WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Tuesday, March 4

The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., is pictured on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)
U.S. Senate Democrats block bill banning transgender athletes from women’s school sports
The U.S. Senate failed to advance a measure Monday night that would bar transgender students from participating on women’s school sports teams consistent with their gender identity. The bill would help codify into law President Donald Trump’s sweeping February executive order, which carries out this exact ban and threatens to rescind federal funds from “educational programs” if schools fail to comply. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Jennifer Shutt)


U.S. House Republicans passed a budget resolution that calls for tax cuts of $4.5 trillion, including slashing Medicaid by $880 billion. Pictured are House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, left, and Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., on Capitol Hill on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite))
Cuts to Medicaid would hurt WA’s children, poor
President Donald Trump said repeatedly on the campaign trail that, if elected, he wouldn’t cut Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security. As recently as last week, accompanied by his surrogate Elon Musk, he told Fox News’ Sean Hannity the same thing. Yet, U.S. House Republicans got a different message that was tucked into Project 2025. They passed a budget resolution that calls for tax cuts of $4.5 trillion and a $2 trillion cut in federal spending through 2035. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (J. Scott Applewhite)


Photo by Shutterstock
Senate fiscal committee advances big spending for K-12 priorities
Senate lawmakers advanced some key bills representing more than $1B in new spending for the top three K-12 education priorities: Special education; materials, supplies, and operating costs; and student transportation Continue reading at Washington Observer. (Shutterstock)


Print

Axios
Seattle’s spring is getting warmer
Why a new Seattle housing plan is sparking backlash

Bellingham Herald
Park update: Play structures ready as first phase of Northern Lights work is complete
‘Real and immediate impact.’ WA outdoor recreation leaders brace for effect of Trump cuts

Capital Press
Treasury Department won’t penalize for ignoring CTA
Judge adds U.S. Fish and Wildlife to order curbing DOGE firings

Everett Herald
Snohomish council members push to improve child care access
Comment: Using civic muscles behind bars to rebuild lives
Bloomberg Comment: Medicaid cuts would hurt millions; and Republicans

The Inlander
Physicians warn Idaho’s doctor shortage could worsen if state lawmakers sever ties with UW’s medical school

Kitsap Sun
Poulsbo plans to launch cafe supporting people in long-term recovery

News Tribune
Bill recognizing 2 Islamic holidays clears WA Senate: ‘We stand by all our communities’ (Trudeau)
We’re setting our clocks ahead for Daylight Saving Time this weekend. Is it the last time?
Opinion: Animal welfare policies are too weak. Washington’s delegation should fix federal law

Olympian
U.S. Education officials open investigation into Tumwater School District over girls sports

Puget Sound Business Journal
Planning stirs around new Mountlake Terrace light rail station
Trump administration scraps mandate for most businesses, vows new rule

Seattle Times
WA Tesla protesters call for end of Musk’s role in federal government
What Trump’s order on cutting federal forests could mean for the Pacific Northwest
Editorial: Cuts to Medicaid would hurt WA’s children, poor
Opinion: Seattle schools should give families reasons to stay

Skagit Valley Herald
Anacortes residents feel 4.5 magnitude earthquake

Spokesman Review
Bill to designate clergy as mandatory reporters of abuse clears Washington Senate (Frame)
Spokane consumers likely to see higher costs for cars, groceries, homes with new tariffs
Court places Mead School District in contempt over withholding documents in hazing lawsuit
Baumgartner invites teacher to Trump’s address to Congress, while Cantwell’s guest highlights research cuts; Murray to skip speech

Washington Post
Trade war escalates as China, Mexico, Canada retaliate
Why these states are helping people pay for stronger roofs
Senate blocks ban on transgender athletes, as Trump pushes forward
Supreme Court strikes down EPA rules on discharge of water pollution
Federal workers sent back to the office, then told the office is going away

WA State Standard
REI board blocks labor-backed candidates from ballot
For Indian Country, federal cuts decimate core tribal programs
U.S. Senate Democrats block bill banning transgender athletes from women’s school sports

Wenatchee World
Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority awards YMCA, Pybus $35,000 total for sustainability projects

Yakima Herald-Republic
Possible Medicaid cuts raise concern in Yakima County

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Pacific Northwest braces for ripple effects due to tariffs
Senate passes bill requiring clergy to report abuse, legislation heads to House (Frame)
March 3 marks five years since Manuel Ellis died while being detained by Tacoma police
Trump administration plans to slash HUD programs in the Pacific Northwest, sources say

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Flu deaths on the rise in King County
20 additional victims file complaint against Army over sexual abuse by JBLM doctor

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Will rent control bill help or hurt housing costs in Washington State? (Peterson)
City of Seattle joins lawsuit over federal funding threats to sanctuary cities
Senator Murray among those criticizing canceling of FDA flu shots meeting
WSP trooper arrested for DUI vehicular homicide placed on administrative leave
King County Council to vote on transit safety task force after violence on Metro buses
Trump administration’s NOAA cuts hit Washington state, impacting vital local services
Alleged Title IX violation in sports prompts investigation into Tumwater School District
Aid groups say Trump administration trying to ‘dismantle’ US Refugee Admission Program

KNKX Public Radio
Tacoma counters Trump orders with immigration, LGTBQ+ resolutions

KUOW Public Radio
U.S. Department of Education opens investigation into Tumwater School District
Homelessness is soaring among Seattle students. School support workers are on the front lines

KXLY (ABC)
Federal cuts by DOGE spark concerns for laid off Washingtonians
WSP trooper arrested for deadly crash had “glassy eyes” and “slurred speech”, says Richland Police

Web

Cascadia Daily News
WWU announces more layoffs to chip away at $18M deficit
Ferndale students connect with culture, grow into leaders through Latinos in Action
Opinion: Bellingham’s SE Alaska salmon fleet threatened by lawsuits, misinformation

Cascade PBS
REI board blocks labor-backed candidates from ballot
The obscure state agency that referees WA’s green energy battles
Tacoma counters Trump orders with immigration, LGBTQ+ resolution

MyNorthwest
Washington home construction costs exceed national averages
Parents group sues WA officials for continued support of trans-athletes in schools

The Stranger
Everything You Need to Know About Trump’s Attacks on Abortion

The Urbanist
New Chief Barnes Pledges Seattle Police Department Will ‘Return to Normal’

Washington Observer
Middle housing in the country
Thumbs up for downsizing elevators (Salomon)
A carve-out for small towns in the parking wars (Bateman, Chapman)
Senate fiscal committee advances big spending for K-12 priorities (Pedersen,
Wellman, Dhingra, Nobles)

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Tuesday info; Fauntleroy/Oregon crash
FOLLOWUP: Cameras to crack down on vehicle noise? Legislature hasn’t hit the brakes so far