Politics
Last-minute tax on big banks ‘very disrespectful’ of public process, critics say
Washington Democrats are getting heat for agreeing to include a last-minute tax bill in the state budget — before anyone had even seen it.
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
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Politics
'This is a civil rights moment': Behind the Legislature's decision to reverse WA's affirmative action ban
A new class of lawmakers in Olympia made I-1000 a priority. Bluffing, brinkmanship and good timing helped get it passed.
Politics
WA lawmakers reverse affirmative action ban, pass budget and school-levy changes
Legislators narrowly beat the clock to pass a budget and changes to local school-district levies Sunday. They also passed I-1000, to reverse a ban on affirmative action.
Politics
Democrats in Olympia appear to say ‘no’ to capital gains tax
At this point, the revenue proposal isn’t included in Washington lawmakers’ final budget deal.
Politics
Olympia’s culture of secrecy reveals itself — again
At Washington's Capitol, rushed budget votes and tight-lipped lawmakers have become a pattern. Some say the public loses.