Frank Chopp, former WA House speaker and tireless advocate, dies at 71
Frank Chopp, the longest-serving House speaker in Washington state history and a fierce advocate for working families and low-income housing, has died. He was 71. With his trademark mustache and a penchant for backroom maneuvering, Chopp wielded his gavel to lead Democrats to stronger House majorities while racking up years of policy wins as the most powerful politician in the Capitol. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ellen M. Banner)
Lawmakers could tax social media companies to fund local journalism
State lawmakers are considering throwing the news industry a lifesaver by taxing some of the world’s biggest tech platforms. If adopted, the legislation would impose a surcharge on large search engines and social media companies with a gross income of $5 million or more, with the tax capped at $6 million a year. The Office of Financial Management estimates the tax would raise $27 million in fiscal year 2027 and an additional $102 million between 2027 and 2031. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review. (Rachel La Corte)
WA’s multi-billion-dollar transportation budget shortfall could ‘mean pausing a project’
Washington state’s transportation budget — like its operating-budget — has a bumpy road ahead as lawmakers face a multi-billion-dollar shortfall in the coming biennia. State Sen. Marko Liias, chair of the upper chamber’s transportation committee, puts the transportation-deficit estimate at $4 billion over the next six years. Continue reading at The News Tribune. (Steve Bloom)
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Frank Chopp, former WA House speaker and tireless advocate, dies at 71 (Jinkins, Pedersen)
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WA State Standard
Former Washington House Speaker Frank Chopp dies (Pedersen, Jinkins)
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Former Washington State House Speaker Frank Chopp passes away (Pollet)
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Former longtime Washington House Speaker Frank Chopp dies at 71 (Pedersen, Jinkins)
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MyNorthwest
Longest-serving House speaker Frank Chopp dies at 71
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