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Transit agencies should reduce service, promote safer options during COVID-19 outbreak
The global COVID-19 outbreak is an unexpected shock to our way of life. Federal and local governments are implementing strict “social distancing” measures that, while stressful to our economy, could save thousands of lives. The myriad trade-offs of these directives can be overwhelming. In Washington State, residents have been ordered to stay home unless they […]
Energy & Environment
Truckers continue to operate, though struggling
With the statewide temporary closure by Governor Jay Inslee of some stores, restaurants, bars, and recreational facilities, coupled with the telecommuting by employees of...
2020 legislative session roundup
Washington’s 60-day 2020 legislative session concluded March 12 after state lawmakers approved a supplemental operating budget amid growing concerns about the coronavirus outbreak’s long-term...
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
Builders say construction is “essential activity”
Governor Jay Inslee on March 23 issued a “shelter-in-place” order closing all non-essential business activity in the state, including construction work. Builders are now...
TVW marks silver anniversary of “gavel-to-gavel” legislative coverage
During Washington’s 1995 state legislature session, committee meetings and floor debates were broadcast live for the first time by TVW – a “C-SPAN” for...
Healthcare
Work group divided over universal healthcare
The state Universal Health Care Work Group has released its initial report to the legislature on the idea of a single-payer or “universal” state...
Premera announces rural healthcare access grants
Healthcare insurance provider Premera has announced an investment of $10.5 million in grants over four years to Washington State University’s (WSU) community-based medical school...
Single-payer system would require $28 billion in new taxes
This year the state legislature passed SB 5526 which created a standardized health plan through the public health care exchange. Business and industry groups opposed...
Business
Analyst: Tax relief can help Washington businesses, consumers
The COVID-19 response by the state of Washington has both small and large businesses taking a hit. However, Washington may be relatively well-positioned to...
New lawsuit targets Sound Transit’s MVET
Although the State Supreme Court ruled against plaintiffs in a case protesting ST3’s motor vehicle excise tax (MVET), a new lawsuit filed on March...
Builders say construction is “essential activity”
Governor Jay Inslee on March 23 issued a “shelter-in-place” order closing all non-essential business activity in the state, including construction work. Builders are now...