Washington State Standard

Voters decided this month to allow payroll taxes collected for Washington’s new long-term care program to be invested in the stock market.

Voters were giving the go-ahead Tuesday for the state to make stock market investments with payroll taxes collected for Washington’s new long-term care program.

Voters will decide on the constitutional amendment this November. Supporters say investing the tax collected for WA Cares will help sustain it. Others worry about the risk.

A more than $350 million deficit looms in 2029 without changes to either raise more tax revenue or lower costs.

Democrats in both chambers pushed the proposal, which local governments want to see. Gov. Bob Ferguson said it was the right move to set it aside.

Two Islamic celebrations, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, will be added to Washington’s list of unpaid state holidays, under a bill signed into law on Tuesday.

The Washington governor drew fire from progressives at a rally in support of taxing the wealthy and businesses.

Gov. Bob Ferguson announced the state would pitch in $623,000 from its reserves to repair the Upper Hoh Road. Officials hope to reopen the road in May.

Prices for air pollution allowances under Washington’s cap-and-trade law climbed again at the state’s first auction of the year.

The U.S. Education Department on Monday warned 60 colleges and universities they could face repercussions if they fail “to protect Jewish students on campus.”