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Budget/Taxes


Issues - Budget/Taxes
State’s Offer an Insult, Says Employees Union
State’s Offer an Insult, Says Employees Union
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | Aug. 26, 2010

The state and its public employee unions drew even firmer lines when they met behind closed doors this week. The state now wants workers to pick up 26 percent of the cost of their health-insurance premiums -- another big bite from paychec...
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Public-Employee Unions Headed for Showdown in This Year’s Contract Talks
Public-Employee Unions Headed for Showdown in This Year’s Contract Talks
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | Aug. 23, 2010

Public employee unions say they've had enough of concessions after two years of labor unrest -- and they aren't going to budge on health benefits.
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Let’s Reinvent State Government and Start with DSHS
Let’s Reinvent State Government and Start with DSHS
Who says there's no fat left to cut at the state's largest agency? Washington State Wire presents an insider's view of DSHS.
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Chance of Special Session Diminishes With Senate Vote
Chance of Special Session Diminishes With Senate Vote
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | Aug. 4, 2010

A preliminary vote on a $26 billion Medicaid bill for once offers good news for the state. The U.S. Senate Wednesday morning finally said yes to the measure, which means $480 million for the state of Washington -- and could stave off big c...
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Deadline Comes and Goes, and No Special Session Decision
Deadline Comes and Goes, and No Special Session Decision
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | Aug. 3, 2010

More dithering in Congress over Medicaid money means more dithering in this Washington about whether to call a special session. If Congress doesn't come through with $480 million in Medicaid money, Democrats still haven't decided whether t...
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Gregoire Gives Lawmakers Deadline to Decide on Special Session
Gregoire Gives Lawmakers Deadline to Decide on Special Session
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | July 31, 2010

The governor wants help from the Legislature to deal with an impending budget crisis and demands an answer by noon Monday. And here's a switch! Republicans say they are happy to give a helping hand to the poor governor, but Gregoire's own...
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The Best Way for the State to Fix its Budget is – Pot Legalization?
The Best Way for the State to Fix its Budget is – Pot Legalization?
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | July 29, 2010

The wacky-tobacky budget-balancing plan is the public's favorite idea so far for fixing the state's big revenue problem. At least that's what it's saying on the governor's official website. Will the governor say yes to drugs?
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Nothing Brightens State's Economic Picture, Economist Says
Nothing Brightens State's Economic Picture, Economist Says
By:Washington State Wire | July 26, 2010

No news is bad news. Top economist Arun Raha tells a legislative committee that nothing has happened in the last month or so to improve the forecast he issued in June. And what it means is this. The state is down $207 million so far -- and if Congress ...
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State-Employee Health Premiums Going Up – Nearly 50 Percent in Some Cases
State-Employee Health Premiums Going Up – Nearly 50 Percent in Some Cases
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | July 21, 2010

For the second year in a row, state employees will face big increases in medical-insurance costs. But the state is holding the line on copayments and deductibles -- a big issue last year. And the big bugaboo about benefits -- the 88-12 sp...
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There’s More Than One Way to Reinvent State Government
There’s More Than One Way to Reinvent State Government
While her task force talks about reinventing government, an idea the governor vetoed this year might have actually done something about it.
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Judge Blocks a Sales Tax Exemption for British Columbia, and Other Provinces Go Down With It
Judge Blocks a Sales Tax Exemption for British Columbia, and Other Provinces Go Down With It
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | July 19, 2010

Tough luck, Labrador! And let us bid Quebecois shoppers adieu! Five provinces in eastern Canada are losing a Washington-state sales-tax break, at least for now. A judge has blocked a sales tax break that would have applied to every reside...
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Annual Top States For Business 2010 Countdown
Annual Top States For Business 2010 Countdown
By: CNBC
Washington State Moves Up To Number 15 But Still 34th In "Business Friendliness"
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Big Retailers Throw a Monkey Wrench Into Canadian Sales Tax Case
Big Retailers Throw a Monkey Wrench Into Canadian Sales Tax Case
By : Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | July 12, 2010

There's a new wrinkle in one of the state's strangest-ever legal battles. Big retail chains and the Washington Retail Association say they want a quick court decision about whether to give British Columbia residents a sales tax exemption...
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Two Big Pension Funds Heading For Broke, But Look on the Bright Side
Two Big Pension Funds Heading For Broke, But Look on the Bright Side
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | July 12, 2010

Other states are worse, says the state treasurer. And keep your eye on the half-full glass!
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Time to Start Thinking About the Next Special Session, Republicans Say
Time to Start Thinking About the Next Special Session, Republicans Say
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | July 8, 2010

A special session looms ahead because Congress is welshing on a $480 million promise -- wouldn't it be nice if this one was smoother than the last?
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Income Tax Seems Assured a Vote This Fall
Income Tax Seems Assured a Vote This Fall
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | July 1, 2010

Initiative 1098 presents more than enough signatures Thursday and will give the left a cause on a ballot crowded with business issues.
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Bellingham, Whatcom County Strike Blow Against Canadians
Bellingham, Whatcom County Strike Blow Against Canadians
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | July 1, 2010

The state's strangest legal battle finally begins -- locals say they love British Columbians, but not enough to give them a sales tax break.
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Next Move Up to Bellingham in State’s Goofiest Legal Battle Ever
Next Move Up to Bellingham in State’s Goofiest Legal Battle Ever
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | June 28, 2010

Someone has to sue by Wednesday to keep Canadians from getting a sales-tax break -- and the state has to bungle the case in order to win.
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Now it’s Official – Next Year’s Shortfall is $3 Billion
Now it’s Official – Next Year’s Shortfall is $3 Billion
Gov. Gregoire pledges an effort to reinvent government. But she says she won't cross labor, and the skeptics say they'll believe it when they see it.
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Canadian Sales-Tax Battle May Not be Over
Canadian Sales-Tax Battle May Not be Over
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | June 17, 2010

Now that's creative legal thinking! To keep B.C. residents paying sales tax in Washington, the Department of Revenue may set itself up for a lawsuit.
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Canadian Shoppers Get a Tax Break No One Intended
Canadian Shoppers Get a Tax Break No One Intended
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | June 16, 2010

Washington missed a fine legal point until it was too late -- so B.C. residents won't pay sales tax and local governments will lose millions.
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Think Washington is Unstable Now? Just Wait for the Income Tax
Think Washington is Unstable Now? Just Wait for the Income Tax
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | June 10, 2010

How come so many people think an income tax would be more stable? A new report says I-1098 would give the state stool a mighty wobbly leg.
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Best/Worst States for Business 2010
Best/Worst States for Business 2010
By: Chief Executive Magazine
Washington State Improves to 30th as More than 600 CEOs Rated States
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So Maybe it Wasn’t the Biggest Tax Increase in State History
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | April 27, 2010

It was one of the biggest claims of the session, but officials say the 1983 Legislature was the all-time chartbuster. Better luck next year!
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Gregoire Signs $794 Million Tax Package – But Says She Doesn’t Deserve All the Credit
Gregoire Signs $794 Million Tax Package – But Says She Doesn’t Deserve All the Credit
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | April 23, 2010

Can you find the legislator in this picture? 77 Democrats voted for this year's tax package, but only one showed up for the bill-signing. Doesn't anyone want honors?
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Soda-Pop Industry Shaken by Tax Hike
Soda-Pop Industry Shaken by Tax Hike
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | April 23, 2010

A tax break goes flat, bottlers pop their tops, and the governor signs the bill anyway. Will history repeat itself?
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Governor’s Signature Ends Legislature’s Three-Month Tussle
Governor’s Signature Ends Legislature’s Three-Month Tussle
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | April 23, 2010

Gregoire signs this year's $794 million tax hike -- the real finish to this year's Legislature. Here's a recap of 2010's biggest stories.
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In Their Own Words – The Final House Debate on the Budget
In Their Own Words – The Final House Debate on the Budget
By Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | April 14, 2010

Every speech from the House floor! House passes $30.5 billion budget -- the one that requires all the tax increases.
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In Their Own Words – The Final Senate Debate on the Budget
In Their Own Words – The Final Senate Debate on the Budget
By Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | April 14, 2010

Every speech from the Senate floor! Senate passes the state budget -- whether it is a responsible one is a matter of debate.
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In Their Own Words – The Final Senate Debate on Taxes
In Their Own Words – The Final Senate Debate on Taxes
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | April 14, 2010

Every speech from the Senate floor! Lawmakers pass the most controversial bill of the session, enacting a $794 million tax package -- what some like to call the biggest tax increase in state history.
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Already the Anti-Tax Campaigns are Starting
Already the Anti-Tax Campaigns are Starting
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | April 13, 2010

The 2010 Legislature barely has a chance to adjourn before initiative promoter Tim Eyman files eight initiatives challenging this year's tax hikes.
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Sales Tax Nixed in Legislature’s $800 Million Revenue Deal
Sales Tax Nixed in Legislature’s $800 Million Revenue Deal
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | April 7, 2010

Lisa Brown blinks, and Speaker Frank Chopp wins the argument of the session after the governor steps in. But at least it's a 'go-home' deal.
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Tax Impasse Drives Dems to Drink
Tax Impasse Drives Dems to Drink
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | April 5, 2010

Senate Democrats decide beer sounds good right about now -- offer to break deadlock by taxing regular-Joe brew, but would leave yuppie beer alone.
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What if Nobody Blinks? – Governor Starts Talking About the Unthinkable
What if Nobody Blinks? – Governor Starts Talking About the Unthinkable
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | March 25, 2010

The governor says she's getting sick and tired of waiting for the House and Senate to agree on taxes -- and she might have to order deep cuts.
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The Other Shoe Drops – Service Station Owners File Lawsuit Challenging Oil Tax
The Other Shoe Drops – Service Station Owners File Lawsuit Challenging Oil Tax
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | March 25, 2010

Legal challenge could overturn long-running environmental cleanup program -- lawmakers, greens started thinking too big, says plaintiff Tim Hamilton.
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Bankers, Software Developers Stand in the Way of the Exit as Lawmakers Ponder Tax Increases
Bankers, Software Developers Stand in the Way of the Exit as Lawmakers Ponder Tax Increases
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | March 24, 2010

The House tax plan paints bullseyes on their foreheads -- and their arguments explain why lawmakers are having so much trouble getting out of Dodge.
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In Their Own Words – Senate Dems Pass $718 Million Tax Plan
In Their Own Words – Senate Dems Pass $718 Million Tax Plan
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | March 22, 2010

Here's the entire floor debate as the Senate Dems advance their tax plan toward a final collision with the House. Sales-tax battle still to come.
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In Their Own Words – House Dems Pass a $788 Million Tax Increase
In Their Own Words – House Dems Pass a $788 Million Tax Increase
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | March 22, 2010

The complete first hour of the debate as House Dems gather ramming speed on Senate, rejecting sales tax and favoring taxes on selected businesses.
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MTCA Tax is On the Table in Special Session
MTCA Tax is On the Table in Special Session
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | March 12, 2010

A controversial hike in oil taxes will be a front-and-center battle when the Legislature comes back from its three-day weekend, top Dems say.
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Oil Fever Engulfs Legislature – Lobbying Over Green Tax-Hike Plan is Frenzied
Oil Fever Engulfs Legislature – Lobbying Over Green Tax-Hike Plan is Frenzied
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | March 10, 2010

Last-minute agitation over a green plan to raise taxes on oil is providing one of the biggest dramas of the 2010 Legislature's final hours. But the Senate vote-count is stuck at 24, just as it has been all session long.
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In Their Own Words – House Lawmakers Pass $683 Million Tax-Hike Plan
In Their Own Words – House Lawmakers Pass $683 Million Tax-Hike Plan
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | March 9, 2010

Best speeches from the House floor as the lower chamber passes a curiously truncated tax bill Tuesday morning. Don't worry, it'll get bigger.
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In Their Own Words – Why They’re Raising Your Taxes
In Their Own Words – Why They’re Raising Your Taxes
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | March 7, 2010

The best speeches from the Senate floor -- lawmakers Sunday explain the the state's budget crisis, and why you'll pay the billion-dollar price.
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Tax Fight Moves to the Senate Floor -- Battle Resumes Sunday
Tax Fight Moves to the Senate Floor -- Battle Resumes Sunday
by: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | March 6, 2010

Senate battles for hours over the tax bill, and a senator makes a Freudian slip.
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House Passes its Budget – Big Fight Over Taxes Still to Come
House Passes its Budget – Big Fight Over Taxes Still to Come
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | March 5, 2010

Lawmakers are counting on nearly a billion dollars in tax increases, and the tax package is yet to come. Here's a look at what they actually said on the House floor.

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Take My Name Off the MTCA Bill, Says House Transportation Chair
Take My Name Off the MTCA Bill, Says House Transportation Chair
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | March 4, 2010

Include her out, says Judy Clibborn of a green plan to raise oil taxes. The measure is one of the top priorities for the environmental lobby, but support appears to be faltering.
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Oil Tax Would be Overturned, Says Phil Talmadge
Oil Tax Would be Overturned, Says Phil Talmadge
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | March 3, 2010

Talk about Nixon going to China! Former Supreme Court justice and Democratic lion says the constitution blocks a green tax scheme.
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State Senate Passes Spending Plan -- Billion-Dollar Tax Hike Comes Next
State Senate Passes Spending Plan -- Billion-Dollar Tax Hike Comes Next
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | Feb. 27, 2010

The state Senate Saturday evening took the first big budget vote of the year, appproving a spending plan that will require nearly $1 billion in new taxes. And it ducks the question -- how is the Legislature going to pay for it all?

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Gas Tax Slump Fuels a Billion-Dollar Problem, Transportation Interests Warn
Gas Tax Slump Fuels a Billion-Dollar Problem, Transportation Interests Warn
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | Feb. 28, 2010

Transportation chair warns Senate about plummeting gas-tax revenues -- and shows why the asphalt lobby hates a green plan to raise taxes on oil.
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Sketchy Bill Illustrates House Conflict Over Taxes
Sketchy Bill Illustrates House Conflict Over Taxes
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | Feb. 27, 2010

A sketchy bill introduced in the state House shows the trouble that chamber’s Democrats are having coming up with a tax plan. The "title-only" bill is vaguer than most, and could include just about anything.

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State Finds Way to Avoid $59 Million in Tax Refunds – It Just Won’t Pay
State Finds Way to Avoid $59 Million in Tax Refunds – It Just Won’t Pay
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | Feb. 26, 2010

The state isn't telling companies about a tax case they might win, while the Legislature tries to close a gaping tax loophole after the fact.
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Governor Signs Bill Suspending I-960, Paving Way for Tax Increases
Governor Signs Bill Suspending I-960, Paving Way for Tax Increases
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | Feb. 25, 2010

The governor's decision to sign came as a surprise to no one. Without the bill, Democrats couldn't raise taxes this year -- and they say they must. But why was initiative sponsor Tim Eyman hovering over her shoulder?
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‘Nexus’ Makes Business Nervous – Sales Tax Seems More Appealing
‘Nexus’ Makes Business Nervous – Sales Tax Seems More Appealing
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | Feb. 25, 2010

It isn't that business wants a sales-tax hike. It's that the Legislature's plan to close 'loopholes' seems so much worse.
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Can Car Dealers Breathe Easy?
Can Car Dealers Breathe Easy?
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | Feb. 25

Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, said Wednesday during a meeting with reporters that opposition runs strong within her caucus to a Senate proposal that would end a sales-tax credit for trade-ins. It's a major issue for car dealers ...
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Struggling Car Business Aghast at Senate Tax Plan
Struggling Car Business Aghast at Senate Tax Plan
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | Feb. 24, 2010

Jaws drop on showroom floors: If state ends a trade-in tax credit, customers would pay sales tax twice. What's that going to do to sales?
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Oil Tax Will Bring Court Battle
Oil Tax Will Bring Court Battle
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | Feb. 23, 2010

Tim Hamilton's service station operators say they'll challenge a proposed oil-tax hike in court -- a major roadblock for one budget-balancing scheme.
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Don’t Call Them Loopholes!
Don’t Call Them Loopholes!
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | Feb. 14, 2010

House Dems' plan to end tax exemptions brings howls from business. Targets include shippers, border towns, aviation and tax planners.
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Dems’ Loophole Bill Would Sink Pacific Rim Trade, Business Interests Say
Dems’ Loophole Bill Would Sink Pacific Rim Trade, Business Interests Say
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | Feb. 14, 2010

Port districts and trade interests come out swinging against a tax increase on interstate truck and train shipments -- would chase traffic to L.A., B.C., they say.
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Panel Sends I-960 Bill Back to the House Floor
Panel Sends I-960 Bill Back to the House Floor
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | Feb. 15, 2010

While hundreds watch, House panel OK's bill eliminating tough rules for tax hikes, but in a surprise move restores public-notice requirements.
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Hold Your Jets!
Hold Your Jets!
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | Feb. 15, 2010

Dems' tax plan would send airplane taxes into the stratosphere, aviation interests warn -- and pilots and charter operators might have to bail.
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Republicans Stage Another Floor Fight on I-960, But This One’s Just a Warm-Up
Republicans Stage Another Floor Fight on I-960, But This One’s Just a Warm-Up
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | Feb. 13, 2010

No one can remember a debate like the one that took place Friday -- and it wasn't even the main event. Get set for a wild parliamentary ride!
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Senate Dems Make Double Sure I-960 is Dead
Senate Dems Make Double Sure I-960 is Dead
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | Feb. 11, 2010

Senate Democrats hate Initiative 960 so much, they voted to kill it twice. House passage is a formality, and now it's full steam ahead for tax hikes.
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Anger Erupts as Dems Get Set for Tax Hikes
Anger Erupts as Dems Get Set for Tax Hikes
Overturning I-960 is the first step toward what appears to be an inevitable tax increase -- 'You're stepping on us,' activists complain.
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Democrats File Bill to Make Tax Increases Easier
Democrats File Bill to Make Tax Increases Easier
It's the first move in this year's budget debate -- a suspension of the strict rules imposed by Initiative 960. The game is afoot!
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Olympia's Next Big War -- A Steep Hike in Oil Taxes for Puget Sound Cleanup
Olympia's Next Big War -- A Steep Hike in Oil Taxes for Puget Sound Cleanup
Environmentalists sweeten proposal by offering exactly enough to balance the state budget -- plan would raise gas prices, cut money for roads.


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Candy-Tax Tactic Pits Business Against Public Health
Candy-Tax Tactic Pits Business Against Public Health
A clever Democratic strategy this year earmarks tax increases for specific purposes and brings lobbying muscle to bear. But is it a false choice?
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Can Salary Increases be Stopped?
Can Salary Increases be Stopped?
While the state faces a huge shortfall and a tax increase is on the table, state workers are in line for an $83 million pay raise. Yes, really.
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Tax Receipts Down Again, But This Time it's Good News
Tax Receipts Down Again, But This Time it's Good News
This time the problem is only $17 million -- and the state may finally be able to see bottom, says the state's top economist. Recovery comes next.
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Brown Abandons Income-Tax Plan
Brown Abandons Income-Tax Plan
Brown, the Senate majority leader, a possible contender for governor, and the state's number-one income-tax advocate, says next year isn't the time.
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A Budget That Aims for Screams
A Budget That Aims for Screams
Gov. Gregoire kicks off the budget debate with a spending plan she hopes nobody will take seriously.
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Biggest Clue Yet That a Tax Increase is Coming
Biggest Clue Yet That a Tax Increase is Coming
Lawmakers are returning to Olympia this week, but they won't hold a special session -- and their best chance to cut state spending will be gone.
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Close Tax Loopholes?
Close Tax Loopholes?
It sounds like the easy way to solve the state's $2.6 billion budget nightmare -- but the biggest tax breaks go to citizens themselves.
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Everyone's in the Same Boat
Everyone's in the Same Boat
Washington isn't the only state facing a budget crisis next year -- lawmakers everywhere are rushing to plug billion-dollar holes.
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State's Budget Hole Grows to $2.6 Billion
State's Budget Hole Grows to $2.6 Billion
The state's top economist delivers more bad news -- and now lawmakers know how big a problem they face next year. Tax increases, anyone?
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State Budget in a State of Crisis
State Budget in a State of Crisis
Exactly how big a hole lawmakers will have to fill next year is anyone’s guess at this point. But it looks like it's between $1 billion and $2 billion. And lawmakers will either have to raise taxes, or else they’ll have to cut -- again.
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Spotlight
Decision Opens the Door to Even More Ballot-Measure Spending
Decision Opens the Door to Even More Ballot-Measure Spending
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | Sept. 8, 2010

In a decision that could change campaign strategies for this year's initiatives, a federal judge has ruled that the state's limits on last-minute contributions are unconstitutional. It's another victory for James Bopp, Jr., the conservative attorney who has been picking away at campaign-finance restrictions nationwide. And in the state's biggest-spending year for initiatives ever, that means the enormous contributions can keep right on coming until election day.
Berkey Affair Heats Up a Thousand Degrees – Talmadge is on the Case, Demands Action From A.G. and Prosecutor
Berkey Affair Heats Up a Thousand Degrees – Talmadge is on the Case, Demands Action From A.G. and Prosecutor
By: Erik Smith | Washington State Wire | Sept. 3, 2010

A lawsuit to overturn the results of the Senate race in the 38th Legislative District became a probability Friday. Phil Talmadge is on the case. He gave notice to Attorney General Rob McKenna and the Snohomish County prosecutor that if they don't sue, he will. All because of a phony Republican mailer from the left that did exactly what it was supposed to -- destroy incumbent Sen. Jean Berkey in the primary.
Letter From Washington: War in Afghanistan Tops Concerns
Letter From Washington: War in Afghanistan Tops Concerns
By: Bob Keefe | Washington, D.C.

In this "Letter from Washington," Bob Keefe says America's military involvement in the Near East remains at the forefront of everyone's mind in the nation's capital. Meanwhile, Joe Miller's election as senator from Alaska portends trouble in Republican ranks.

Look Behind the Curtain!
By: Jim Boldt | Washington State Wire | Sept. 3, 2010
It’s a shame Washington citizens, and particularly voters, don’t take the time to look behind the curtain at think-tank reports. Do they actually know it is a word game, or cooked-up findings?

Yes, it comes from both sides. The conservative think tanks take a data set, twist the numbers, and shape the findings. The liberals do the same thing.

So today’s announcement by the Washingto...
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Me Fail English? That’s Unpossible!
By: Melvin G. Ashton | Washington State Wire | Sept. 2, 2010
It’s back to school time, and as a parent of children in our public school system, I’m shocked and dismayed by the “Not the WASL” test scores just released by the Superintendent of Public Instruction. And the most disturbing thing is not the performance of our kids, but the behavior and beliefs of the ‘adults’ running the show.

So, pop quiz. Don’t worry, it’s open book, and you can find a...
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Odds and Ends on Hump Day
By: Jim Boldt | Washington State Wire | Aug. 25, 2010
1. The head of the Port of Seattle gave us all a moment of relief when he announced he would not accept a raise this year. He went home, sat down at the table and realized he could get by with his meager $334,000 a year. That of course is just the salary, the monthly nut. I feel better knowing he won't have to miss, what? A trip to Asia? No, the port sends him there for free. Maybe a new Lexus or ...
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Check Your Assumptions About Professional Politicians
By: Melvin G. Ashton | Washington State Wire | Aug. 25, 2010
We are all cognitive misers – that means our brains are lazy. We like things to follow a pattern, and we don’t like to spend time reviewing the data looking for the exception. So when we develop a ‘truth’, we tend to stick with it even when the data doesn’t support our lazy view of the world.

In reading the comments on the latest Seattle Times “Truth Needle” article, plenty of people mad...
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In Feast of Data on BPA Plastic, No Final Answer
In Feast of Data on BPA Plastic, No Final Answer
About half a dozen states have banned BPA in children’s products, and U.S. Senator Feinstein hopes to accomplish the same nationwide, with an amendment to the food safety bill scheduled for a vote in the Senate next week.
By: New York Times
U.S. Smoking Rate Hasn't Changed, CDC Says
One in five Americans lights up regularly. If all states had prevention programs like those in California and Utah, 5 million fewer people would be smoking, the agency says.
State Throwing Away Millions in Potential Drug Rebates
State Throwing Away Millions in Potential Drug Rebates
When generics first come on the market, the rebates on brand-name drugs may still make them less expensive.
By: KOMO News
Steep Rate Hikes On Way for Individual Health Insurance
Steep Rate Hikes On Way for Individual Health Insurance
Double-digit rate increases are hitting most individual health-insurance plans in Washington state, hurting jobless workers and worrying insurance regulators.
By: Seattle Times
State's Employees Health Care Premium Plan Follows U.S. Trend
Nonetheless, the Washington Federation of State Employees, which is bargaining on behalf of about 40,000 workers, has rejected the governor’s offer.
By: Tacoma News Tribune
Food Safety Tips for the Budget-Conscious
Food Safety Tips for the Budget-Conscious
There is good reason to be scared into action. Every year, 76 million cases of foodborne illness occur, leading to about 300,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths.
By: New York Times
Cost of Medical Malpractice Tops $55 Billion a Year in U.S.
The researchers said their estimate includes $45.6 billion in what's known as defensive medicine costs -- when doctors prescribe unnecessary tests or treatments to avoid lawsuits.
By: U.S. News & World Report
Health Care Wastefulness Is Detailed in Studies
Researchers have calculated that more than half of the 354 million doctor visits made each year for medical care, like for fevers, stomachaches and coughs, are not with a patient’s primary physician, and that more than a quarter take place in hospital emergency rooms.
By: New York Times
Medicare Head Pushes Health Care Test Sites
Newly installed Medicare chief Donald Berwick, keeping a low public profile after encountering controversy over his appointment, is moving quickly behind the scenes to seed the US health care system with 100 to 300 sites to test new models of caring for patients.
By: Boston Globe
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