politics
A breakdown of Washington’s new $78B two-year state budget
The deal, awaiting Gov. Ferguson’s signature, includes $4.3B in new taxes on businesses, financial assets and technology, and boosts K-12 funding.
Laurel Demkovich
Laurel Demkovich is the state politics reporter for Cascade PBS. Previously, she covered state government in Olympia for the Washington State Standard and the Spokesman-Review.
Latest work
politics
What you need to know after the 2025 Washington legislative session
Lawmakers in Olympia finalized a spending plan with new taxes and fees, and passed contentious policies like rent caps and new gun laws.
politics
WA Legislature approves yearly rent caps – just under the wire
On the session’s final day, a bill limiting increases at 7% plus inflation – not to exceed 10% – for most tenants is headed to the governor’s desk.
Washington Legislature
Permits to purchase guns may soon be required in Washington
Gun buyers may soon need a permit and safety training to purchase a firearm in Washington. House Bill 1163 is
Washington Legislature
Washington lawmakers remember State Senator Bill Ramos
The wings off the Senate floor were packed Monday, April 21, as Washington lawmakers and staff remembered Sen. Bill Ramos,