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Protecting critical industrial lands
Washington is blessed with natural and man-made transportation assets that give the state enviable economic competitive advantages over most other areas of the country: deep water ports, one of the largest river systems in North America, a premier freight rail network and two intersecting interstate highways. Our transportation system has been the foundation of Washington’s […]
Energy & Environment
The ingredients for a severe wildfire season
While Washington’s wildfire season is far from over, so far it has proved to be considerably less severe than in recent years. As of...
Japanese legislators hear from Washington foresters
Looking to improve their country’s struggling forestry industry, congressmen from Hyogo Prefectural Assembly’s Forestry Development Committee in Japan have turned to Washington foresters such...
Education
Picking Peter’s pocket to pay Paul: Lazy McCleary ‘fix’ leaves critical infrastructure projects out...
Old Mother Hubbard
Went to the cupboard,
To give the poor dog a bone;
But when she got there
The cupboard was bare,
And so the poor dog had...
Attacking the gap: the bridge from class to career
After years spent mired in the Supreme Court’s McCleary decision and battling over education funding, the legislature is now uniquely aligned around one major...
Growth
Lake Washington ferry service planned
A pilot program is in the works by a private developer to offer ferry service routes from South Lake Union to the 17-acre Southport...
How drivers feel about an RUC
This coming December the Washington State Transportation Commission’s (WSTC) road user charge (RUC) steering committee plans to submit recommendations to the legislature for the...
Healthcare
Contemplating a single-payer system
Washington state lawmakers this session considered several bills intended to reduce healthcare costs. However, while the approach focuses on capping the rates by health...
Healthcare “standardized” plan proposal passes
The Washington state lawmakers in the final days of session approved legislation intended to lower healthcare costs, but opponents say it will have the...
Health care bill clears House
The Washington House voted 53-38 on April 10 in favor of a Senate bill purported to lower health care costs, while detractors argued prior...
Business
Chelan PUD voices support for Snake River dams
The Chelan PUD commissioners this week voted unanimously in favor of a resolution opposing the removal of eight dams on the lower Snake River....
Trade war slows freight activity
The ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China has put the damper on freight activity – not just for Washington state but across...
Capital gains income tax proposals loom next session
This year’s legislative session saw several unsuccessful proposals to enact a capital gains income tax. Comments made by lawmakers at a Sept. 13 House...