Gov. Jay Inslee pitches WA wealth tax and business tax increases
Seeking to cover a looming budget shortfall and stave off cuts to state services, Gov. Jay Inslee is throwing his support behind a proposed “wealth tax” on the state’s richest residents. His plan would start with a temporary one-year 20% business and occupation tax rate increase on bigger businesses, followed by a 10% boost in business tax rates. Inslee unveiled the tax proposals as part of his final budget proposal to the Legislature. He’ll leave office Jan. 15, when Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson is sworn in. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)
Evictions around Washington soar to record high levels
Washington is on track to have more eviction filings this year than any other year on record. Nine counties, including King and Spokane, hit new high marks, and seven others are on their way. Washington’s policies, like its right to counsel program, have helped keep some of those people from becoming homeless, Thomas told the Senate Housing Committee on Friday. But he said without more action and funding, evictions will rise further. Some lawmakers are voicing similar concerns. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Stephen Zenner)
Proposal would end flavored vape, nicotine pouch, and menthol sales in Washington state
Some Washington state lawmakers want to end the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products, saying they stand to hook kids on products such as vapes and menthol cigarettes for life. Two Democrats — State Senator T’wina Nobles and State Representative Kristine Reeves — introduced the legislation in September. This week, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal put his support behind the legislation, saying that vaping is rampant in public schools. Continue reading at KUOW. (VAPES)
Aberdeen Daily World
Rep. Walsh advocates for freedom with tire safety bill
City of Aberdeen appoints first Student Council Representative
Axios
Seattle-area food banks see record demand
Child flu vaccinations plummet in Washington state
Seattle to expand civilian 911 response teams citywide
How the Seattle City Council plans to replace Tammy Morales
Capital Press
Expanded U.S. dairy processing coming online
Supreme Court to hear challenge to California EV mandate
With small harvest, pear exports will be lowest since 1980s
Skagit Delta farmers ask judge to overturn federal fish finding
Funding bill includes one-year farm bill extension, $10 billion in farm aid
Everett Herald
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028
Judge finds Edmonds tree mandate unconstitutional
New state policy could affect timber sales in Snohomish County
This land handout will bring apartments to Lynnwood light rail station
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Somers lets Snohomish County budget go through without his signature
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Federal Way Mirror
Project targets salmon-friendly streams in Federal Way
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Washington state poised to set precedent as first government in the world to successfully remove and permanently ban commercial net-pen aquaculture
News Tribune
Seeking a college scholarship in WA? A guide to programs, resources, tips for applying
Albertsons said in unsealed filing that Kroger had ‘buyer’s remorse’ after inking merger
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Thousands of Pierce County residents without power from intense windstorm on Wednesday
A nuclear fuel company promising $4.5B project and 1,000 jobs is wooing an Eastern WA city
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Olympian
Gov. Jay Inslee calls for more taxes to help fill Washington’s $10B-$12B budget hole (Robinson, Trudeau)
Port Townsend Leader
Council sets legislative agenda for 2025
State challenges court’s 90-day extension for PDA receiver
Puget Sound Business Journal
TikTok’s Bellevue workforce in limbo with US ban looming
Seattle company First Mode files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
New laws are coming for job listings. Many employers aren’t prepared.
Business leaders report dissatisfaction with Gen Z. For many, the feeling is mutual.
Seattle Times
Former Seattle police Chief Adrian Diaz fired
Gov. Jay Inslee pitches WA wealth tax and business tax increases (Berg, Robinson, Frame, Thai)
The closed-door negotiations to save King County’s health clinics
Seattle police deputy chief retires ahead of command-staff overhaul
Seattle to buy Beacon Hill block for new park to close green-space gap
Skagit Valley Herald
City of Burlington passes 2025 budget
Fish and Wildlife adding 15 acres to Milltown Island Unit of Skagit Wildlife Area
South Whidbey Record
Sound Off: State Ferries is growing green but weeds remain
Spokesman Review
Spokane moving forward with $500,000 settlement with fiancée of man killed by police
Sponsors, opposition each file lawsuit regarding future of voter-approved natural gas initiative
Washington electors in Electoral College cast votes for Harris although some want new system
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office to use AI to review body camera footage in effort to improve training practices
Washington Post
Biden backs California’s push to Trump-proof its EV plans
Consumer watchdog takes aim at credit-card rewards programs
Companies that mandate RTO see slower workforce growth, studies show
Lawmakers reach deal to avert shutdown, but many in GOP grumble about its provisions
Supreme Court to hear challenge to a TikTok ban in U.S., scheduling arguments for January
WA State Standard
A guide to understanding the Washington state budget
Evictions around Washington soar to record high levels (Kuderer)
Making sense of Washington’s multi-billion dollar budget hole (Jinkins, Pedersen)
Nearly 150 miles of Columbia River added to EPA’s Superfund list
Washington’s electors cast Electoral College votes for Harris and Walz
Washington officials weigh where to relocate 9,000-pound Marcus Whitman statue
Inslee proposes taxing wealthy residents and businesses to close Washington’s budget gap (Robinson)
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
Metro bus driver stabbed, killed near UW campus
The new laws going to effect in Washington on Jan. 1
Yes, the U.S. health care system is the most expensive in the world
‘I don’t feel safe’: Seattle mayor urged to act as business, home break-ins persist
Outages: Over 120,000 without power after heavy winds hit western Washington
More than 2 million travelers expected to pass through SEA airport during the holidays
Gov. Inslee floats ‘modest wealth tax’ to help close Washington state’s $12 billion budget gap
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Washington’s newest apple hybrid to be named ‘Sunflare’
Scammers continue to target small Washington businesses
Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz fired, releases statement
EPA is giving $8.4 million to buy 28 electric vehicles in Washington
Seattle Police Department announces leadership changes, including deputy chief
New study finds psychedelic drug can help ease depression among healthcare workers
Struggling with internet? Washington receives federal funding to help locals get online
Outgoing Washington governor suggests ‘wealth tax’ to avoid cuts to education and police
KNKX Public Radio
Incoming Pierce County Executive on affordable housing, homelessness and crime
KUOW Public Radio
Proposal would end flavored vape, nicotine pouch, and menthol sales in Washington state (Nobles, Reeves)
KXLY (ABC)
Gas prices continue steady decline in Spokane
New Washington legislature will require residents to separate yard waste in 2027
Federal anti-hazing bill led by mom who lost son to hazing at WSU passes Senate
City of Spokane approves contract with social service organization for ‘hot spotters’ program
Washington state faces $12-16 billion budget gap, Gov. Inslee proposes new budget plan in response
Web
Cascadia Daily News
Bellingham moves to eliminate parking minimums citywide
Health insurance rates on state marketplace increase in 2025 while tax credits deflate
Crosscut
Gov. Jay Inslee’s final budget proposal includes new wealth tax (Robinson)
Five WA Native nations split $32M in federal broadband grants
Seattle nixed a gunshot detection system but increased surveillance
The Washington Observer
Slumping returns for apartment tax breaks
West Seattle Blog
FERRY ALERT: 1 more day without ‘bonus boat’ on Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route