anthem. Your voice and talent are truly inspiring.

Washington State of the State Address 2010

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Jan. 12 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Christine Gregoire's (D) 2010 state of the state address: Thank you, Brian Cladoosby. Your words are appreciated. Thank you, Ashley Romero, Marlynn Marok and Mercy Samuel for that wonderful performance of the national anthem. I first heard these t

Washington State of the State Address 2009

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Jan. 14 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Christine Gregoire's (D) 2009 state of the state address: Thank you, Father Ryan, for that beautiful prayer and blessing. And thank you, Kate Elwanger, for your wonderful performance of the National Anthem. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Ch

Washington State of the State Address 2008

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Jan. 15 -- Following is the text of Gov. Chris Gregoire (D)'s 2008 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, distinguished justices of the court, honored officials, members of the Washington State Legislature, Former Governors, Tribal leaders, Local Government offici

Washington State of the State Address 2007

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Christine Gregoire's (D) 2007 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, distinguished justices of the court, honored officials, members of the Washington State Legislature, Governor Rosellini, Governor Gardner, Governor Lowry,

Washington State of the State Address 2006

OLYMPIA, Wash., Jan. 10 - The following is the prepared text of Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire's (D) 2006 State of the State address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, distinguished justices of the court, honored officials, members of the Washington State Legislature, former Governors Rosellini an

Washington State of the State Address 2005

OLYMPIA, Washington - Jan. 12 - Following is the text of Gov. Christine Gregoire's 2005 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, distinguished justices of the court, honored officials, members of the Washington state legislature, members of the Consular Corps, and fellow

Washington State of the State Address 2004

OLYMPIA, Washington - Jan. 13 - Following is the full text of Gov. Gary Locke's (D) 2004 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Honorable Chief Justice, distinguished Justices of the Supreme Court, statewide elected officials, members of the Washington State Legislature, members of the Consul

Washington State of the State Address 2003

OLYMPIA, Washington - Jan. 14 - Following is the text of Gov. Gary Locke's 2003 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Honorable Chief Justice, distinguished Justices of the Supreme Court, members of the Consular Association, statewide elected officials, members of the Washington State Legislature,

Washington State of the State Address 2002

OLYMPIA, Washington - Jan. 15 - Following is the full text of Gov. Gary Locke's 2002 State of the State Address: Mr. President; Mr. Speaker; Honorable Chief Justice of the Washington State Supreme Court; distinguished Justices of the Supreme Court; statewide elected officials; members of the Washington State Legislat

Washington State of the State Address 2001

OLYMPIA, Washington - Jan. 10 - Following is the full text of Gov. Gary Locke's 2001 State of the State Address: A FIRM FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE Mr. President, Mr. Speakers, Honorable Chief Justice, distinguished Justices of the Supreme Court, members of the Consular Association, statewide elected officials,

Washington State of the State Address 2000

OLYMPIA, Washington - Jan. 11 - Following is the text of Gov. Gary Locke's 2000 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speakers, Honorable Chief Justice, distinguished Justices of the Supreme Court, members of the Consular Association, statewide elected officials, members of the Washington State Legislatur

State Officials Inclined to Go Slow on Mad-Cow Legislation

The recent case of so-called mad cow disease found in a cow in Washington state last month is prompting state lawmakers to scrutinize their policies on livestock health, but most are taking a wait-and-see approach to any new state-level legislation.

Few in Northwest Neutral on Eyman Initiatives

People who live in the state of Washington either love or hate Tim Eymans political involvement. Supporters say he's fighting for taxpayers and keeping the legislature in check. Detractors say Eyman is a hired gun for special interests who abuses the initiative process.

Rossi's Strategy is Key in Cliff-Hanger Governor's Race

Unless an impending mandatory recount reverses the result of Washingtons closest-ever governors race, Dino Rossi will become the state's first Republican chief executive in 24 years. If that happens, hell have bucked not only recent history but also a strong Democratic showing in the Evergreen State in defeating the favored Democratic candidate, Christine Gregoire. Stateline.org looks at Rossis strategy.

Washington's Eileen Cody Mixes Nursing, Politics

The title "union leader" evokes an image of a big, beefy man building cars in Detroit or driving a truck across the country. Eileen Cody, a member of the Washington state House of Representatives, doesn't fit that stereotype. A tall, scholarly-looking woman with short brown hair, Cody, a Democrat, is co-founder of a health care union in Seattle, where she works as a registered nurse.

Initiative 695 Haunts State Government In Washington

Election year for Washingtons part-time Legislature normally means a short session, just enough time to tweak the biennial budget, pass a few bills, and create an issue or two for the campaign. But this year would hardly qualify as normal.

States Coach Welfare Recipients In How To Keep Their Jobs

As welfare to work programs become more deeply rooted, states are trying to assure that people who used to be on public assistance are able to keep earning a paycheck. The state of Washington is a pioneer in tracking the success of former welfare recipients, but a number of other states also have follow-up programs. For more information, click on

Western State Reporters Say Taxes, Education Top 2000 Agenda

Reporters from eight Western states identified tax policy, education funding, health care reforms and apportionment of the states' tobacco settlement funds as the most pressing issues likely to be addressed by their states in the next legislative year. Over 50 journalists from Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming repeatedly mentioned those topics during a recent statehouse reporters' conference in Boise, Idaho.

Legal Test Looms for Washington's Gov. Gregoire

As Democratic Gov. Christine Gregoire basks in the glow of an impressive showing in her first legislative session, lawyers in this small agricultural town in Washington state will argue a Republican lawsuit seeking to toss her from office. Today they'll debate the burden of proof for overturning an election.

WORTH NOTING: Washington Dems want Republican on the Ballot

Washington state Democrats push to get 'Republican' on the gubernatorial ballot. Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas is ridiculed by Field & Stream magazine. And a Wyoming legislator snatches the last home run hit in The House that Ruth Built. In case you missed those stories this week, Worth Noting fills you in.

Congress' Minimum Wage Vote: Prelude to a Better Politics?

Are we truly on a swing back to centrist and pragmatic politics? Like a first robin of spring, the House's fast vote to raise the minimum wage to $7.25 in a phased two-year process, up from the $5.15 figure at which the Republican-controlled Congress left it frozen for the past decade, is a good omen.

James Webb's Equity Challenge: What If We Got Serious?

Cheers for Sen. James Webb. His Democratic rejoinder to the State of the Union address provided a blast of fresh politics we hear all too rarely, either in Washington or the state capitals.

High Court to Examine 'Top-Two' Primary

The U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether to let Washington state voters use a "top two" primary-election scheme that, if upheld, could be a model for reformers looking to loosen political parties' grip on the nomination process. Louisiana's primary is similar.

Traffic Tickets Going Digital

Even the most maddening of life's minor irritants - getting a traffic ticket - is going digital as more and more states adapt computer technology to enforce the rules of the road.

Program Moves Vets From Medicaid

As states are forced to tighten their belts, some might look at a Washington state program that transfers the cost of eligible veterans' health care, particularly long-term care, from Medicaid to the federal VA system.

Washington State of the State Address 2012

OLYMPIA, Washington - Jan. 10 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Christine O. Gregoire's (D) 2012 state of the state address: Thank you. Let's observe a moment of silence for some who served Washington so well and who

Tax Dispute Heats Up in Washington

TODAY'S TAKE: A tax battle is brewing in Washington state, where Democrats have proposed the first general sales-tax hike in 27 years - suspending a voter-approved initiative in order to do so. Minority Republicans, unable to stop the plan, instead have used delaying tactics to shine an election-year spotlight on Democratic tax proposals, which are meant to address a $2.7 billion budget shortfall.

Marijuana Bills Tempt Cash-Starved States

A history of marijuana laws This has been a bumper year for marijuana legislation, according to state policy observers. Crushing state budget deficits gave advocates in California, Washington, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York and elsewhere an opening to pitch marijuana as a new source of tax revenue. At the same time, the Obama administration gave users and distributors some breathing room by signaling in October that it would scale back on prosecuting them as long as they comply with state law.

Tim Eyman’s Signature Strategy

Anti-tax activists in Washington State love him. The state's legislative leaders wish he'd go away. The one thing everyone agrees on is that nobody knows how to run a ballot initiative campaign like Tim Eyman.

Rich and Famous Take Sides on Washington's Income Tax Initiative

TODAY'S TAKE: A ballot initiative that would create an income tax on top earners in Washington State is dividing some of its most famous - and wealthy - residents.

Washington Special Session: One Day, $600 Million Cut

TODAY'S TAKE: A one-day special session in Washington State on Saturday (December 11) resulted in nearly $600 million in budget cuts. But the reductions represent only about half of what is needed to close the state's $1.1 billion budget shortfall.

Changes to 2012 Election Calendar in the Works

TODAY'S TAKE: Washington state usually doesn't receive a lot of time and attention from presidential candidates during primary season, so Governor Chris Gregoire has suggested saving $10 million by canceling the primary election. Florida is already considering big changes to the 2012 presidential nominating calendar, too.

Tax Amnesty Pays Off in Washington State

TODAY'S TAKE: Lawmakers in Washington State face plenty of fiscal problems, but their job became a little easier Tuesday (May 3) with the announcement that a three-month tax amnesty program for businesses produced more than double the amount expected.

Washington State Braces for Bad News

TODAY'S TAKE: Lawmakers in Olympia are worried that a budget shortfall of $1 billion to $2 billion could emerge from a new state revenue forecast to be issued today (September 15).

Liquor Privatization Initiative Polls Well in Washington State

TODAY'S TAKE: Washington could become the first state since West Virginia in 1991 to sell off its retail liquor stores under a proposal facing the voters next week.

Washington Liquor Vote May Open Doors Elsewhere

TODAY'S TAKE: Washington voters removed their state from the liquor business on Tuesday (November 8), giving momentum to similar efforts in other places, including one just across the border in Oregon.

Revenue Increase on Table in Washington Special Session

TODAY'S TAKE: Lawmakers in Washington State return to Olympia today (November 28) to address a $1.4 billion budget gap. Among the proposals being considered is a sales tax hike pushed by Governor Chris Gregoire.

'Political Earthquake' in Washington State

TODAY'S TAKE: Republicans who are used to being the minority in the Washington Legislature are suddenly major players in state budget negotiations, scoring a victory that The Seattle Times calls "a political earthquake not seen in 25 years."

Hazardous Chemical Crackdown Gains Momentum in States

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: In the absence of up-to-date federal legislation, states are writing their own rules about which chemicals are safe when contained in common products.

Industry Lobbying Turns Soda Taxes From Fizzy to Flat

The beverage industry's fight against soda taxes shows how far an industry will go to keep its products from being lumped with alcohol, tobacco and others subject to so-called "sin taxes."

Medicaid: A Year of Excruciating Decisions

PART THREE OF FIVE: For state health officials, rising Medicaid rolls and declining federal support add up to only one scenario: a year of ever tighter budgets.

Gay Marriage Appears Set to Pass in Washington State

TODAY'S TAKE: Majorities in both houses of the Washington Legislature have endorsed gay marriage, but the final decision likely will rest with the state's voters.