Sarah Mizes-Tan
State Government ReporterSarah Mizes-Tan leads coverage of state government for KUOW and KNKX and reports stories of people affected by officials’ decisions. Her work reaches audiences across Washington, Idaho, and Oregon through the Northwest News Network.
Before moving to Olympia, Sarah launched the race and equity beat at Cap Radio in Sacramento. She reported for WCAI on Cape Cod, KQED in the Bay Area, and on education for the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
She has a master's in journalism from Columbia University.
Reach her at smt@knkx.org or sarah@kuow.org
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The Washington Legislature wrapped up the 2026 session last week. Updates to the budget included cuts to childcare subsidies and a one-time pull from the state's rainy day fund. -
Democrats and Republicans argued over whether spending and taxing plans will make Washington more affordable. Lawmakers will have to wrangle with a forecast deficit next year. -
It would be the state's first-ever income tax. The Senate's final approval came after a historic 25-hour debate in the House.
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In a 51 to 46 vote with four Democrats dissenting, the bill now has a clear path to the governor’s desk. If signed into law, it would become the first income tax for the state of Washington. -
Gov. Ferguson had previously wavered on his support in the bill’s earlier form, saying the legislation did not include enough to support working families as written. -
In a letter to Gov. Bob Ferguson this week, a handful of founders, engineers, and executives say the tax would stifle tech talent and innovation in the region.
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Lawmakers are passing bills to counter ICE and protect voter data and vaccine access. After federal cuts, the final budget may backfill food assistance and healthcare funding. -
The ban would apply to federal, state, and local law enforcement officers interacting with the public or making arrests. It will head to the governor’s desk if the Senate approves final changes. -
Both House and Senate versions include heavy cuts to childcare, education and health care.
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The Washington State House Finance Committee made revisions to a proposed income tax after a group of progressive lawmakers said the previous version gave away too much while not doing enough for working families.
