State budget

Washington lawmakers are preparing to tackle a multibillion dollar gap in the state budget over the next several years.

Democrats’ majority in the Washington Legislature may grow slightly after this election, but many aren't preparing for smooth sailing heading into the state's next lawmaking session.

There's a lot of the attention on races at the top of the ticket, but with a number of wide open seats, some Washington state legislative races are raking in lots of cash.

Washington lawmakers have closed out the legislative session by adopting a $69 billion operating budget for the next two years. Lawmakers passed more than 450 bills during the session that ended Sunday.

Over the next two years, Washington State is likely to bring in less revenue than previously expected. But lawmakers say it's cause for caution, not necessarily concern.

Gov. Jay Inslee has moved up the timeline for lifting Washington's mask mandate to March 12. The announcement comes as lawmakers are in the final stretch of the legislative session. Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins joined Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick to talk about the latest from the state capital.

Democrats in Olympia have some big spending ideas, and they want to let you do some tax-free spending later this year. It’s all part of their proposed updates to the state’s two-year budget. Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins joined KNKX Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick to talk about the proposals.

Washington state’s Paid Family & Medical Leave program could hit a deficit as early as March, and there are concerns about long-term solvency following a significant increase in demand for the benefit that launched in 2020.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday proposed a host of efforts to address homelessness in the state, including a plan to help people stay in their homes, increasing emergency shelters and permanent supportive housing and expanding services for addiction or mental health issues.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday announced several climate related proposals for the next legislative session, including fully reinstating a plan to…