Politics
Who is Tim Eyman and why do so many people hate him?
Accused of dishonest dealings and mired in debt, the frequent sponsor of anti-tax ballot measures says he wants to take on a new role in Washington state politics.
Melissa Santos
Melissa Santos is formerly a Crosscut staff reporter who covered state politics and the Legislature. She came to Crosscut from The Seattle Times editorial board, where she wrote columns and opinion pi
Latest work
Politics
Oregon and California enacted rent control. Could Washington state be next?
In Olympia, the appetite for lifting statewide restrictions on rent control has been minimal in the past. But some think that could be changing.
Politics
State lawmakers often rush major legislation. Big banks are suing to stop that
If the banks' lawsuit is successful, it could change the pattern of last-minute legislating in Olympia.
Politics
If Referendum 88 fails, what’s next for affirmative action in Washington state?
State officials are already working on ways to boost diversity in government hiring and contracting, two of the ballot measure’s key goals.
Politics
'The ship's going down': After I-976, Washington officials fear for the future of transportation
Cuts to transit and other transportation needs across the state are almost guaranteed, officials say. But so is a lawsuit to challenge the $30 car-tabs measure.