LATEST POLITICAL NEWS FROM ACROSS THE PUGET SOUND REGION

MyNorthwest Politics

transportation bill drivers wa...
Matt Markovich

Tax avalanche: WA’s new transportation bill hits drivers where it hurts

The state House of Representatives is preparing to roll out a major overhaul to ESSB 5801, a transportation funding bill that’s about to get bulked up with a laundry list of tax hikes, fee increases, and infrastructure investments.
1 year ago
WA insurance law...
Matt Markovich

Totaled car? New WA law stops insurers from lowballing payout or repairs

Discover how the new Washington insurance law ensures fair repairs and payouts for totaled cars, safeguarding insurance rights.
1 year ago
Image: Employees walk through a lobby at Amazon's headquarters in Seattle....
Matt Markovich

WA’s midnight tax storm: House pushes through big business hit, Tesla tax

Washington's House passes significant taxes, including a new Tesla tax, sparking debate among lawmakers and businesses.
1 year ago
student-athletes...
Frank Sumrall

Controversial transgender student-athlete ruling falls one vote shy of passing

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) passed seven of 16 proposed amendments, but two amendments regarding transgender student-athletes in competition failed to move forward.
1 year ago
Tacoma WA property tax...
Frank Lenzi

Lacking ‘three-corners agreement,’ state Democrats ditch property tax plan

Washington state Democrats shelve proposal to raise property tax cap from 1% to 3%, lacking necessary three-corners agreement.
1 year ago
Washington Democrats push through $12 billion tax plan...
MyNorthwest Staff

Washington Democrats push through $12 billion tax hikes, as new poll shows little support

A new poll shows virtually no support for Washington tax hikes, but Senate Democrats pushed through wide-ranging tax package.
1 year ago
Sen. Bill Ramos as the Washington State Senate convenes for Pro Forma session - Feb. 27, 2025...
MyNorthwest Staff

Washington State Senator Bill Ramos dies unexpectedly Saturday night

Senator Bill Ramos passed away suddenly on Saturday night, his wife Sarah Perry confirmed, shocking the community and colleagues.
1 year ago
booze tax liquor fee...
Matt Markovich

Booze biz hit with 50% fee hike as WA Senate passes controversial bill by one vote

A controversial bill raises liquor fees by 50% in Washington, sparking debate and concern among business owners and consumers alike.
1 year ago
Bob Ferguson tax proposal...
Matt Markovich

Governor Ferguson rebukes $12B tax proposal from WA lawmakers, calling it ‘unsustainable, too risky’

Washington's $12 billion tax proposal faces backlash as Ferguson voices concerns and highlights potential impacts on residents.
1 year ago
beer gardens...
Matt Markovich

Beer gardens optional? New booze law sets stage for World Cup street sipping

Discover how Washington's new law transforms beer gardens for the World Cup, allowing street sipping.
1 year ago
governor democrat caucus...
Frank Sumrall

Recent kidnapping, torture case prompts state senator’s plea to kill WA’s sanctuary state policy

Citing a recent horrific crime that involved the kidnapping and torture of a 58-year-old woman in King County, State Senator Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, wants to end Washington’s sanctuary state policy.
1 year ago
homeless tent - supreme court spokane...
Matt Markovich

Washington Supreme Court blocks Spokane crackdown on homeless camps

The court ruled Spokane voters can't decide on homeless policies, impacting local efforts to manage camps in the city.
1 year ago
sales tax...
Matt Markovich

Budget squeeze has Washington eyeing new route for sales tax dollars

Washington lawmakers propose redirecting sales tax to support bikes, buses, and trains amid budget challenges.
1 year ago
pederson...
Matt Markovich

Rules? What rules? WA Senate Democrats drop 24-hour hold in last minute push to pass tax bills

Senate Democrats make a final effort to pass the tax bill with only eleven days left before sine die.
1 year ago
Capri bar...
Julia Dallas

Seattle lounge shuts down after shooting; new ordinance forces rule changes for others

A double homicide at a Seattle lounge prompts stricter regulations for similar establishments across the city.
1 year ago
fingerprints king county levy...
James Lynch

Retired King County sheriff urges voters to keep ‘absolutely critical’ crime-fighting levy

Discover why a retired sheriff advocates for a King County levy to ensure public safety in the upcoming election.
1 year ago
klarna...
Matt Markovich

WA Democrats propose 5 new tax bills on Tax Day—and they’re coming for the big dogs

Millionaires and corporations may face new taxes as WA Democrats propose tax bills on Tax Day to address income inequality.
1 year ago
Other than left-lane campers and bad mergers, few things are more disappointing behind the wheel th...
MyNorthwest Staff

WA Senate approves bill that would raise littering fines for first time in over a decade

The Senate passed House Bill 1293, increasing penalties for littering. Learn how this impacts our environment and communities.
1 year ago
debate washington...
Matt Markovich

‘Zip it and vote’: Washington House Speaker breaks 132-year tradition to end debate on…Well, debate

Washington's Speaker Laurie Jinkins halts debate, sparking controversy and a new era in legislative discussions.
1 year ago
striking workers benefits...
Frank Sumrall

Employers to pay striking workers up to 4 weeks in new WA bill proposal

House Democrats passed a bill last weekend that would require employers to pay striking workers for up to four weeks, down from the 12 weeks originally proposed.
1 year ago
permit gun bill senate...
Matt Markovich

WA Senate approves permit to purchase gun bill, but not without tweaks

The Washington State Senate took a major step in tightening firearm regulations, passing a heavily amended version of democratically backed House Bill 1163 on Monday.
1 year ago
DOGE...
MyNorthwest Staff

New bill brings DOGE for Washington state. But does it have a shot?

A new Republican bill would bring a version of DOGE to Washington state, minus Elon Musk. But does it have a shot?
1 year ago
Parents' Bill of Rights...
Julia Dallas

‘Sickening’: Democrats invoke new rule to cut debate on Parents’ Bill of Rights amendment, passing House

Washington Democrats use a new rule to halt discussion on the amendment to the Parents' Bill of Rights in the House.
1 year ago
AG Brown medicaid trump suit...
Frank Lenzi

Washington AG joins coalition challenging Trump’s executive orders targeting law firms

Washington's attorney general and 21 other attorneys general are filing briefs on behalf of law firms they say have been singled out by unconstitutional executive orders.
2 years ago